Introduction
Following on from the first post in this series, we shall look at, in my opinion, the nicest of all shortcut keys - Windows 8 shortcut key.
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
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Shortcut Key |
Action |
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Cycles forwards through the Windows 8 Applications. This does not include desktop applications. |
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Cycles backwards through the Windows 8 Applications. This does not include desktop applications. |
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Cycles through the open Windows 8 applications. |
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Cycles through the open Windows 8 applications in reverse. |
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Displays or hides the desktop. |
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Peek at the desktop. |
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Minimizes all of the open windows. |
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Restores all windows. |
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Cycle through the applications on the taskbar. |
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Set the focus to the notification area. |
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Switch to the application that is currently displaying a notification. |
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Cycles through the notifications. |
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Cycles through the notifications in reverse. |
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Maximises the current window. |
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Minimises the current windows or hides the current Windows 8 application. |
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Docks the current window to the left side of the current screen. |
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Docks the current window to the right side of the current screen. |
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Makes the current window the full height of the screen. |
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Restores the current window to the original height. |
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Moves the current application to the previous screen. |
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Moves the current application to the next screen. |
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Minimises or restores all other windows. |
+ TabCharms
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Shortcut Key |
Action |
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Displays the Charms selector. |
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Opens the Search charm to search for files. |
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Opens the Search charm to everywhere or within the current application is supported. |
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Opens the Search charm to search Windows and the Internet. |
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Opens the Search charm to search settings. |
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Opens the Share charm. |
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Opens the Settings charm. |
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Opens the Devices charm. |
Application Launching
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Shortcut Key |
Action |
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Displays the Run dialog box. |
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Opens Windows Explorer. |
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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. |
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Starts a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar in the position of the number pressed. |
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Switches to the last active instance of the application pinned to the taskbar in the position of the number pressed. |
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Starts a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar in the position of the number pressed as an administrator. |
Other
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Shortcut Key |
Action |
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Launches the Windows Help and Support system. |
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Locks Windows. |
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Locks the orientation of mobile devices. |
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Switches between presentation display modes. |
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Opens the Ease of Access Center. |
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Displays the Quick Link menu. |
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Shows the commands available in the current application if supported. |
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Displays the System Properties window. |
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Launches the Find Computers window. |
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Activates the Narrator. |
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Activates the Magnifier and either zooms in or out respectively. |
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Deactivates the Magnifier. |
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Switches the input language and keyboard layout. |
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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 critisism and suggestions are welcome.
