The Microsoft Windows® 8 operating system is designed for many different types of devices, smartphones, tablets and computers. Because of this, Microsoft® optimized its system control for all these devices. For the most part, Microsoft® balanced it quite well; however, when using a computer, it is sometimes easier to just use keyboard shortcuts to facilitate and quicken the work. The list below highlights the most frequently used keyboard shortcuts in Windows® 8 with an explanation on what they do, so you can use them to get the job done quicker.
Windows® 8 keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows Key + C: Displays the Charms menu and time.
- Windows Key + X: Invokes a menu of advanced system options, including Windows® Control Panel, Command Prompt, Task Manager and File Explorer.
- Windows Key + I: Displays the Settings menu for the active application.
- Windows Key + Q: Brings up the apps search menu that allows you to search your list of installed programs.
- Windows Key + D: Activates desktop mode.
- Windows Key + Tab: Brings up the Task Switcher and toggles between Windows® 8-style apps.
- Windows Key + H: Brings up the Share menu for the current app. For example, hitting Windows Key + H in Bing® Maps, lets you email or share map information on social networks.
- Windows Key + M: Opens desktop mode and minimizes all windows.
- Windows Key + W: Opens universal search menu and sets it to search settings.
- Windows Key + F: Opens universal search menu and sets it to search files.
- Windows Key + R: Opens Run menu where you can launch programs by typing in their executable file names.
- Windows Key + E: Opens File Explorer to the “My Computer” view which shows all your drives.
- Windows Key +Number Key (1-9): Switch to desktop mode and make the (1-9) application on the task bar.
- Windows Key + . (period key): Docks the current Windows® 8-style application to the right or left, depending on how many times you hit it.
- Windows Key + Z: Brings up app menu, which shows contextual options for the active app
