Computer Shortcut Key List A to Z

Basic PC shortcut keys

Below is a list of some of the most commonly used basic shortcut keys that work with almost all IBM compatible computers and software programs. It is highly recommended that all users keep a good reference of these shortcut keys or try to memorize them. Doing so will dramatically increase your productivity.

Tip: 

Besides the special character shortcuts listed here, some special characters are also located on the number keys (below the F1 - F12 keys). You can enter these special characters by pressing the Shift key and the number key that has the special character listed on it.

Shortcut Keys	Description

Alt+F	File menu options in current program.
Alt+E	Edit options in current program
Alt+Tab	Switch between open programs
F1	Universal Help in almost every Windows program.
F2	Rename a selected file
F5	Refresh the current program window
Ctrl+N	Create a new or blank document in some software programs.
Ctrl+O	Open a file in current software program
Ctrl+A	Select all text.
Ctrl+B	Change selected text to be Bold
Ctrl+I	Change selected text to be in Italics
Ctrl+U	Change selected text to be Underlined
Ctrl+F	Open find window for current document or window.
Ctrl+S	Save current document file.
Ctrl+X	Cut selected item.
Shift+Del	Cut selected item.
Ctrl+C	Copy selected item.
Ctrl+Ins	Copy selected item
Ctrl+V	Paste
Shift+Ins	Paste
Ctrl+Y	Redo last action
Ctrl+Z	Undo last action
Ctrl+K	Insert hyperlink for selected text
Ctrl+P	Print the current page or document.
Home	Goes to beginning of current line.
Ctrl+Home	Goes to beginning of document.
End	Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl+End	Goes to end of document.
Shift+Home	Highlights from current position to beginning of line.
Shift+End	Highlights from current position to end of line.
Ctrl+Left arrow	Moves one word to the left at a time.
Ctrl+Right arrow	Moves one word to the right at a time.
Ctrl+Esc	Opens the START menu
Ctrl+Shift+Esc	Opens Windows Task Manager
Alt+F4	Close the currently active program
Alt+Enter	Open the Properties for the selected item (file, folder, shortcut, etc.)