G
Guest
Key Modifiers [Prev | Next | Contents]
To move around the desktop toolbars, Taskbar, Notification Area and the Desktop - press Ctrl + Esc (or the Winkey) to activate Start, Esc to cancel the menu, then Tab and Shift + Tab to the various parts of the screen. Use the arrow keys to move within a section. Winkey + B jumps straight to the System Notification Area. To get a context menu of a blank part of the taskbar use the clock's context menu. Shift + F10 displays the context menu, Space or Enter activates.
Key Description
Delete key or Delete on the shortcut menu Deletes the file
Shift + Delete key or Shift + Delete on the shortcut menu Deletes the file and doesn't place it in the Recycle Bin
Dbl Click a drive shortcut, Recycle Bin, Start Menu, or My Computer Opens an folder view of the double clicked item
Dbl Click a sub menu Does the default command for that sub menu. The System menu (Alt + Enter) has a default command listed in bold.
Double Click the Titlebar Toggles a window between Normal and Maximised state.
Shift + Dbl Click a drive shortcut, Recycle Bin, Start Menu, or My Computer Open an explorer view with the double clicked item selected.
Note:
a.. If the view is set to thumbnails then this will also toggle labels. See Shift + View menu - Thumbnails below
b.. If the object doesn't have an Explore verb then it will Open the object.
Shift + Click a link Opens in a new window
Shift + Close Button Closes the current folder and all parent folders if viewing folders in seperate windows
Shift + Drag Move a file (default when dragging on the same drive)
Shift + Right Click Opens the object's context menu with hidden verbs shown, if any
Shift + Send To menu Moves a file (default when sending on the same drive)
Shift + Insert a CD Prevents the CD from auto running
Shift + Starting Windows Doesn't run the programs in the startup folder
Shift + No in a file confirmation dialog Means No To All (XP)
This does not work in a folder confirmation dialog, only a file confirmation.
Shift + View menu - Thumbnails Hides the label for the thumbnails. Repeat to Show (XP)
Shift + Favourites menu - Organise Favourites Opens the Favourites folder in a folder window.
Shift + Mouse scroll wheel Move to Previous/Next page.
Its generalised function is Data Zooming for applications like databases.
Vista: The mouse scroll wheel is ignored if the Alt or Shift key is down.
Shift in the Shutdown dialog Changes Standby to Hibernate. Press H to hibernate even if Hibernate isn't displayed
Ctrl + Dbl Click an object (such as a document file) Opens in the object behind other windows. Doesn't work on all objects such as folder windows (as folder windows usually open in an existing program rather than starting a new program)
Ctrl + Dbl Click a titlebar of an shell window (such as folder windows and web pages)
(Also F11)
Changes the view to Full Screen.
Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel Changes the text size in web pages.
Vista: Changes the zoom level rather than text size, also chages the size of icons on the desktop or in a folder window.
Its generalised function is Zooming. This works many places in Vista incl Wordpad. It zooms pages that have scrollbars, as pages without scrollbars zoom without the Ctrl key.
Ctrl + Close button Sets the system default settings, mainly sort order. Icon style is not affected
Ctrl + Close button in Picture & Fax Viewer Resets "Don't Show ... Again" dialog settings
Ctrl + Drag Copies a file (default for dragging between drives)
Ctrl + Send To menu Copies the file (default when sending between drives)
Ctrl + Send To menu Powertoys (except Send Contents to Clipboard) Sends the short name to the clipboard or run dialog
Ctrl + Send To menu Send Contents to Clipboard Powertoy Opens a dialog box to specify the data format
Ctrl + Shift + Drag
(also Alt + Drag)
Creates a Shortcut rather than moving or copying a file (default when dragging only program files in 95, in later versions is the default for dragging program files listed at the
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths key in the registry)
Ctrl + Shift + Send To menu Creates a Shortcut rather than moving or copying a file
Ctrl + Shift and Right click blank area on Start or Shutdown buttons Vista: Menu item to close down Window's shell in a normal shutdown without logging off.. Use Task Manager's File - New Task (Run) .... dialog to start Explorer to restart the shell.
