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23 new keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8
Windows 8 has some new keyboard shortcuts that will help you get around Microsoft's latest OS.
Ed Rhee
Ed Rhee, a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an IT veteran turned stay-at-home-dad of two girls. He focuses on Android devices and applications while maintaining a review blog at techdadreview.com.
Update, October 18, 2012: This post has been updated to reflect some slight changes from the Windows 8 Consumer Preview and the final version of Windows 8.
The first time you use Windows 8, you might feel a little lost with the new start screen, charms, and apps. The best way to learn how to get around the new Windows 8 design and settings may be to use the new keyboard shortcuts.
Watch this: Best Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts
Charms
Win+C: Open charmsWin+Q: Search charm
Win+H: Share charm
Win+K: Devices charm
Win+I: Settings charm
Search
Win+Q: Search apps(tip: an even easier way to search apps is to just begin typing from the start screen)
Win+W: Search settings
Win+F: Search files
Windows 8 Apps
Win+Z: Get to app optionsWin+.: Snap app to the left
Win+Shift+.: Snap app to the right
Ctrl+Tab: Cycle through app history
Alt+F4: Close an app
Desktop
Win+D: Open DesktopWin+,: Peek at desktop
Win+B: Back to desktop
Other
Win+X: Open system utility settings menuWin+PrntScrn: Take screenshot and save to Pictures
Win+Tab: Open switch list
Win+T: Preview open windows in taskbar
Win+U: Open Ease of Access Center
Ctrl+ESC: Start screen
Win+Enter: Open Windows Narrator
That's it. Don't forget to check out the rest of CNET's Windows 8 coverage.
