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Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts: Most Common You Should Use
You can perform some actions or access specific files instantly
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Windows 11 came up with some new great features, but some aspects remained similar to what we know was going on in the previous OS.
There might be times when you need to perform some actions or access specific files instantly. That’s why in today’s article we’ll offer you some cool examples of how to use Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts.
These keys or combinations of keys provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse.
Besides its refreshed UI, Windows 11 brought new keyboard shortcuts that can greatly help improve the efficiency of your workflow.
But let’s see first why it’s a good idea to use them while working on your computer.
Why should I use Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts?
Before anything else, note that they consume less time than traditional mouse alternatives. And why is that? Because you’re not necessarily reaching for the mouse all the time.
Multitasking is required in life. If you’re programming, writing, doing digital research, or something related, you’ve probably ended up juggling dozens of open tabs at least once.
Thus, being aware of the right shortcuts allows you to find the tab you need in less than a second.
As mentioned before, this guide will present some useful recommendations on how to use Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts. We prepared a list that will simplify your work, so make sure you completely check it. And remember, you can alwaysset up a keyboard shortcut for Settings.
How can I use Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts?
1. Open Action Center
To perform it, you should press simultaneouslyWindows+Akeys on your keyboard. This shortcut was also available in Windows 10, but it works slightly differently in Windows 11.
While in the previous design this one could open up theControl Centerand theNotification Panel, in the latest OS desktop, it launches just theAction Centerwith theQuick Settingspanel.
If you wonder where this difference came from, consider that Microsoft has separatedAction CenterandNotifications Panel.
You may also find some interesting shortcuts in our guide onhow to type accents in Windows 11.
2. Navigate to Notification Panel
As you noticed, theWin+Akeyboard shortcut is no longer available to open theNotification Panelin Windows 11. However, you can easily try theWin+Nkeyboard shortcut. This represents a new great built-in feature.
It allows you to navigate toNotification Panel, which is now tucked away under the clock icon, in theSystemtray.
3. Access Snap Layout
In Windows 11, Snap Layouts is a new feature that improves upon the Snap window management in Windows 10. To easily navigate there, you should press simultaneously onWindows+Zkeys.
It allows you to open a pop-up window, which shows possible Snap window layouts when you hover over the Maximize button on any active window. It is also known as Snap Assist.
If this option is turned off, checking this easy method to enable Snap layouts on Windows 11 will help.
However, if it happens to change your mind, feel free to read ourguide on how to disable Snap layouts on the latest OS.
4. Get Windows 11 widgets
To simply do it, hit theWindows+Wkeys. Windows widgets experience is one of the new great features that make Windows 11 extremely user-friendly.
With this option, you gain access to information such as weather, news, and even your calendar at a glance.
Widgets are cool, but it seems like some users are looking for ways to get rid of them. If you consider the same, take a look at somequick methods to disable widgets in Windows 11.
What are other general Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts?
The above sections presented how you can use the new Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts.
However, to ensure the maximum potential, you should also give a shot to some other options, which were also available on Windows 10.
Note that there are plenty of available combinations, but we’re going to present you only the day-to-day using ones.
As you can see, there are plenty of Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts that can be used to simplify your work. Since they are extremely efficient we recommend saving them somewhere to quickly access when needed. If you are looking for more advanced features, we recommend Comfort Keys Pro which allows you to create custom shortcuts.
Are you excited about these features? Do you need more information regarding this subject? If so, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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