Over the years, I have lived through most of Microsoft’s Windows operating systems and with the arrival of Windows 8 with its new Metro look and feel and Windows 8 applications, this is probably the biggest jump in the user experience since the launch of Windows 95.

I am not a great fan of the new experience. Primarily the age old issue of change is the biggest problem and having to find the ‘new’ ways of doing things is always a pain. Don’t get me wrong, I do like change (as long as it is me instigating it).

With Windows 7 and below, I was always aware that Windows shortcut keys existed, but my requirement for them was very small. Most things were there, in your face, waiting to be used. Windows 8 has made me revisit my shortcut requirements and having done a little digging, have come across some real charmers that have made my life that little bit easier.

Window Manipulation

Shortcut Key

Action

+ Tab  

Cycles forwards through the Windows 8 Applications. This does not include desktop applications.

 + Shift + Tab

Cycles backwards through the Windows 8 Applications. This does not include desktop applications.

+ Shift +

Cycles through the open Windows 8 applications in reverse.

 
+ D

 

Displays or hides the desktop.
+ ,

 

Peek at the desktop.
+ M

 

Minimizes all of the open windows.
+ M

 

Restores all windows.
+ T

 

Cycle through the applications on the taskbar.
+ B

 

Set the focus to the notification area.
+ Ctrl + B

 

Switch to the application that is currently displaying a notification.
+ V

 

Cycles through the notifications.
+ Shift + V

 

Cycles through the notifications in reverse.
+ Up Arrow

 

Maximises the current window.
+ Down Arrow

 

Minimises the current windows or hides the current Windows 8 application.
+ Left Arrow

 

Docks the current window to the left side of the current screen.
+ Right Arrow

 

Docks the current window to the right side of the current screen.
+ Shift + Up Arrow

 

Makes the current window the full height of the screen.
+ Shift + Down Arrow

 

Restores the current window to the original height.
+ Shift + Left Arrow

 

Moves the current application to the previous screen.
+ Shift + Right Arrow

 

Moves the current application to the next screen.
+ Home

 

Minimises or restores all other windows.

Charms

Shortcut Key

Action
+ C

 

Displays the Charms selector.
+ F

 

Opens the Search charm to search for files.
+ Q

 

Opens the Search charm to everywhere or within the current application is supported.
+ S

 

Opens the Search charm to search Windows and the Internet.
+ W

 

Opens the Search charm to search settings.
+ H

 

Opens the Share charm.
+ I

 

Opens the Settings charm.
+ K

 

Opens the Devices charm.

Application Launching

Shortcut Key

Action
+ R

 

Displays the Run dialog box.
+ E

 

Opens Windows Explorer.
+ Number

 

Starts the application pinned to the taskbar in the position of the number pressed. If the application is already running, the current instance of the application will be displayed.
+ Shift + Number

 

Starts a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar in the position of the number pressed.
+ Ctrl + Number

 

Switches to the last active instance of the application pinned to the taskbar in the position of the number pressed.
+ Ctrl + Shift + Number

 

Starts a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar in the position of the number pressed as an administrator.

Other

Shortcut Key

Action
+ F1

 

Launches the Windows Help and Support system.
+ L

 

Locks Windows.
+ O

 

Locks the orientation of mobile devices.
+ P

 

Switches between presentation display modes.
+ U

 

Opens the Ease of Access Center.
+ X

 

Displays the Quick Link menu.
+ Z

 

Shows the commands available in the current application if supported.
+ Pause

 

Displays the System Properties window.
+ Ctrl + F

 

Launches the Find Computers window.
+ Enter

 

Activates the Narrator.
+ Plus or Minus

 

Activates the Magnifier and either zooms in or out respectively.
+ Esc

 

Deactivates the Magnifier.
+ Space

 

Switches the input language and keyboard layout.
+ Ctrl + Space

 

Switches to the previous input language and keyboard layout.

Hopefully these little beasties will help you fly around Windows 8 like a pro. I have found that I use quite a few of these on a daily basis. Stay tuned for the next post in the series where we shall take a look at a few more shortcut keys that will speed your Windows travels up. I hope you found this post useful and as usual, constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome.