Windows 10 has been out for a while now, but there are still quite a few things to like about the new Microsoft update (although I want my WiFi to work without disconnecting every few hours).
The update brings some convenient keyboard shortcuts too, but which ones are worth remembering? We list some of the more useful combinations.
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Activate task view (Windows + Tab)
The task view feature is new in Windows 10, giving you an overview of all your open windows – be it programs, games or file explorer windows.
Launching this is a simple case of hitting Windows and Tab, so you don’t need to endlessly Alt+Tab to view all your open windows.
Create a virtual desktop (Windows + Ctrl + D)
Don’t have multiple monitors but still want to organise your desktop more efficiently? Then create a virtual desktop with Windows + Ctrl + D.
The ability to swap between desktops is a boon if you want separate work and play environments, but don’t want to deal with separate accounts. For instance, the one virtual desktop can be dedicated to games (having Steam and games shortcuts) and the other can be dedicated to the office (featuring word processors, Dropbox and other shortcuts).
You can use the task view (Windows + Tab) to switch between virtual desktops or you can press Windows + Ctrl + left/right arrow. Closing a virtual desktop is done with a Windows + Ctrl + F4.
Launch the Game Bar for recording (Windows + G)
One of the most requested gamer features is the ability to quickly record footage without a big resource hit. Fortunately, Microsoft has enabled this with Windows 10.
Users will have to hit Windows + G to open the menu, or you can press Windows + Alt + G to record the last 30 seconds of gameplay (this timeframe can be changed in the Game Bar though).
Want to take a standard screenshot? Then the shortcut you’re looking for is Windows + Alt + Print Screen.
Launch Cortana/Search (Windows + S)
If you’ve changed your region to get the Cortana assistant, you’ll be glad to know that a quick Windows + S will summon it. No biggie, but worth knowing anyway.
Even if you don’t have Cortana enabled, the same shortcut will launch Web and local search. Useful I guess.
Need to activate Cortana but want to use your voice? Then a Windows + C will get this done for you.
Open your taskbar apps (Windows + number)
The ability to pin specific apps to the taskbar is a firm favourite in earlier versions of Windows, but did you know you have shortcuts to open them too?
Sure, it’s available in Windows 7 as well, but hitting Windows + a number will let you open the desired app. The number corresponds to the app’s position in the taskbar too, so Windows + 1 will open the file explorer if it’s first in the taskbar.
Check those pesky notifications (Windows + A)
Sure, you can mouse on over to the system tray to find the notification menu, but if you’ve got a couple more icons in there, it’ll get buried under them.
Another way to access the notifications is to simply press Windows + A – no need to click the system tray arrow.
Access Windows Settings menu (Windows + I)
The settings menu is rather easy to find, being hidden away in the notification menu/action centre — but what if you want to summon it in no time flat?
Well, a simple Windows + I shortcut is all it takes to access the menu, allowing you to quickly tweak things like brightness, WiFi, Bluetooth and more.
Quickly share stuff (Windows + H)
Windows 10 retains the Windows 8 ability to quickly share content – no copy/paste needed here.
However, Windows 10’s method sees you simply hitting Windows + H to launch the sharing menu – if the content/app supports it.
A fast way to connect to wireless displays/devices (Windows + K)
Need to wirelessly output your screen to an external display? Or maybe you want to play your PC music on an external audio device?
Either way, pressing Windows + K will seamlessly activate the output menu for displays and audio devices.
Resize your open window (Windows + up, down, left or right)
The ability to resize your currently open window to the top, bottom, left or right quadrants is another handy ability, but there is a quicker way to do it.
Indeed, pressing Windows and the relevant arrow key will resize your window to that specific quadrant – handy if you’re multitasking.
Looking for other useful keyboard shortcuts? Then check out our list of handy shortcuts for Google Chrome.
Feature image: Kārlis Dambrāns via Flickr
