A keyboard shortcut is a set of keyboard keys that when pressed simultaniously, perform a predefined task. Such a task could be done with the mouse (or other analog input such as a trackball), but would require much longer. Hence, they are a shortcut in that they save the user time.

Useful Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts:

  • Control+C: Copy currently selected text or object to clipboard
  • Control+V: Paste current contents of clipboard at current location in document
  • Shift+Insert: Paste current contents of clipboard at current location in document
  • Control+X: Cut (remove) currently selected text or object from document and copy it to the clipboard
  • Alt+Tab: Shift focus to next window
  • Windows button+D: Minimize all open windows
  • Windows button+F: Open a search window
  • Alt+F4: Close current window

Note - Control+Alt+Delete, which opens the task manager, is not a shortcut. As there is no other way to open the task manager, by definition, it cannot be one.

See also: modifier key