Ctrl + Number Pad Plus Key in Explorer Auto sizes all columns
Ctrl + Alt + Delete Starts the Close Program dialog box (Windows 9x), Security dialog (NT, 2000, XP if Welcome Screen disabled), and Task Manager (XP with Welcome Screen enabled)
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Delete Quickly reboots NT4SP4 and later systems. Does not appear to work on XP.
Note: A registry key needs to be set to enable this key sequence.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\
Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
EnableQuickReboot=1 as a RegSZ (a string).
Ctrl + Alt + Delete twice on the Welcome Screen Presents the non Welcome Screen logon. This works on XP Pro only
Ctrl + Shift + Esc Starts the Close Program dialog box (Windows 9x) or Task Manager (NT, 2000, XP)
Ctrl + Alt + Shift and Close or Cancel in the Shutdown dialog Closes down Window's shell in a normal shutdown without logging off.. Use Task Manager's File - New Task (Run) ... dialog to start Explorer to restart the shell.
Vista: See Ctrl + Shift + Right Click for new Vista Start Menu.
Ctrl + Alt + Tab Vista: Starts Windows Coolswitch. Use Arrow keys, Tab, or Shift + Tab to navigate and Enter or Space to activate. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Ctrl + Click a Taskbar Button Select multiple Windows to tile, cascade, or close (by right clicking a selected button).
Ctrl + Click New Task (Run ...) in Task Manager's File menu Starts a command prompt.
Ctrl (RHS only) + Scroll Lock twice Initiates a blue screen. Used for hangs to get a memory dump. Only works on PS/2 or older keyboards. USB keyboard users need to get an addin crash card.
Note: Keyboards have low priority so if another piece of hardware has caused the hang windows may not see this key sequence.
A registry key needs to be set to enable this key sequence.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\
CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt\Parameters
CrashOnCtrlScroll=1 as a DWord.
Alt + Space Opens the System menu which allows windows to be sized, moved, or have it's state changed.
Alt + Hyphen Opens the Document menu in MDI applications
Alt + Enter or Alt + Dbl Click Open the Property dialog
Alt + Left Arrow Moves forward through the history list
Alt + Right Arrow Moves backwards through the history list
Alt + Up Arrow Vista: Goes to the parent folder.
Alt + Tab Cycles through open windows, and switches to the window when the Alt key is released. This is known as Coolswitch if showing icons, and Flip if showing thumbnails. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Alt + Shift + Tab Cycles backwards through open windows, and switches to the window when the Alt key is released. This is known as Coolswitch if showing icons, and Flip if showing thumbnails. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Alt + Esc Switches to the next open window
Alt + Shift + Esc Switches to the previous open window
Alt + Home Home Page
Alt + Up or Down Arrow Moves selected Favourite up or down in the Favourite's pane
Left Arrow Collapse the current selection if it is expanded or Select the parent folder
Right Arrow Expand the current selection if it is collapsed or Select the first subfolder
Num Lock On + Minus Sign (-) Collapse the selected folder
Num Lock On + * Expand all folders below the current selection
Num Lock On + Plus Sign (+) Expand the selected folder
Home Top of File List
End Bottom of File List
[Characters] typed without a pause Go to the object that starts with the characters that were typed. Characters must be typed within one second of the previous character else it is treated as a new search. Also if the same letter is typed twice at the beginning of a search the second letter is treated as a new search for the next item starting with that letter .
Vista: Depending on settings in Start - Control Panel - Folder Options - View - Advanced Settings - When Typing Into Listview determines if keys pressed go to the listview or Instant Search box.
Run Folder Options
[Single Character] after a pause Go to the next object starting with that character.
Vista: Depending on settings in Start - Control Panel - Folder Options - View - Advanced Settings - When Typing Into Listview determines if keys pressed go to the listview or Instant Search box.
Run Folder Options
Backspace Go to the parent folder.
Vista: Goes to previous folder in history, and if none then goes to parent folder. Alt + Up Arrow is Vista's Goto Parent folder.
Mouse Tips [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Right Click the Titlebar Current reccommended way of accessing the Windows menu (previously known as the System or Control menu)
Double Click the Titlebar Toggles a window between Normal and Maximised state.
Right Click the System Menu or the Folder Icon in Web View Pops up the context menu for the container.
Vista: Feature removed for Explorer windows. However Vista UI guidelines reccommend that the icon is a document icon in document type applications and show the context menu for the document on right click. Non document applications, such as MS Messenger, should show the application icon and the context menu should be for the application. Left click on the icon should show the Windows menu for compatability reasons but it should not be documented, right click the titlebar except for the icon is the new documented way.
Drag an object onto a Windows Titlebar Opens that object in that window (dragging into the window will often work, but in OLE documents this will insert the object into the current document). Some programs, like Notepad insist on files being dropped in the client area.
Drag an object over, then hover over a collapsed folder in Explorer's tree view Expands the folder display
Drag an object over the border of the client area of a window Scrolls the window. The client area is the part of a window that contains objects or documents. It doesn't include toolbars, menus, or the titlebar.
Drag an object over, then hover over, a taskbar button Brings the Window attached to the Taskbar button to the top
Drag an object over, then hover over, a blank part of the taskbar Minimises all open windows
Double click the raised bar on the left hand side of toolbars on the Taskbar while the taskbar is unlocked Toggles the toolbar through maximum size, minimum size, and fit contents
Function Keys [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
F1 Starts Windows Help
Shift + F1 Context sensitive help (if available) for the item with the focus.
F2 Renames the selected file
F3 Starts Find Files or Folders
F4 Opens the drop down address bar
Alt + F4 Closes the current window in Explorer, exits an application, or if the shell has the focus (ie Start Menu or the Desktop), exits Windows
Ctrl + F4 Closes the current child window in an MDI (Multiple Document Interface) application. MDI Applications generally have a Windows menu on the menubar.
F5 Refreshes the view in Explorer, Desktop, or Start Menu
F6 or Tab Switch between left and right panes
F10 Menu access key (same to pressing Alt by itself)
Shift + F10 or the Application key Context menu access key
Shift + Ctrl + F10, Shift + Application key, or Shift + Right Click Add Open With.. (and other hidden verbs like Run As if available) to Right Click Menu
F11 Toggles full screen view
Control Keys [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Ctrl + A Selects all files.
Ctrl + B Organise Favourites.
Ctrl + C Copies a file.
Ctrl + D If a file isn't selected adds the current folder to Favourites.
Warning: Ctrl + D also means delete selected item in recent versions of Explorer.
Vista: As Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer are now seperate programs this no longer works.
Ctrl + E Opens the Search pane in Explorer.
Vista: Moves focus to the Instant Search box.
Ctrl + F Opens the Search pane in Explorer.
Vista: Opens a Search Window.
Ctrl + G Go to (older versions only).
Ctrl + H Opens the History pane in Explorer.
Vista: Explorer no longer has Favourites or History panes so it does nothing. Still works in Internet Explorer.
Ctrl + H Opens the Favourites pane in Explorer.
Vista: Explorer no longer has Favourites or History panes so it does nothing. Still works in Internet Explorer.
Ctrl + P Prints the Web View template part of the view if the Web View has the focus (this isn't a useful feature).
Vista and XP: Web View is turned off so this key usually does nothing.
Ctrl + R Refreshes the view.
Ctrl + S Toggles the Volume applet between small and normal mode. Small mode can also be specified with the /s command line switch,
sndvol32 /sThough in most circumstances it means Save the currently opened document.
Vista: Volume Control no longer has a small mode.
Ctrl + V Pastes a file.
Ctrl + W Closes an Explorer window.
Ctrl + X Cuts a file.
Ctrl + Z Undoes the last operation (if possible). In Explorer up to 10 actions may be undone. In plain text controls usually only the last action can be undone. In rich text controls the limit is generally 100 actions.
The Winkey [Prev | Next | Contents]
The Winkey works even if Explorer or the Shell doesn't have the focus.
Key Description
Winkey or Ctrl + Esc Opens the Start Menu.
Winkey + A Older Intellitype: Opens Accessibility.
Winkey + B Set focus to the first icon in the System Notification Area.
Winkey + C Office XP: Correct text in speech recognition.
Older Intellitype: Opens Control Panel.
Winkey + D Minimises and hides windows that can't be minimised or Unminimises/unhides all windows.
