Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts
If you're planning on upgrading your PC to Windows 8, but you're not forking out for a new touchscreen computer, it's time to learn the keyboard shortcuts.
Microsoft has designed Windows 8 for touchscreens, but many of us will still be using the old keyboard and mouse to get around. So, it's time to learn the Windows 8-specific keyboard shortcuts.
In the video above, you can see most of the basic shortcuts in action. This is essential knowledge for any Windows 8 user sitting in front of a keyboard. The vast majority of these shortcuts start with the Windows button on the keyboard, and are completed by pressing another key simultaneously.
The basics
| Windows key | Your "get out of jail free" card. Striking the Windows key by itself will return you to the home screen. |
|---|---|
| Windows + D | This command will exit whatever app you are in and take you to the Desktop view. Expect this to be a favourite of gamers for some time to come. |
| Type anything | From the home screen, typing anything on the keyboard will launch a universal search. By default, this will search first for apps, but you can quickly switch to search a number of fields, including the web. |
| Windows + C | The Charms menu is one of the iconic features of Windows 8. To access the Charms without a touchscreen, use Windows + C, then the cursor keys and Enter to choose the Charm you are looking for. |
| Windows + Q | If poking around in the Charms is too much bother, Windows + Q will skip the first step and take you straight to Search. This is context sensitive, so it will launch a search based on the app you are in. |
| Windows + I | Microsoft wants you to forget about Control Panel (even though it is still available). To jump into your system's settings, start with this command. |
| Windows + W | If you need to search for a specific setting to adjust, this combo will bring up a search box dedicated to the task. |
| Windows + H | Similar to iOS and Android, Windows 8 now shares content from app to app. Looking at a photo and want to email it? Press Windows + H in the photo gallery, and you're away. |
| Windows + "." | Windows 8 can display two apps at the same time. Windows + full-stop snaps them into position, changintg the position if you repeat the command. |
| Windows + Z | The full-screen app experience is one of the key design tenants in Windows 8, but this means that all of your options are hidden. To reveal them, press Windows + Z. |
| Windows + L | When the day is done and it's time to put Windows to bed, Windows + L will lock your screen. |
More advanced commands
| Windows + X | Probably the most useful command for advanced users, Windows + X opens a menu over the Metro homescreen giving access to classic system tools like Control Panel and Task Manager. |
|---|---|
| Windows + R | Launch the Run dialogue (Desktop mode). |
| Windows + E | Launch Windows Explorer (Desktop mode). |
| Windows + K | Brings up a list of all connected devices, like wireless peripherals. |
| Windows + F | Launch a file search. |
| Windows + "," | Windows + comma minimises all applications and shows the Desktop, but for only as long as you hold down the keys. |
| Windows + M | Minimises all active Desktop applications. |
| Windows + Shift+ M | Maximises all active Desktop applications. |
These shortcuts should be enough to give you a head start into using Windows 8 without a touchscreen. If you know of other tips or tricks, make sure you leave them for us in the comments section below.
Also, for a look at how to interact with the new Windows 8 interface, watch our beginner's guide video here.