10 Best Keyboard Tricks and Tips for Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with numerous productivity-enhancing features, and mastering keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. Instead of relying solely on your mouse, these keyboard tricks will help you navigate, multitask, and manage your workspace more efficiently. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, these 10 keyboard shortcuts and tricks will help you get the most out of Windows 11.

1. Windows + Shift + S – Take a Screenshot with Snipping Tool

Capturing your screen is easier than ever with Windows 11’s built-in Snipping Tool. Press Windows + Shift + S, and a small toolbar will appear, allowing you to select a rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, or full-screen snip. Your screenshot is automatically copied to the clipboard, making it easy to paste into documents or image editors.

2. Windows + D – Show or Hide the Desktop

Need to quickly access your desktop? Press Windows + D to minimize all open windows and go straight to the desktop. Press it again to restore the windows to their previous state. This is especially useful when you have multiple applications open and need a quick way to clear your screen.

3. Alt + Tab – Switch Between Open Windows

One of the oldest and most essential shortcuts, Alt + Tab, lets you quickly cycle through all open applications. Holding Alt while repeatedly pressing Tab allows you to navigate through your open windows effortlessly, improving multitasking efficiency.

4. Windows + V – Open the Clipboard History

Did you know Windows 11 has a clipboard history feature? Instead of pasting only the last copied item, press Windows + V to see a history of copied text and images. You can pin frequently used items and access them anytime. To enable this feature, go to Settings > System > Clipboard and toggle on Clipboard History.

5. Windows + L – Lock Your PC Instantly

Security is crucial, especially in work or public environments. Instead of manually signing out or putting your PC to sleep, press Windows + L to instantly lock your computer. This ensures your data remains secure when stepping away from your device.

6. Windows + . (Period) – Open the Emoji Panel

If you frequently use emojis, special characters, or symbols, this shortcut is a game-changer. Press Windows + . (Period) to open the emoji panel. This also includes access to kaomoji (text-based emoticons) and symbols like currency signs, arrows, and mathematical operators.

7. Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B – Fix a Frozen Screen

Sometimes, your display might freeze unexpectedly, leaving your PC unresponsive. Instead of rebooting, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to refresh your graphics driver. This shortcut can quickly resolve minor display issues without losing your work.

8. Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager Directly

Instead of using Ctrl + Alt + Del and selecting Task Manager manually, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it instantly. This is especially useful for closing unresponsive applications or monitoring system performance without extra steps.

9. Windows + Arrow Keys – Snap Windows for Multitasking

Windows 11 has improved window management with Snap Layouts, but you can still use keyboard shortcuts for fast window snapping:

• Windows + Left Arrow – Snap the current window to the left half of the screen.
• Windows + Right Arrow – Snap the window to the right half.
• Windows + Up Arrow – Maximize the window.
• Windows + Down Arrow – Minimize the window.

Combining these shortcuts allows you to efficiently arrange multiple windows and boost your productivity.

10. Windows + Ctrl + D – Create a New Virtual Desktop

Windows 11 supports Virtual Desktops, which let you organize your work across multiple desktops. Press Windows + Ctrl + D to create a new virtual desktop. To switch between them, use Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow. This is great for separating work and personal tasks without cluttering your screen.

Mastering these keyboard tricks will make using Windows 11 much more efficient. From managing windows to improving navigation, these shortcuts save time and effort. Try incorporating them into your daily routine, and you’ll notice a significant productivity boost.

Which of these keyboard shortcuts do you use most often? Let us know in the comments!