Winkey + E Starts Explorer.
Winkey + F Starts Find Files or Folders.
Winkey + Ctrl + F Starts Find Computer.
Winkey + G Cycles through Gadgets in the Vista's Sidebar.
Winkey + H Office XP: Handwriting recognition.
Winkey + I Older Intellitype: Opens Mouse Properties.
Winkey + K Older Intellitype: Opens Keyboard Properties.
Winkey + L Lock Workstation or Switch User (if Welcome Screen is on).
Older Intellitype: Logs off Windows.
Winkey + M Minimises all windows that can be minimised.
Winkey + Shift + M Unminimises all windows.
Winkey + P Older Intellitype: Opens Print Manager.
Winkey + R Starts the Run Dialog.
Winkey + S Older Intellitype: Toggles Caps Lock.
Winkey + T Office XP: Toggle speech dictation mode.
Vista: Cycles through Taskbar buttons, Press Enter or Space to activate a window. This is same as Winkey + Tab in older versions.
Winkey + U Accessibility Utility Manager (Called Ease Of Access in Vista)
Winkey + V Office XP: Toggle listening status of the microphone.
Older Intellitype: Opens Clipboard Viewer.
Winkey + X Vista: Opens Mobility Centre if Windows thinks you have a mobile PC. Mobility Centre is included in many Vista editions but won't run unless it thinks it is a mobile PC.
Winkey + F1 Starts Windows Help (F1 start help for the current application, if the focus is in Explorer or the desktop F1 also starts Windows Help).
Winkey + Tab Cycles through Taskbar buttons, Press Enter or Space to activate a window.
Vista: Cycles through open windows using Windows Flip3D. Release keys to activate window. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Winkey + Ctrl + Tab Cycles through parts of the desktop and taskbar.
Vista: Starts Windows Flip3D. Use Arrow keys, Tab, or Shift + Tab to navigate and Enter or Space to activate. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Winkey + Break Starts System Properties.
Winkey + Space Brings Vista's Sidebar to the top.
Older Intellitype: List Intellitype Hotkeys.
Winkey + Alt + Enter Starts or switches to Media Centre's Start screen.
Winkey + <a number> Computer specific function set by the computer manufacturer. Very few computers use this.
Vista: Activates Quicklaunch icons. Winkey + 1 is the first icon, Winkey + 2 the second, etc.
Winkey + Up or Down Arrow Keys Windows 98 Only: Changes magnification levels in Magnifier
Winkey + Page Up Windows 98 Only: Toggles Colour Inversion in Magnifier
Winkey + Page Down Windows 98 Only: Toggles Mouse Tracking in Magnifier
Winkey + Ctrl + <a number> [0-5] In Vista's Photo Gallery (but not Media Player or Explorer) rates an item as 0 to 5 stars. Winkey + 0 doesn't work on my computer.
Selecting [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Click an object Selects the object, cancelling any other selection.
Control + Click, or Control + Space Selects or unselects the object without cancelling any other selection.
Arrow Keys Moves the focus and selects the object.
Control + Arrow Keys Moves the focus without selecting the objects.
Shift + Arrow Keys Moves the focus and adds the object to the selected objects.
Click then Shift + Click Selects all objects between the two clicks.
Drag Drag a rectangle to select all objects within the rectangle.
Ctrl + A Selects all files.
shift+F8 multiselect in list box
Auto Complete [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Alt + Down Arrows (or double click) Opens the drop down list
Down Arrow Cycles from most recent to least recent Auto Complete suggestions. Will match suggestions that start with the characters to the left of the cursor. Only letters are able to be used for partial matches.
Up Arrow Cycles from least recent to most recent Auto Complete suggestions. Will match suggestions that start with the characters to the left of the cursor. Only letters are able to be used for partial matches. If no letters are entered then the Up Arrow is only valid after the Down Arrow has been used.
Right Arrow Goes to the end of the suggestion. Type or press up or down arrow to cycle through suggestions which begin with the characters to the left of the cursor.
Ctrl + Left or Right Arrow Moves cursor a word at a time, slashes and dots are considered word separators.
