Ten shortcuts for Windows
Let’s face it, most people use Windows. Here’s how to be a shortcut whizz, writes Blayne Slabbert.
The more we use computers in our daily life, the more important it is to become efficient and learn new skills.
Since most people use Microsoft Windows computers, one of the best ways to do this is to remember shortcuts for often-used actions.
Hopefully, everyone knows the most common ones such as copy (ctrl + c) and paste (ctrl + v), undo (ctrl + z) and save (ctrl + s)
But if you take the time to learn more – or at least write them down and keep them on your desk – you can save a lot of time.
Most shortcuts involve the control (ctrl), alt, shift or Windows (the one with the logo that looks like a flag) key.
CTRL + F
This shortcut brings up the ‘‘find’’ box that lets you enter a word or phrase so you can search for it on a document or website.
Most people just scroll down looking for a word but this tip can save a lot of time. It’ll work on nearly every piece of software and is especially useful on websites and PDFs. However, it won’t work in Microsoft Outlook as the ctrl + f shortcut will forward an email.
Watching YouTube
Often when you are watching a video you want to skip ahead. One of the quickest ways to do this is to press the numbers on your keyboard. For example, pressing the five key will take you to about halfway, and nine will take you near the end, while 0 will take you back to the start.
You can also skip forward and back in 10-second increments by pushing j and l. If you want to look at a scene in detail then you can use < and > to move frame by frame.
Windows + L
If you use a computer at work then this shortcut is valuable, especially if you have cheeky workmates.
Pressing windows + l will lock your computer so no one can use it until the password is entered.
Some workplaces have staff members who are happy to mess with your computer by sending silly emails from your account (or by using the shortcut ctrl + alt + left arrow which will rotate the screen).
However, it’s also useful if you use a computer that’s accessible by members of the public or if you don’t want your kids jumping on while you get up for a break.
Windows + fullstop
If you like to litter your emails or messages with emojis then this shortcut is a handy one to remember.
Pressing windows + fullstop will bring up the emoji panel which can be used to insert your favourite one to amuse (or annoy) the recipients.
Windows + M
This shortcut minimises all your windows and brings you to your desktop. This can be significantly quicker than clicking on the minimise window button of each app you have open.
However, not all programs obey this rule but the most common ones will.
Also, to reopen everything press windows + shift + m which brings back whatever you had open.
CTRL + T
This one is crucial to learn if you spend a lot of time browsing online. Ctrl + t will open a new tab in your browser which saves you using a mouse.
Other related shortcuts to use with your browser are ctrl + shift + t, which opens a tab you’ve just closed; ctrl + tab, which switches between tabs; ctrl + w, which closes the tab you’re currently using.
Another handy shortcut when using a browser is ctrl + r (or F5) which refreshes the webpage.
Also, when entering a website, just type the website name and hit ctrl+enter and it will automatically add the www. and the .com to the web address.
F2
This function key shortcut is the fastest way to rename a file.
For example, if you have a document you want to rename, click on the file and then press F2 and type in the new name – a lot less fiddly than trying to do it using a mouse.
Windows + Shift + S
Three-key shortcuts are hard to remember, but this one is great.
Pressing the keys will let you draw a rectangle on the screen and take a screenshot of only that area. It’s then copied to your clipboard so you can paste (ctrl + v) it into a document or email.
This is often better than using the prtscn key which takes a screenshot of your whole screen.
CTRL + Backspace
This nifty shortcut deletes a whole word when typing. It’s a great one for people who type a lot or need to edit documents where deleting one letter is just too slow.
Shift + ALT + D
Combining these three keys writes the current date in Microsoft Word. Another related shortcut is shift + alt + t which writes the current time.