Lesser-known shortcuts for Windows and Mac

Keyboard shortcuts can make your on-keyboard-days much easier by enabling you to navigate your computers more quickly than clicking on icons or using a mouse. While some shortcuts are common knowledge, others are less well-known but can be incredibly convenient for everyday use.

In this post, we’ll look at some lesser-known shortcuts for both Windows and Mac.

Windows

General

• Windows key + E: Opens File Explorer
• Windows key + I: Opens Settings
• Windows key + D: Shows the desktop
• Windows key + X: Opens the Quick Link menu
• Windows key + L: Locks the screen
• Windows key + P: Project options

Taskbar

• Windows key + T: Cycles through apps on the taskbar
• Windows key + number: Opens the app at the corresponding position
• Windows key + B: Highlights the notification area
• Windows key + X: Opens the Quick Link menu
• Windows key + Alt + number: Opens the jump list for the app at the corresponding position

Virtual Desktops

• Windows key + Ctrl + D: Creates a new virtual desktop
• Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow: Switches between virtual desktops
• Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Closes the current virtual desktop

Mac

General

• Command + Space: Opens Spotlight
• Command + Tab: Cycles through open apps
• Command + Q: Quits the current app
• Command + H: Hides the current app
• Command + W: Closes the current window
• Command + M: Minimizes the current window
• Command + N: Opens a new window

Finder

• Command + K: Connect to Server
• Command + Shift + C: Open the computer window
• Command + Shift + D: Open the desktop folder
• Command + Shift + F: Open the All My Files folder
• Command + Shift + G: Open a Go to Folder window
• Command + Shift + N: Create new folder
• Command + Shift + O: Open the Documents folder

Safari

• Command + 1, 2, 3, etc.: Switch between tabs
• Command + T: Open a new tab
• Command + W: Close the current tab
• Command + Shift + T: Re-open the last closed tab
• Command + R: Reload the current tab
• Command + L: Highlight the address bar