30 Keyboard Shortcuts You Probably Didn’t Know Before

30 Keyboard Shortcuts You Probably Didn’t Know Before

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Keyboard shortcuts are powerful tools that save time, increase productivity, and make navigating your computer much smoother. While most people know the basics like Ctrl + C (copy) or Ctrl + V (paste), there are plenty of lesser-known shortcuts that can transform the way you work on your PC or laptop.

In this article, we will uncover 30 keyboard shortcuts—many of which you might not have used before—that work on Windows, macOS, and browsers to help you work smarter, not harder.

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1. Windows Key + D

Minimise all open windows and go straight to the desktop. Press it again to restore them.

2. Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows/Mac – Browser)

Accidentally closed a tab in your browser? This shortcut reopens the most recently closed tab instantly.

3. Windows Key + L

Lock your PC immediately. Perfect when leaving your desk.

4. Alt + Tab (Windows) / Command + Tab (Mac)

Quickly switch between open applications without using the mouse.

5. Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Opens Task Manager directly without using Ctrl + Alt + Del first.

6. Alt + F4

Closes the currently active window or application. On the desktop, it brings up the shutdown menu.

7. Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows)

Creates a new folder instantly in File Explorer.

8. Windows Key + Period (.)

Opens the emoji panel in Windows to easily insert emojis anywhere you type.

9. Ctrl + Shift + V (Windows)

Pastes text without any formatting (plain text).

10. Ctrl + Backspace

Deletes entire words rather than single letters—great for editing quickly.

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Mac-Specific Shortcuts

11. Command + Space

Opens Spotlight search instantly for quick app launches and file searches.

12. Command + Option + Esc

Force quits frozen applications quickly on a Mac.

13. Command + Shift + 4

Take a custom screenshot of any selected part of your screen.

14. Command + H

Hide all open windows of the active app without closing it.

15. Command + Option + M

Minimise all windows of the current app at once.

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Browser Power Shortcuts

16. Ctrl + Tab (Windows) / Command + Option + → (Mac)

Move to the next tab in your browser quickly.

17. Ctrl + Shift + Tab / Command + Option + ←

Move to the previous tab.

18. Ctrl + J (Windows) / Command + Option + L (Mac)

Open the downloads page in your browser.

19. Ctrl + Shift + Delete

Opens the browser menu to clear browsing data quickly.

20. Ctrl + 1, 2, 3…

Jumps straight to the specific tab number in the browser.

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Windows Power Shortcuts

21. Windows Key + E

Opens File Explorer instantly.

22. Windows Key + I

Opens Windows Settings directly.

23. Windows Key + Ctrl + D

Creates a new virtual desktop to keep your workspace organised.

24. Windows Key + Ctrl + F4

Closes the current virtual desktop.

25. Windows Key + Tab

Opens Task View for managing multiple desktops and windows.

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Miscellaneous Shortcuts

26. Ctrl + Shift + N (Browser)

Opens a new incognito or private browsing window.

27. Ctrl + K (Windows) / Command + K (Mac)

Quickly insert or edit hyperlinks in most text editors and browsers.

28. Alt + PrtScn

Takes a screenshot of the active window only instead of the entire screen.

29. Ctrl + Y

Redo the last undone action (the opposite of Ctrl + Z).

30. Windows Key + R

Opens the Run dialogue box for quick access to commands.

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Why These Shortcuts Matter

Using these shortcuts consistently can save you hours of work every month. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone just browsing the web, mastering them will make you faster and more efficient.

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Final Thoughts

Keyboard shortcuts are like hidden gems on your computer. The more you discover and use them, the more productive you become. Start by learning a few every week and watch your workflow transform.

Which of these shortcuts was new to you? Try them out today!

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Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org

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