Windows 11 includes useful shortcuts and Settings options for navigation, window management, screenshots, accessibility, and troubleshooting. These 31 tips explain how to use them, plus several current Windows changes that can affect older workflows.
Key notation: Windows means the key with the Windows logo.
Everyday Windows 11 navigation
1. Open Settings with Windows + I
Press Windows + I to open Settings. You can also right-click Start and choose Settings. Use Settings to change Wi-Fi, display, Windows Update, personalization, or privacy options. (Source: Microsoft Windows Settings.)
2. Search Windows with Windows + S
Press Windows + S or Windows + Q to open Windows Search. Start typing the name of an app, setting, file, or troubleshooting option. Windows + C opens Microsoft Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot; if Copilot is unavailable or disabled, it opens or closes Windows Search. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
#1 Best Overall
- Ergonomic Posture Correction: Designed to elevate your laptop to the perfect eye level, this adjustable laptop stand significantly reduces neck, shoulder, and spinal fatigue. Transform your desk into a healthier workstation, ideal for long hours of typing, Zoom meetings, or gaming.
- Unshakable Dual-Rod Stability: Unlike single-hinge models, our stand features a highly engineered dual-support rod mechanism. It perfectly distributes weight to ensure a 100% wobble-free typing experience, safely supporting heavy-duty devices up to 22 lbs (10kg).
- Advanced Thermal Cooling Panel: Maximize your device's performance. The unique geometric heat-vent design on the upper panel provides superior airflow compared to standard solid stands. This continuous heat dissipation prevents your laptop from thermal throttling and hardware damage during intensive tasks.
- Universal 10-16” Compatibility: A versatile computer riser that seamlessly fits all 10 to 16-inch laptops. Broadly compatible with MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Chromebook, and large gaming laptops. The anti-slip silicone pads firmly grip your device and protect it from scratches.
- Foldable, Portable & Ready to Go: Maximize your productivity anywhere. The dual-foldable design allows the stand to collapse completely flat in seconds. Easily slip it into your backpack or briefcase, making it the ultimate portable office accessory for business trips, cafes, or hybrid work setups.
3. Open File Explorer with Windows + E
Windows + E opens File Explorer. Use it to reach Downloads, Documents, network locations, external drives, and OneDrive. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
4. Open the Run dialog with Windows + R
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type a command or path you know, then press Enter. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
5. Lock your PC with Windows + L
Press Windows + L to lock your PC. Windows displays the sign-in screen while your applications remain open. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
6. Open Task Manager directly
Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager directly. Ctrl + Alt + Delete opens the security screen, where you can select Task Manager. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
7. Switch between open applications with Alt + Tab
Press Alt + Tab to switch windows. Keep holding Alt and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through open applications; release the keys when the desired window is highlighted. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
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8. Show or hide the desktop with Windows + D
Windows + D minimizes or hides visible windows and shows the desktop. Press it again to restore them. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
9. Snap a window to the left or right
With a window active, press Windows + Left arrow or Windows + Right arrow to snap it to one side of the screen. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
Rank #2
- 【Adjustable & Ergonomic】：This laptop stand can be adjusted to a comfortable height and angle according to your actual needs, letting you fix posture and reduce your neck fatigue, back pain and eye strain. Very comfortable for working in home, office and outdoor.
- 【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- 【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- 【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
- 【Broad Compatibility】：Our desktop book stand is compatible with all laptops from 10-15.6 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc.Be your ideal companion in Home, Office & Outdoor.
10. Maximize or minimize the active window
Press Windows + Up arrow to maximize the active window or Windows + Down arrow to minimize it. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
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11. Move a window to another monitor
Press Windows + Shift + Left arrow or Windows + Shift + Right arrow to move the active window between monitors. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
12. Create a virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + D creates a new virtual desktop and switches to it. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
13. Switch between virtual desktops
Use Windows + Ctrl + Left arrow and Windows + Ctrl + Right arrow to move between virtual desktops. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
14. Close the current virtual desktop
Press Windows + Ctrl + F4 to close the virtual desktop you are using. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
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15. Capture a selected area with Windows + Shift + S
Press Windows + Shift + S, then select the area to capture. The image is copied to the clipboard and can be opened in Snipping Tool for markup or sharing. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
16. Save a full-screen screenshot automatically
Press Windows + PrtScn to capture the screen and save the image in the Screenshots subfolder of Pictures. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
Rank #3
- 【Adjustable & Ergonomic】：This laptop stand can be adjusted to a comfortable height and angle according to your actual needs, letting you fix posture and reduce your neck fatigue, back pain and eye strain. Very comfortable for working in home, office and outdoor.
