Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows & Mac (2025 Guide)
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| keyboard shortcuts, windows shortcuts-computer shortcut keys |
Keyboard shortcuts save hours over time. Whether you’re on Windows (including Windows 11) or macOS, most everyday shortcuts work the same way — the biggest difference is:
-
Windows:
Ctrl -
Mac:
Command (⌘)
Start with the basics below and you’ll feel the speed boost immediately.
Universal Basics (Work in Almost Every Program)
These shortcuts are nearly identical across Windows and macOS:
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C | ⌘ + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | ⌘ + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | ⌘ + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | ⌘ + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | ⌘ + Shift + Z |
| Select All | Ctrl + A | ⌘ + A |
| Save | Ctrl + S | ⌘ + S |
| Find / Search | Ctrl + F | ⌘ + F |
| Ctrl + P | ⌘ + P | |
| New window/tab/document | Ctrl + N | ⌘ + N |
👉 Tip: If you only learn one group, learn this one.
Window & App Management
Move faster between apps and keep your workspace organized:
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Switch between open apps | Alt + Tab | ⌘ + Tab |
| Switch windows of same app | Alt + ` | ⌘ + ` |
| Close current window | Alt + F4 | ⌘ + W |
| Quit app completely | Alt + F4 (most apps) | ⌘ + Q |
| Minimize window | Windows + ↓ | ⌘ + M |
| Show / hide desktop | Windows + D | ⌘ + F3 or Fn + F11 |
| Lock computer | Windows + L | ⌘ + Control + Q |
Screenshots (Extremely Useful)
Once you master these, you’ll never use Snipping Tool menus again.
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Full screen screenshot | PrtScn (paste after) | ⌘ + Shift + 3 |
| Selected area screenshot | Windows + Shift + S | ⌘ + Shift + 4 |
| Screenshot + auto save | Windows + PrtScn | ⌘ + Shift + 3 |
| Active window screenshot | Alt + PrtScn | ⌘ + Shift + 4, then Space |
File Explorer / Finder Shortcuts
Navigate files faster without touching the mouse:
| Action | Windows | Mac (Finder) |
|---|---|---|
| Open Explorer / Finder | Windows + E | ⌘ + Space → type “Finder” |
| New folder | Ctrl + Shift + N | ⌘ + Shift + N |
| Rename file/folder | F2 | Return |
| Delete (to trash) | Delete | ⌘ + Delete |
| Permanent delete | Shift + Delete | ⌘ + Option + Delete |
⚠️ Permanent delete skips the trash — use carefully.
Bonus: Modern Power Shortcuts (2025–2026)
Windows 11 Favorites
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Windows + V → Clipboard history
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Windows + . → Emoji & symbol picker
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Windows + Ctrl + ← / → → Switch virtual desktops
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Windows + Tab → Task View (all windows & desktops)
macOS Power Moves
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⌘ + Space → Spotlight Search (apps, files, math, conversions)
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⌘ + Option + Esc → Force Quit apps
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⌘ + Control + Space → Emoji & symbols picker
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⌘ + , → App preferences/settings
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⌘ + Shift + 5 → Screenshot & screen recording toolbar
Where to Start
If this feels like a lot, start here:
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Copy / Paste / Undo / Find
-
⌘ + Space (Mac) or Windows + E (Windows)
-
Screenshot shortcuts
You’ll notice the difference immediately.
#computer shortcut keys
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