Windows 7 Shortcut keys

[SpearMan]

In Windows 7, mouse is still essential, with lots of new feature which takes advantage of mouse gesture, such as Aero Snap, Aero Peek, Aero Shake and etc. However, some users still prefer to use keyboard to use the Windows operating system.

Windows 7 introduces several new shortcut keys to take advantage of design improvements. These shortcut keys will help save time and improve productivity while using Windows 7. To perform shortcut key strokes, press and hold the keys while performing the task. For example, hold the key and press the arrow to maximize the selected window.

Lets have a look on Windows 7 Short cut keys:-

1. Windows Shortcut:

• Win+↑
  Maximize the current window
  
  
• Win+↓
  If the current window is maximized, restore it; if the current window is restored, minimize it
  
  
• Win+←
  Dock the current window to the left half of the screen
  If it is already docked left, it is moved to the right half of the screen
  If it is already docked right, it is restored to its original size
  
  
• Win+→
  Dock the current window to the right half of the screen
  If it is already docked right, it is moved to the left half of the screen
  If it is already docked left, it is restored to its original size
  
  
• Win+Shift+←
  Move current window to the left monitor (with dual monitors)
  
  
• Win+Shift+→
  Move current window to the right monitor (with dual monitors)
  
  
• Win+Home
  Minimize all but the current window
  
  
• Win+Space
  Peek at the desktop
  
  
• Win+[Plus sign]
  Zoom in
  
  
• Win+[Minus sign]
  Zoom out
  
  
• Win+P
  Open the projection menu (generally used for laptops connected to projectors)
  
  
• Alt+P
  In Explorer, show/hide the preview pane

2. Taskbar Modifiers (New in Windows 7):

• Shift+Click
  Open a new instance of the program
  
  
• Ctrl+Click
  Cycle between windows in a group
  
  
• Middle Click
  Open a new instance of the program
  
  
• Ctrl+Shift+Click
  Open a new instance of the program as Administrator
  
  
• Shift+Right-Click
  Show window menu

3. Starting Programs:

• Win+1
  Open the first program on your Quick Launch bar
  
  
• Win+2
  Open the second program on your Quick Launch bar
  
  
• Win+n
  Open the nth program on your Quick Launch bar
  
  
• Win+U
  Open the ease of access center
  
  
• Win+F
  Open the search window
  
  
• Win+X
  Open the Mobility Center
  
  
• Win+E
  Open Explorer
  
  
• Win+R
  Open the Run window [more info]
  
  
• Win+B
  Move focus to notification tray (the right-most portion of the taskbar)
  
  
• Win+P
  Open the projection menu (generally used for laptops connected to projectors)
  
  
• Win+Pause
  Open the System Properties portion from the Control Panel
  
  
• Ctrl+Shift+Esc
  Open Windows Task Manager

[Itronix]

For keyboard lover, Microsoft has added several keyboard shortcuts, hot keys or keyboard accelerators to make navigation and usage of Windows 7, especially the new Windows Aero snapping feature easier by using keyboard.

1. Managing Windows:

• Alt+F4
  Close the active window
  
• Alt+Tab
  Switch to previous active window
  
• Alt+Esc
  Cycle through all open windows
  
• Win+Tab
  Flip 3D [more info]
  
• Ctrl+Win+Tab
  Persistent Flip 3D
  
• Win+T
  Cycle through applications on taskbar (showing its live preview)
  
• Win+M
  Minimize all open windows
  
• Win+Shift+M
  Undo all window minimization
  
• Win+D Toggle showing the desktop

2. Logging In And Out:

While the below shortcuts seem unwieldy because of their length, they're quite easy to remember once you try them out a few times.

• Win, →,
  Enter Shutdown
  
• Win, →, →, R
  Restart
  
• Win, →, →, S
  Sleep
  
• Win, →, →, W
  Switch Users
  
• Win+L
  Locks computer

3. Viewing Folders With Explorer:

• Alt+←
  Go back
  
• Alt+→
  Go forward
  
• Alt+↑
  Go up a directory
  
• Alt+D
  Move focus to address bar
  
• Alt+D, Tab
  Move focus to search bar
  
• Alt+Enter
  Open the Properties window of the current selection
  
• Ctrl+Mousewheel
  Change the view type (extra large, small, list view, detail, etc.)
  
• Alt+P
  Show/hide the preview pane

[Kraker999]

for those of you sadly missing your Winkey + E Shortcut to bring up the explorer window — you will be enlightened and delighted to know that this functionality has not been replaced by The Libraries window but rather moved over to CTRL - ALT - E - which will now bring up your explorer window with my computer view, showing your harddrives.. slightly different key stroke.. same beloved functionality. Enjoy! took me a few to figure out!

[Namchan]

I really enjoy to read your article, thanks