Ctrl + Enter Adds http://www. before the typed word and .com after it i
To move around the desktop toolbars, Taskbar, Notification Area and the Desktop - press Ctrl + Esc (or the Winkey) to activate Start, Esc to cancel the menu, then Tab and Shift + Tab to the various parts of the screen. Use the arrow keys to move within a section. Winkey + B jumps straight to the System Notification Area. To get a context menu of a blank part of the taskbar use the clock's context menu. Shift + F10 displays the context menu, Space or Enter activates.
Key Description
Delete key or Delete on the shortcut menu Deletes the file
Shift + Delete key or Shift + Delete on the shortcut menu Deletes the file and doesn't place it in the Recycle Bin
Dbl Click a drive shortcut, Recycle Bin, Start Menu, or My Computer Opens an folder view of the double clicked item
Dbl Click a sub menu Does the default command for that sub menu. The System menu (Alt + Enter) has a default command listed in bold.
Double Click the Titlebar Toggles a window between Normal and Maximised state.
Shift + Dbl Click a drive shortcut, Recycle Bin, Start Menu, or My Computer Open an explorer view with the double clicked item selected.
Note:
a.. If the view is set to thumbnails then this will also toggle labels. See Shift + View menu - Thumbnails below
b.. If the object doesn't have an Explore verb then it will Open the object.
Shift + Click a link Opens in a new window
Shift + Close Button Closes the current folder and all parent folders if viewing folders in seperate windows
Shift + Drag Move a file (default when dragging on the same drive)
Shift + Right Click Opens the object's context menu with hidden verbs shown, if any
Shift + Send To menu Moves a file (default when sending on the same drive)
Shift + Insert a CD Prevents the CD from auto running
Shift + Starting Windows Doesn't run the programs in the startup folder
Shift + No in a file confirmation dialog Means No To All (XP)
This does not work in a folder confirmation dialog, only a file confirmation.
Shift + View menu - Thumbnails Hides the label for the thumbnails. Repeat to Show (XP)
Shift + Favourites menu - Organise Favourites Opens the Favourites folder in a folder window.
Shift + Mouse scroll wheel Move to Previous/Next page.
Its generalised function is Data Zooming for applications like databases.
Vista: The mouse scroll wheel is ignored if the Alt or Shift key is down.
Shift in the Shutdown dialog Changes Standby to Hibernate. Press H to hibernate even if Hibernate isn't displayed
Ctrl + Dbl Click an object (such as a document file) Opens in the object behind other windows. Doesn't work on all objects such as folder windows (as folder windows usually open in an existing program rather than starting a new program)
Ctrl + Dbl Click a titlebar of an shell window (such as folder windows and web pages)
(Also F11)
Changes the view to Full Screen.
Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel Changes the text size in web pages.
Vista: Changes the zoom level rather than text size, also chages the size of icons on the desktop or in a folder window.
Its generalised function is Zooming. This works many places in Vista incl Wordpad. It zooms pages that have scrollbars, as pages without scrollbars zoom without the Ctrl key.
Ctrl + Close button Sets the system default settings, mainly sort order. Icon style is not affected
Ctrl + Close button in Picture & Fax Viewer Resets "Don't Show ... Again" dialog settings
Ctrl + Drag Copies a file (default for dragging between drives)
Ctrl + Send To menu Copies the file (default when sending between drives)
Ctrl + Send To menu Powertoys (except Send Contents to Clipboard) Sends the short name to the clipboard or run dialog
Ctrl + Send To menu Send Contents to Clipboard Powertoy Opens a dialog box to specify the data format
Ctrl + Shift + Drag
(also Alt + Drag)
Creates a Shortcut rather than moving or copying a file (default when dragging only program files in 95, in later versions is the default for dragging program files listed at the
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths key in the registry)
Ctrl + Shift + Send To menu Creates a Shortcut rather than moving or copying a file
Ctrl + Shift and Right click blank area on Start or Shutdown buttons Vista: Menu item to close down Window's shell in a normal shutdown without logging off.. Use Task Manager's File - New Task (Run) .... dialog to start Explorer to restart the shell.
Ctrl + Number Pad Plus Key in Explorer Auto sizes all columns
Ctrl + Alt + Delete Starts the Close Program dialog box (Windows 9x), Security dialog (NT, 2000, XP if Welcome Screen disabled), and Task Manager (XP with Welcome Screen enabled)
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Delete Quickly reboots NT4SP4 and later systems. Does not appear to work on XP.
Note: A registry key needs to be set to enable this key sequence.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\
Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
EnableQuickReboot=1 as a RegSZ (a string).
Ctrl + Alt + Delete twice on the Welcome Screen Presents the non Welcome Screen logon. This works on XP Pro only
Ctrl + Shift + Esc Starts the Close Program dialog box (Windows 9x) or Task Manager (NT, 2000, XP)
Ctrl + Alt + Shift and Close or Cancel in the Shutdown dialog Closes down Window's shell in a normal shutdown without logging off.. Use Task Manager's File - New Task (Run) ... dialog to start Explorer to restart the shell.
Vista: See Ctrl + Shift + Right Click for new Vista Start Menu.
Ctrl + Alt + Tab Vista: Starts Windows Coolswitch. Use Arrow keys, Tab, or Shift + Tab to navigate and Enter or Space to activate. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Ctrl + Click a Taskbar Button Select multiple Windows to tile, cascade, or close (by right clicking a selected button).
Ctrl + Click New Task (Run ...) in Task Manager's File menu Starts a command prompt.
Ctrl (RHS only) + Scroll Lock twice Initiates a blue screen. Used for hangs to get a memory dump. Only works on PS/2 or older keyboards. USB keyboard users need to get an addin crash card.
Note: Keyboards have low priority so if another piece of hardware has caused the hang windows may not see this key sequence.
A registry key needs to be set to enable this key sequence.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\
CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt\Parameters
CrashOnCtrlScroll=1 as a DWord.
Alt + Space Opens the System menu which allows windows to be sized, moved, or have it's state changed.
Alt + Hyphen Opens the Document menu in MDI applications
Alt + Enter or Alt + Dbl Click Open the Property dialog
Alt + Left Arrow Moves forward through the history list
Alt + Right Arrow Moves backwards through the history list
Alt + Up Arrow Vista: Goes to the parent folder.
Alt + Tab Cycles through open windows, and switches to the window when the Alt key is released. This is known as Coolswitch if showing icons, and Flip if showing thumbnails. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Alt + Shift + Tab Cycles backwards through open windows, and switches to the window when the Alt key is released. This is known as Coolswitch if showing icons, and Flip if showing thumbnails. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Alt + Esc Switches to the next open window
Alt + Shift + Esc Switches to the previous open window
Alt + Home Home Page
Alt + Up or Down Arrow Moves selected Favourite up or down in the Favourite's pane
Left Arrow Collapse the current selection if it is expanded or Select the parent folder
Right Arrow Expand the current selection if it is collapsed or Select the first subfolder
Num Lock On + Minus Sign (-) Collapse the selected folder
Num Lock On + * Expand all folders below the current selection
Num Lock On + Plus Sign (+) Expand the selected folder
Home Top of File List
End Bottom of File List
[Characters] typed without a pause Go to the object that starts with the characters that were typed. Characters must be typed within one second of the previous character else it is treated as a new search. Also if the same letter is typed twice at the beginning of a search the second letter is treated as a new search for the next item starting with that letter .
Vista: Depending on settings in Start - Control Panel - Folder Options - View - Advanced Settings - When Typing Into Listview determines if keys pressed go to the listview or Instant Search box.
Run Folder Options
[Single Character] after a pause Go to the next object starting with that character.
Vista: Depending on settings in Start - Control Panel - Folder Options - View - Advanced Settings - When Typing Into Listview determines if keys pressed go to the listview or Instant Search box.
Run Folder Options
Backspace Go to the parent folder.
Vista: Goes to previous folder in history, and if none then goes to parent folder. Alt + Up Arrow is Vista's Goto Parent folder.
Mouse Tips [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Right Click the Titlebar Current reccommended way of accessing the Windows menu (previously known as the System or Control menu)
Double Click the Titlebar Toggles a window between Normal and Maximised state.
Right Click the System Menu or the Folder Icon in Web View Pops up the context menu for the container.
