Essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows & Mac

Keyboard shortcuts are invaluable for boosting productivity and streamlining your workflow. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, mastering these shortcuts can save you time and effort. This guide covers essential keyboard shortcuts for both operating systems, helping you navigate your computer with ease.

See also: Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts »

Basic shortcuts

ActionWindows ShortcutMac Shortcut
CopyCtrl + CCommand + C
CutCtrl + XCommand + X
PasteCtrl + VCommand + V
UndoCtrl + ZCommand + Z
RedoCtrl + YCommand + Shift + Z
Select AllCtrl + ACommand + A
SaveCtrl + SCommand + S
ActionWindows ShortcutMac Shortcut
FindCtrl + FCommand + F
Open FileCtrl + OCommand + O
Switch Between WindowsAlt + TabCommand + Tab
Close WindowAlt + F4Command + W

Window management shortcuts

ActionWindows ShortcutMac Shortcut
Minimize WindowWindows key + Down ArrowCommand + M
Maximize WindowWindows key + Up ArrowCommand + F
Open Task ManagerCtrl + Shift + EscCommand + Option + Esc
Open File ExplorerWindows key + ECommand + E

Text editing shortcuts

ActionWindows ShortcutMac Shortcut
BoldCtrl + BCommand + B
ItalicizeCtrl + ICommand + I
UnderlineCtrl + UCommand + U
Insert HyperlinkCtrl + KCommand + K
Find and ReplaceCtrl + HCommand + H

Browser shortcuts

ActionWindows ShortcutMac Shortcut
Open New TabCtrl + TCommand + T
Close TabCtrl + WCommand + W
Reopen Closed TabCtrl + Shift + TCommand + Shift + T
Select Address BarCtrl + LCommand + L
View HistoryCtrl + HCommand + Y

Special character shortcuts

ActionWindows ShortcutMac Shortcut
Copyright SymbolAlt + 0169Option + G
Trademark SymbolAlt + 0153Option + 2
Degree SymbolAlt + 0176Option + Shift + 8
Emoji ToolWin + .Control + Command + Space

Keyboard shortcuts table

Here is a comprehensive table of essential keyboard shortcuts for both Windows and Mac users:

CategoryActionWindows ShortcutMac Shortcut
Basic shortcutsCopyCtrl + CCommand + C
CutCtrl + XCommand + X
PasteCtrl + VCommand + V
UndoCtrl + ZCommand + Z
RedoCtrl + YCommand + Shift + Z
Select AllCtrl + ACommand + A
SaveCtrl + SCommand + S
Navigation shortcutsFindCtrl + FCommand + F
Open FileCtrl + OCommand + O
Switch Between WindowsAlt + TabCommand + Tab
Close WindowAlt + F4Command + W
Window managementMinimize WindowWindows key + Down ArrowCommand + M
Maximize WindowWindows key + Up ArrowCommand + F
Open Task ManagerCtrl + Shift + EscCommand + Option + Esc
Open File ExplorerWindows key + ECommand + E
Text editing shortcutsBoldCtrl + BCommand + B
ItalicizeCtrl + ICommand + I
UnderlineCtrl + UCommand + U
Insert HyperlinkCtrl + KCommand + K
Find and ReplaceCtrl + HCommand + H
Browser shortcutsOpen New TabCtrl + TCommand + T
Close TabCtrl + WCommand + W
Reopen Closed TabCtrl + Shift + TCommand + Shift + T
Select Address BarCtrl + LCommand + L
View HistoryCtrl + HCommand + Y
Special charactersCopyright SymbolAlt + 0169Option + G
Trademark SymbolAlt + 0153Option + 2
Degree SymbolAlt + 0176Option + Shift + 8
Emoji ToolWin + .Control + Command + Space

Conclusion

Mastering these essential keyboard shortcuts can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency on both Windows and Mac systems. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you can navigate your computer more effectively and complete tasks with greater speed.

For official details on these shortcuts, you can refer to the Microsoft Windows Keyboard Shortcuts and Apple Mac Keyboard Shortcuts. For more tips on using shortcuts in Office applications, see our guide on 40+ Essential Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts.

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