Must-Know Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 10 Users

Now that the Windows 10 operating system has been rolled out widely and more and more people are taking the plunge, it is time to share some shortcuts that will make it even easier to use. So far the reception for Windows 10 has been largely positive — certainly better than the debacle that accompanied the release of Windows 8. Whether you are already using Windows 10 or just getting ready to upgrade, here are some simple keyboard shortcuts you can start using right now.

Lock the Screen with a Two-Finger Salute
Microsoft has talked a great deal about the advanced security features in Windows 10, and many computer experts agree the new operating system is a big improvement over past versions of Windows.

One of the simplest security features, however, is also one of the easiest to overlook. Locking the screen is one of the best ways to keep prying eyes away from your computer, and pressing the Windows Key and L at the same time instantly locks the screen and keeps snoops out.

Get Help in a Flash
One of the most widely touted features of Windows 10 is the virtual assistant known as Cortana. You can think of this as Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri, and so far users seem to like it.

You can bring up your virtual assistant with a simple keyboard shortcut. Just press the Windows button and C at the same time and she will be there – ready to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Make the Screen Easier to Read
Windows 10 is endlessly customizable, and you can change the screen size in a flash. Just tap the Windows Key and + to make the screen larger or the – to make it smaller.

This keyboard shortcut works with every browser, so you can get a better view whether you stick with the embedded Windows 10 browser or opt for an alternative like Firefox or Chrome.

Set Up a Virtual Desktop
If you love to multitask, this keyboard shortcut is for you. When you press the Windows Key, Ctrl and D at the same time, you can open multiple desktops to work on different projects simultaneously.

Once those virtual desktops are in place, they can function just like different computers. If you want to check your email on one desktop while you post to Facebook on the other and Skype with your best friend on a third, it is all just a click away.

Search in a Snap
When you are surfing the web or reading a lengthy news story online, the ability to search for certain keywords and phrases really comes in handy. Luckily, the designers of Windows 10 have incorporated an on-screen search feature into their new operating system, and bringing it up could not be easier.

Just tap the F3 key to bring up the on-screen search feature. Once the window opens, you can simply type whatever you are looking for and jump right to it.

Take Charge of Your Open Windows
Windows 10 is powerful enough to open multiple windows at the same time, so you can get more work done. If you want to toggle between all those open windows, just tap Ctrl, Alt and Tab.

That simple key combination allows you to take back control of your windows – so you can multitask with ease. This keyboard shortcut works no matter what the various windows contain – so you can flip from a Word document or Excel spreadsheet to a browser or your photo editing software with ease.

Windows 10 is fast becoming the defacto operating system for both home users and businesses, so the time to get familiar with it is now. The keyboard shortcuts listed above can make the new operating system easier to use and save you hours of unnecessary work.