- 【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- 【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- 【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
- 【Broad Compatibility】：Our printer stand is compatible with all laptops from 10-15.6 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc.Be your ideal companion in Home, Office & Outdoor.
17. Capture only the active window
Press Alt + PrtScn to copy an image of the active window to the clipboard. Paste it into an image-capable application if you want to save it as a file. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
18. Record a selected screen region
Press Windows + Shift + R and select the region to record. The recording opens in Snipping Tool and, by default, is saved as an MP4 in the Screen Recordings subfolder of Videos. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
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19. Dictate text with Windows + H
Press Windows + H to start voice dictation. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
20. Open the emoji panel
Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon) to open the emoji panel. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
21. Cast to a display with Windows + K
Windows + K opens Cast from Quick Settings, where you can connect to a display. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
22. Open sound-output controls
Press Windows + Ctrl + V to open the sound-output page in Quick Settings, with controls for the output device, spatial sound, and volume mixer. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
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23. Open projection controls with Windows + P
Press Windows + P to open project settings and choose a presentation-display mode. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
Rank #4
- Wide Compatibility: The laptop stand for desk is compatible with all laptops from 10" up to 17.3", including popular models like MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Surface Laptop, Dell XPS, Google Pixelbook, HP, ASUS, Acer, Chromebook, Alienware, etc.
- Adjustable & Portable Design: The laptop riser can be easily adjusted to comfortable height and angle based on your actual need. Besides, you also can fold the laptop stand up to carry around for travel and business trips or store it in your laptop bag.
- Upgrade Large Base: Made of high-quality aluminum alloy, the larger heavier base greatly improves the stability of the notebook stand. The laptop stand will never shaking, sliding and falling when you type on your laptop with this notebook holder.
- Ergonomic Design: The MacBook air pro stand holder works as a raiser to elevate the laptop screen to your eye level. The office computer stand let you fix posture and relieves neck, shoulder and spinal pain, it's very comfortable for working at home, office and outdoor, make typing more easier.
- Heat Dissipation: The multiple ventilation holes offers better ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop and prevent from overheating and crashes. Anti-skid silicone and smooth edge can protects your laptop from sliding and scratches.
24. Open System > About with Windows + Pause
Press Windows + Pause to open System > About. This area contains details such as the device name, Windows edition, processor, installed RAM, and system type. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
25. Refresh a blank or black display
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to wake a blank or black display. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
26. Open Quick Assist
Press Windows + Ctrl + Q to open Quick Assist. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
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27. Change what the Print Screen key does
To prevent PrtScn from opening screen snipping, go to Start > Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
28. Turn on the On-Screen Keyboard
Go to Start > Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn on On-Screen Keyboard. The shortcut is Windows + Ctrl + O. The same Keyboard settings area also contains Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys. (Source: Microsoft accessibility input settings.)
29. Control Suggested actions after copying
Go to Start > Settings > System > Clipboard and turn Suggested actions on or off. Suggested actions can appear after copying a phone number or future date. Microsoft states that the feature is currently available only in North America. (Source: Microsoft Suggested actions.)
30. Search Settings using natural language
On supported Copilot+ PCs, Settings search can understand intent rather than requiring the exact name of a control. Open Settings with Windows + I and try searches such as Change my theme or View storage usage. The on-device agent suggests relevant changes but does not apply them automatically; review the suggestion and select Apply. (Source: Microsoft Windows Settings.)
31. Know which older Windows techniques have changed
Some Windows advice found online may no longer match current Windows 11 behavior:
Best Value
- ✔️[Foldabe & Protable] - Foldable laptop stand for desk & Protable computer stand, It combines the advantages of market brackets, convenient travel laptop stand. Easy to use. Suitable for working at home, office and outdoor, improve comfort.
- ✔️[360°Rotation] - The computer stand with 360° rotating base, 360° rotation connected with the base is more flexible, the computer stand allows you to rotate the laptop to any angle.
- ✔️[Stable & Durable] - The Computer stand is made of one-piece fiber metal material, which is more durable and stable than ordinary aluminum alloy computer stands. The upgraded rotating base makes the stand performance more stable, and the non-slip silicone protects the laptop from sliding.Only supports laptops up to 16 inches.
- ✔️[Ergonmic Desing] - You can freely adjust the height and angle of the laptop stand to keep it at eye level, which helps to reduce the pressure on your body while working. Whether sitting or standing, there is a comfortable angle.
- ✔️[Wide Compatibility] - Our laptop stand is compatible with all laptops from 10-16 inches, such as MacBook Air/Pro, Google PixelBook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc. It is an ideal companion for computer workers.
- Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell open in Windows Terminal: Since Windows 11 version 22H2, console applications normally open inside Windows Terminal. To switch back, go to Start > Settings > System > Advanced > Terminal > Windows Console Host. In Windows Terminal, you can also select Startup > Default terminal application > Windows Console Host. Compatibility problems can occur with applications that mix graphical and text-mode elements. (Source: Microsoft Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell.)
- Legacy MSDT troubleshooters are being retired: Use Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters instead of relying on old Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool links. Affected tools may redirect to Get Help or be removed. Microsoft’s published schedule listed removal of the MSDT platform in 2025; the next Windows 11 release timing for the remaining retirement work was still to be determined in its documentation. (Source: Microsoft MSDT deprecation.)
- WMIC is not the same as WMI: WMI remains available, but Microsoft is removing the older WMIC command-line utility. Recent Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 installations have WMIC removed by default and may expose it only as a Feature on Demand. Migrate scripts that use wmic to PowerShell or another modern WMI client. (Source: Microsoft WMIC removal.)
These changes matter when following older repair guides or maintaining scripts. A command that worked on Windows 10 may now open in a different host, redirect to a newer support workflow, or fail because WMIC is no longer installed.
Quick reference
| Task | Shortcut or path |
|---|---|
| Settings | Windows + I |
| Search | Windows + S or Windows + Q |
| File Explorer | Windows + E |
| Run | Windows + R |
| Lock PC | Windows + L |
| Task Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
| Selected screenshot | Windows + Shift + S |
| Full screenshot saved to file | Windows + PrtScn |
| Screen recording | Windows + Shift + R |
| Virtual desktop | Windows + Ctrl + D |
| Voice dictation | Windows + H |
| Cast | Windows + K |
| Projection | Windows + P |
| On-Screen Keyboard | Windows + Ctrl + O |
FAQ
What is the most useful Windows 11 shortcut for troubleshooting?
Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens Task Manager directly. For a blank or black display, try Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
Where are Windows 11 screenshots saved?
Screenshots made with Windows + PrtScn are saved in Pictures > Screenshots. Windows + Shift + S and Alt + PrtScn copy images to the clipboard. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
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How do I switch between monitors in Windows 11?
Use Windows + Shift + Left arrow or Windows + Shift + Right arrow to move the active window to another monitor. Use Windows + P to change the projection mode. (Source: Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts.)
Why does the WMIC command not work on my Windows 11 PC?
WMIC is being removed from Windows 11. Recent 24H2 and 25H2 installations have it removed by default, although it may be available as a Feature on Demand. WMI itself remains available; update scripts to use PowerShell or another modern WMI client. (Source: Microsoft WMIC removal.)
The Bottom Line
Start with the shortcuts you will use most: Windows + I for Settings, Windows + E for File Explorer, Windows + R for Run, Ctrl + Shift + Esc for Task Manager, and Windows + Shift + S for screenshots. Add window, desktop, display, and accessibility controls as your workflow requires. For older guides, check whether the instructions still match current Windows 11 behavior, particularly for Windows Terminal, MSDT troubleshooters, and WMIC.
Quick Recap
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