Vista: Feature removed for Explorer windows. However Vista UI guidelines reccommend that the icon is a document icon in document type applications and show the context menu for the document on right click. Non document applications, such as MS Messenger, should show the application icon and the context menu should be for the application. Left click on the icon should show the Windows menu for compatability reasons but it should not be documented, right click the titlebar except for the icon is the new documented way.
Drag an object onto a Windows Titlebar Opens that object in that window (dragging into the window will often work, but in OLE documents this will insert the object into the current document). Some programs, like Notepad insist on files being dropped in the client area.
Drag an object over, then hover over a collapsed folder in Explorer's tree view Expands the folder display
Drag an object over the border of the client area of a window Scrolls the window. The client area is the part of a window that contains objects or documents. It doesn't include toolbars, menus, or the titlebar.
Drag an object over, then hover over, a taskbar button Brings the Window attached to the Taskbar button to the top
Drag an object over, then hover over, a blank part of the taskbar Minimises all open windows
Double click the raised bar on the left hand side of toolbars on the Taskbar while the taskbar is unlocked Toggles the toolbar through maximum size, minimum size, and fit contents
Function Keys [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
F1 Starts Windows Help
Shift + F1 Context sensitive help (if available) for the item with the focus.
F2 Renames the selected file
F3 Starts Find Files or Folders
F4 Opens the drop down address bar
Alt + F4 Closes the current window in Explorer, exits an application, or if the shell has the focus (ie Start Menu or the Desktop), exits Windows
Ctrl + F4 Closes the current child window in an MDI (Multiple Document Interface) application. MDI Applications generally have a Windows menu on the menubar.
F5 Refreshes the view in Explorer, Desktop, or Start Menu
F6 or Tab Switch between left and right panes
F10 Menu access key (same to pressing Alt by itself)
Shift + F10 or the Application key Context menu access key
Shift + Ctrl + F10, Shift + Application key, or Shift + Right Click Add Open With.. (and other hidden verbs like Run As if available) to Right Click Menu
F11 Toggles full screen view
Control Keys [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Ctrl + A Selects all files.
Ctrl + B Organise Favourites.
Ctrl + C Copies a file.
Ctrl + D If a file isn't selected adds the current folder to Favourites.
Warning: Ctrl + D also means delete selected item in recent versions of Explorer.
Vista: As Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer are now seperate programs this no longer works.
Ctrl + E Opens the Search pane in Explorer.
Vista: Moves focus to the Instant Search box.
Ctrl + F Opens the Search pane in Explorer.
Vista: Opens a Search Window.
Ctrl + G Go to (older versions only).
Ctrl + H Opens the History pane in Explorer.
Vista: Explorer no longer has Favourites or History panes so it does nothing. Still works in Internet Explorer.
Ctrl + H Opens the Favourites pane in Explorer.
Vista: Explorer no longer has Favourites or History panes so it does nothing. Still works in Internet Explorer.
Ctrl + P Prints the Web View template part of the view if the Web View has the focus (this isn't a useful feature).
Vista and XP: Web View is turned off so this key usually does nothing.
Ctrl + R Refreshes the view.
Ctrl + S Toggles the Volume applet between small and normal mode. Small mode can also be specified with the /s command line switch,
sndvol32 /sThough in most circumstances it means Save the currently opened document.
Vista: Volume Control no longer has a small mode.
Ctrl + V Pastes a file.
Ctrl + W Closes an Explorer window.
Ctrl + X Cuts a file.
Ctrl + Z Undoes the last operation (if possible). In Explorer up to 10 actions may be undone. In plain text controls usually only the last action can be undone. In rich text controls the limit is generally 100 actions.
The Winkey [Prev | Next | Contents]
The Winkey works even if Explorer or the Shell doesn't have the focus.
Key Description
Winkey or Ctrl + Esc Opens the Start Menu.
Winkey + A Older Intellitype: Opens Accessibility.
Winkey + B Set focus to the first icon in the System Notification Area.
Winkey + C Office XP: Correct text in speech recognition.
Older Intellitype: Opens Control Panel.
Winkey + D Minimises and hides windows that can't be minimised or Unminimises/unhides all windows.
Winkey + E Starts Explorer.
