How to Use Keyboard Combinations in Windows

Keyboard combinations, also known as keyboard shortcuts, involve using two or more keys to execute programs in an operating system. These keys are either pressed together or one after another. 

If you are not new to computers, you are probably familiar with keyboard combinations such as Ctrl+C or Ctrl+V. However, there are so many more keyboard combinations that you can use to perform operations on your computer. If you are familiar with each of these combinations, then you may never need to use your mouse. 

No sooner will you read on to refresh your memory on familiar keyboard combinations, then you will learn new ones that you can use to increase productivity on your Windows computer. 

3 Benefits of Using Keyboard Combinations

Increased Efficiency

Certainly using keyboard shortcuts makes you more efficient than when using a mouse. For instance, when you select an entire document, you will need to left-click and drag through the document using a mouse. However, with the keyboard shortcut, you only use Ctrl+A. This saves you a lot of time. 

Reduce Chances of Health Issues

Constantly alternating between a mouse and a keyboard increases the chances of R.S.I (Repetitive Syndrome Injury). With keyboard shortcuts, you reduce how often you use the mouse, minimizing risks of R.S.I. Moreover, you minimize fatigue on your fingers and wrist. 

Precision 

It is easier to be precise when using keyboard shortcuts than when using a mouse. Say you want to select a sentence or a word in a paragraph. You can use Ctrl + arrow keys to select what you need accurately. 

Keyboard Combinations

Presently the amount of time you save using keyboard combinations instead of a mouse can seem insignificant. However, add up the few seconds over weeks and months, and you will realize that you need these shortcuts. Here are the keyboard combinations that you should strive to memorize:

#1. General Keyboard Combinations

General keyboard combinations are the common shortcuts you have most likely used in your typing. These combinations are universal, meaning you can use them in various programs to perform similar functions. For instance, the combination Ctrl+C is used to copy across all computer programs. 

Below are the general keyboard combinations and the functions they execute: 

Combinations That Use Alt

The alt key, which is short for alternate, is found at the bottom row of a keyboard. It is used with other two or three keys to perform a function. These combinations include:

Whenever working on Microsoft Word, pressing the alt key alone highlights all menus in the application using numbers and letters. You can press the letter or number of the menu you want to open. 

Combinations That Use CTRL

The control key is found at the bottom left and right portion of the keyboard. Here are the keyboard shortcuts that use control. 

Shift Key Combinations

The shift key is often found above the control key. At times, the shift key is shown using an arrow facing upwards. In most keyboards, there are two shift keys. Keyboard combinations that use this key include:

Windows Key Combinations

The Windows key is found between the left alt and control keys and has a Windows logo. If you press it, you open the start menu. If you press it together with other keys, then it triggers a shortcut. Here are the shortcuts you can perform using the Windows key. 

We shall use Win to mean Windows key.

#2. Browser Keyboard Combinations

These are keyboard shortcuts that you can use in browsers such as Chrome. They include:

#3. Text Editing and Formatting Keyboard Combination

These are shortcuts that you use when editing or formatting texts. They apply to text editing and formatting programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Shortcut Keys for Special Characters

Special characters are characters that are not alphabetic or numeric. To insert these characters, first, you press and hold Alt while inserting the special code, and then it will automatically insert where the cursor is. Unfortunately, this action requires you to use the numeral keys and not the other keyboard keys. 

The keyboard combination used for these special characters are:

How to Create Shortcuts

You can spare time opening apps, especially those you regularly use, by creating keyboard shortcuts for them. These shortcuts are called custom shortcuts.

Here is how you create the shortcut:

Step 1: First, open the command prompt 

Type command prompt on the search bar to get the command prompt. Then right-click on the app and select run as administrator.

Step 2: Type explorer shell:AppsFolder on the command prompt

You can copy-paste the command as it is written here. This opens a list of all your apps. 

Step 3: Right-click on the app that you want to create a shortcut and select create a shortcut 

You can change the view-setting to “detailed list” so it is easier to see all apps.

Step 4: Click yes on the icon that prompts 

Step 5: Next, right click on the new icon that is on the desktop and select properties

Properties usually appears toward the bottom of the list. 

Step 6: Enter a key combination

On the shortcut key field, enter any letter that you would like to use for this shortcut. This automatically adds Ctrl+Alt in front of the key you selected. 

Step 7: Finally, click ok to save the shortcut 

Conclusion 

Although they say a shortcut is often a long cut, this doesn’t apply to keyboard shortcuts. These combinations are heaven-sent to make typing faster and more efficient. Strive to memorize as many shortcuts as possible, create more custom shortcuts for the apps you may often use, and enjoy a better keyboard experience.

Up Next 

• Modern computer keyboard: Modern Computer Keyboard: Everything You Need to Know
• 4 Ways To Shut Down or Sleep Windows with Keyboard Shortcuts
• The 5 Best Foldable Keyboards for Travelers