Every new Windows operating system includes some new keyboard shortcuts. If you have been a user of technology for any amount of time, you probably know a few of these yourself. You might even know a few that are not on this list. Keyboard commandos swear by some of these shortcuts. You can just about do anything in Windows from the keyboard, without interacting with the mouse. Wielded properly, keyboard shortcuts like these can greatly increase the speed at which you operate your computer. Got some favorite keyboard shortcuts that are not listed here? Let the world know your secret by posting it in the comments.
 | Shows the new Start screen. |
| + B | Go to the desktop from the Start screen |
| + C | Shows the Charms bar |
| + D | Standard Windows desktop. Also minimizes/restores all open windows in desktop mode. |
| + E | Opens Windows Explorer |
| + F | Instant search for files. |
| + H | Opens the Windows share panel |
| + I | Settings sidebar (control panel, network, volume, brightness, notifications, and more). |
| + J | Switches focus between snapped Metro apps. |
| + K | Opens the Devices panel (for connecting to a projector or some other device) |
| + L | Locks Windows. |
| + M | Minimize all windows on the desktop |
| + O | Locks device orientation |
| + P | Shows multi-monitor options, also useful for connecting an external monitor or projector. |
| + Q | Shows all installed apps. |
| + R | Open a Run box |
| + U | Open the Ease of Access center (opens in dekstop mode) |
| + V | Cycle through toasts |
| + W | Instant search for settings. |
| + X | Power user shortcut menu (Device Manager, Control Panel, Command Prompt, Power Options, etc.). |
| + Y | Peek at the desktop |
| + Z | Shows App Bar in Metro applications. |
| + Left / Right arrow | Moves and snaps desktop applications in that direction, or to a different monitor. |
| + Page Up / Down | Moves full-screen Metro app to secondary monitor. |
| + , (comma) | Aero Peek at desktop |
| + type keyword | Instant application search (same as in Windows 7). |
| + . (period) | Snaps the current Metro app to the right side of the screen. Do it twice and it will snap to the left. |
| + Shift + . (period) | Snaps the current Metro app to the left side of the screen. |
| + Tab | Switches between open applications. Similar to using the left-upper hot corner with a mouse. |
| Ctrl + – (minus sign) | Zoom out |
| Ctrl + + (plus sign) | Zoom in |