Winkey + F Starts Find Files or Folders.
Winkey + Ctrl + F Starts Find Computer.
Winkey + G Cycles through Gadgets in the Vista's Sidebar.
Winkey + H Office XP: Handwriting recognition.
Winkey + I Older Intellitype: Opens Mouse Properties.
Winkey + K Older Intellitype: Opens Keyboard Properties.
Winkey + L Lock Workstation or Switch User (if Welcome Screen is on).
Older Intellitype: Logs off Windows.
Winkey + M Minimises all windows that can be minimised.
Winkey + Shift + M Unminimises all windows.
Winkey + P Older Intellitype: Opens Print Manager.
Winkey + R Starts the Run Dialog.
Winkey + S Older Intellitype: Toggles Caps Lock.
Winkey + T Office XP: Toggle speech dictation mode.
Vista: Cycles through Taskbar buttons, Press Enter or Space to activate a window. This is same as Winkey + Tab in older versions.
Winkey + U Accessibility Utility Manager (Called Ease Of Access in Vista)
Winkey + V Office XP: Toggle listening status of the microphone.
Older Intellitype: Opens Clipboard Viewer.
Winkey + X Vista: Opens Mobility Centre if Windows thinks you have a mobile PC. Mobility Centre is included in many Vista editions but won't run unless it thinks it is a mobile PC.
Winkey + F1 Starts Windows Help (F1 start help for the current application, if the focus is in Explorer or the desktop F1 also starts Windows Help).
Winkey + Tab Cycles through Taskbar buttons, Press Enter or Space to activate a window.
Vista: Cycles through open windows using Windows Flip3D. Release keys to activate window. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Winkey + Ctrl + Tab Cycles through parts of the desktop and taskbar.
Vista: Starts Windows Flip3D. Use Arrow keys, Tab, or Shift + Tab to navigate and Enter or Space to activate. Pressing Escape cancels switching windows.
Winkey + Break Starts System Properties.
Winkey + Space Brings Vista's Sidebar to the top.
Older Intellitype: List Intellitype Hotkeys.
Winkey + Alt + Enter Starts or switches to Media Centre's Start screen.
Winkey + <a number> Computer specific function set by the computer manufacturer. Very few computers use this.
Vista: Activates Quicklaunch icons. Winkey + 1 is the first icon, Winkey + 2 the second, etc.
Winkey + Up or Down Arrow Keys Windows 98 Only: Changes magnification levels in Magnifier
Winkey + Page Up Windows 98 Only: Toggles Colour Inversion in Magnifier
Winkey + Page Down Windows 98 Only: Toggles Mouse Tracking in Magnifier
Winkey + Ctrl + <a number> [0-5] In Vista's Photo Gallery (but not Media Player or Explorer) rates an item as 0 to 5 stars. Winkey + 0 doesn't work on my computer.
Selecting [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Click an object Selects the object, cancelling any other selection.
Control + Click, or Control + Space Selects or unselects the object without cancelling any other selection.
Arrow Keys Moves the focus and selects the object.
Control + Arrow Keys Moves the focus without selecting the objects.
Shift + Arrow Keys Moves the focus and adds the object to the selected objects.
Click then Shift + Click Selects all objects between the two clicks.
Drag Drag a rectangle to select all objects within the rectangle.
Ctrl + A Selects all files.
shift+F8 multiselect in list box
Auto Complete [Prev | Next | Contents]
Key Description
Alt + Down Arrows (or double click) Opens the drop down list
Down Arrow Cycles from most recent to least recent Auto Complete suggestions. Will match suggestions that start with the characters to the left of the cursor. Only letters are able to be used for partial matches.
Up Arrow Cycles from least recent to most recent Auto Complete suggestions. Will match suggestions that start with the characters to the left of the cursor. Only letters are able to be used for partial matches. If no letters are entered then the Up Arrow is only valid after the Down Arrow has been used.
Right Arrow Goes to the end of the suggestion. Type or press up or down arrow to cycle through suggestions which begin with the characters to the left of the cursor.
Ctrl + Left or Right Arrow Moves cursor a word at a time, slashes and dots are considered word separators.
Ctrl + Enter Adds http://www. before the typed word and .com after it i