Windows Shortcut Keys
For a complete categorical list of Windows shortcut universall key commands press Windows key d or m to move to the Windows Desktop, hit the F1 key one time, type "key commands" (without the quotes), and hit the Enter key one time. Hit the Tab key again-and-again to move through the links, or Shift Tab to move backwards through the links, and hit the Enter key on the item you are interested in. Use your down arrow key to move through the key command items.
Windows Key pressed one time opens the Windows XP, Vista or 7 Start menu. Pressed a second time closes the Start menu. In Windows 8 hitting the Windows key brings up the "Metro" view. Hitting the Windows key a second time in Windows 8 takes you back to the Windows 8 Desktop.
Windows key d or m minimizes all running Windows programs and moves you to the Windows Desktop.
Windows key r brings up the Windows "Run" menu. Here you can type a web page address, a program, or command that you want to run, and then hit the Enter key to go to the web page, program, or command action. The Windows Start menu "Search" box in Windows Vista and Windows 7 act much like the Windows "Run" command.
Escape key closes a menu.
Windows key f brings up the Windows "Find" area. You type in what you want to look for, and a list is made. This is similar to the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Start menu "Search" box.
Windows key e brings up the Windows File Explorer, otherwise known as "My Computer," or "Computer."
Applications key, which is much like a right mouse click, brings up a menu for where you are at in Windows. If you are on the Windows Desktop it will bring up a menu regarding items such as screen resolution. If you are in a word processor it will bring up a menu regarding fonts, paragraphs, and so on.
Tab takes you through the main areas of Windows: Start menu, Windows Desktop, Task Manager, and System Tray. In the Windows File Explorer it will take you from the "Tree View" to the "List View."
Shift Tab is a way to move backwards through what you have tabbed through. If you Shift Tab in the main Windows area, it will move you backwards through the main areas. If you Shift Tab in the Windows File Explorer it will move you from the "List View," to the "Tree View."
Alt Tab moves you through the list of running programs in the "Task Manager." Releasing the Alt key on any of these programs will allow that program to come up and be worked with.
Alt F4 means to close the active running program that you are on.
Down arrow moves you down through icons, menu items, and other items.
Up arrow moves you up through icons, menu items, and other items.
Right arrow moves you to the right through icons, opens a sub menu, and other items.
Left arrow moves you left through icons, closes a sub menu, and other items.
Shift down arrow highlights files in a folder.
Control down arrow moves you through a list of files in a folder, allowing you to tap the Spacebar on any of the items you want to highlight (out of sequence).
F2 on top of an icon, folder or file, allows you to rename that item. Remember to hit the Enter key one time after you have typed in the new name. Be careful what you rename! For example, it is not a good idea to rename "Local Drive C."
Control c is the copy command.
Control x is the cut command.
Control v is the paste command.
Control z is the un do command.
F5 refreshes or redraws the current screen.
Windows key u brings up the Ease of Access Center where you can activate the free Windows screen reader called Narrator, or the free Windows screen enlarger called Magnifier.