Everyone knows Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V and Alt+Tab. These twelve are the ones I watch colleagues discover and immediately start using. All work on Windows 10 and 11.
In this article
Clipboard and screenshots
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Win+V | Clipboard history. Copy several things, then pick which one to paste. Turn it on the first time you press it. Pin items you paste often. |
| Win+Shift+S | Snip part of the screen straight to the clipboard — paste into Teams, Outlook or Excel. |
| Win+. | Emoji, symbols (₹, ©, →) and GIF picker in any text box. |
Windows and desktops
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Win+← / → | Snap a window to half the screen — perfect for comparing two workbooks. |
| Win+↑ | Maximise the window. |
| Win+D | Show the desktop; press again to bring everything back. |
| Win+Ctrl+D | Create a new virtual desktop. Win+Ctrl+←/→ switches between them — one for reporting, one for email. |
| Win+1…9 | Open or switch to the app in that position on the taskbar. |
System
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Win+L | Lock your PC instantly — do it every time you leave your desk. |
| Win+E | Open File Explorer. |
| Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Open Task Manager directly (no Ctrl+Alt+Del menu). |
| Ctrl+Shift+T | In any browser: reopen the tab you just closed by mistake. |
💡 Pick two shortcuts this week and force yourself to use them. Once they are habits, pick two more. Trying to learn twelve at once never sticks.
Excel user? Test yourself with the 60-second Excel Shortcut Trainer.