Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts

I have been using Windows 8 a lot recently and one thing I have learned is that to get the most out of the operating system you really need to get comfortable using all of the keyboard shortcuts. Unlike the traditional desktop interface of the Windows 7 world, Windows 8 has both a desktop and an apps Start screen. This means that when apps get installed they usually appear on the Start screen. You launch apps from this screen and you use the desktop work area to manage your files and work with your programs.

After playing around with the system I have discovered 23 keyboard shortcuts to navigate the system. So allow me to share with you some of my favourites.

Note: The Windows key is normally located between the Ctrl and Alt keys on most keyboards.

KEYSTROKE	ACTION
(Windows key)	Toggle between desktop and Start screen
+ start typing	Search your PC
+ C	Open the Charms bar
+ D	Display the desktop
+ E	Open Windows Explorer
+ F	Open the Search charms to search files
+ H	Open the Share charm
+ I	Open the Settings charm
+ J	Switch between the Fill and Snapped apps
+ K	Open the Devices charm
+ M	Minimize everything displayed on the desktop
+ Q	Open the Search charms to search apps
+ R	Open the Run command
+ U	Open the Ease of Access Center
+ W	Open the Search charms to search settings
+ X	Open the Windows Tools Menu to see system functions like Task Manager, Command Prompt, Control Panel and many others
+ Z	Display the commands available for an app
+ Print Screen	Takes a screenshot and saves it to your Screenshots folder in the Pictures library
+ Tab	Cycle through your open apps
Alt + F4	Close a Windows 8 app
Alt + Tab	Cycle through your open programs (including apps)
Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel	Activate semantic zoom on Start screen
Esc	Close a charm

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