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Have you ever noticed how much time it takes to switch tabs, take a screenshot, rename files and close all open applications? All of these tasks could easily be considered labor since it takes so much effort to perform them.
But what if all of it can be done in a second? What if all you need is some simple shortcuts to make your day a thousand times easier?
Here, in this list compiled by Bored Panda, you’ll find at least a couple of shortcuts that you’ll be able to use on a daily basis!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
There is nothing more helpful than pressing ctrl+f and typing the keyword you are looking for. This way you will save so much time from scrolling through the entire text and finding exactly what you need. Mac: command+f
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#2
Want to access your desktop in a heartbeat? Click the combination windows+m. Wish to return? Press Windows+Shift+M. Mac: option+command+m
Layla 7 years ago
Whoa I always used Windows + D, didn't know about this one. Slightly different functions
Brian Bygland 7 years ago
I prefer Windows+D. It's a toggle. Press it once and everything is minimized. Press it again and everything is restored.
Brian Bygland 7 years ago
I like Windows+D better. It's a toggle. Press it once and everything is minimized. Press it again and everything is restored.
#3
This happens even to the best of us. You’re in a hurry and you accidentally close a very important tab. Want to undo your mistake? Ctrl+Shift+T will do the trick! Mac: command+shift+t
Night Owl 7 years ago (edited)
It worked for me. You have to press the T as the last key of the three of them (start with ctrl and shift first and hold them) and have all three keys pressed at the same time at the end.
Load More Replies... #4
Catching a quick break? Not really in the mood for your coworkers to see what’s on your screen? You can quickly turn on the lock screen by pressing windows+L.
Mac: control + shift + power
Tyler Cook 7 years ago
if you've set up a password: Hit ctrl + alt + del and type in your password. If not, just click on the background.
Load More Replies... #5
This one is particularly useful to capture some type of detail on your screen instead of capturing the entire screen and cropping it. Mac: command + shift + 4, then + space key. Move and drag the crosshair around the area you wish to capture.
Parmeisan 7 years ago
Windows 10 (with the "Creator's Update") only. Before that, it apparently existed as functionality in the snipping tool but had no global keyboard shortcut. https://www.nextofwindows.com/windows-shift-s-new-way-to-take-screenshots-windows-10-creators-update
Parmeisan 7 years ago
PS. I have confirmed it works for me, but please note that this only copies the screenshot to the clipboard, you still have to open an application that accepts images (such as Paint or Word) and hit Ctrl-V or use the menus to paste.
Load More Replies... #6
If you’re constantly on your computer there is no doubt that this shortcut is one of your favorites, since it allows you to quickly switch between various tabs. Ctrl+Tab mac: command+tab
Troux 7 years ago
Ctrl + Tab is used for switching within (many) programs. Tabs within a browser, windows within a program, different files open by a program at the same time, etc.
#7
Since all of us are reaching the maximum amount of laziness, why not go to the address bar on your browser without using even your mouse?
Layla 7 years ago
It can be very useful when you're writing a long text (essay, coding, etc) and you need to quickly look up sth on the internet. Ctrl+tab to browser, alt+d, google, read, ctrl+tab back to original window. All done by pressing the keys already at your fingertips, so it's faster than taking your hands off the keyboard over to the mouse and back. Once someone used to these keyboard shortcuts, they use them without conscious effort and it can noticeably speed things up.
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#8
Really want to add an emoji to your text? Windows+comma combination will do the trick! Mac: Click on the text you where you’d like to add an emoji, then press command + control + spacebar.
Troux 7 years ago
I believe this is Windows 10+ only. That's when Windows was reformatted to have more tablet/mobile device functionality and appearance. That's why my desktop PC has an airplane mode! XD 🤣 <-Look what I did with my emoji keyboard!
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#9
Need to quickly check your desktop without minimizing and closing any applications? Use this shortcut to catch a glimpse on what’s behind the layer of tabs!
Up All Night 7 years ago
What kind of keyboard do you use? Standard English or something else?
Load More Replies... #10
Like what you’re seeing in your browser? Wish to quickly bookmark the page? Ctrl+D combination will do the trick!
#11
This one is a very useful shortcut for those who want to keep everything on their computer in the right folder, knowing this combination will help you to organize your files in a second. Mac: shift + command + n. This command opens a new folder in the Finder.
Tarmin Slingerfinger 7 years ago
I think I might have an idea of what this comment was about 😁
Load More Replies... #12
Want to check something you want nobody to see in your browsing history? Quickly jump to the incognito mode by pressing this combination. Mac: command+shift+n
Cassie 7 years ago
Additionally, in Firefox, ctrl+n opens a new browser page and ctrl+shift+n reopens a browser page you previously closed.
Load More Replies... Tony Moon 7 years ago
Honestly still don't know why I need to go "incognito" on my own or my work computer. Such a strange concept to have secrets from ones loved ones.
Daria B 7 years ago
To avoid misunderstandings. Or maybe you're curious about a body condition of yours that you don't want to share with your loved ones yet because you don't want to make them worried in case it's nothing.
Load More Replies... #13
Want to add a quotation to your text but pasting it always messes up your text format? Worry no more, just add the alt while pressing ctrl+v and the text will be copied in the same format you were writing before.
#14
Wish to quickly change your text? Click Ctrl+A to select everything you have written before, now you can delete all of it at once, or you can use other combinations like ctrl+b to quickly bold the entire text, mac: command+a
r3dd3v1lL 7 years ago
Go to a folder or a text file, it works perfectly fine.
Load More Replies... #15
Bold, italicize and underline any text you need with this shortcut. Mac: command + B/I/U
Cassie 7 years ago
That's because there is no formatting enabled here. It only works where text formatting is enabled.
Load More Replies... 
#16
If you wish to quickly move between multiple tabs just use the combination of ctrl+page up/down. Mac: shift+command+]
Night Owl 7 years ago
Both ways work for me, but crtl tab works only in one direction
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#17
Have more than one link open? Don’t waste your time by clicking each and every one, simply use this combination. Mac: command+press the link
#18
Many of us know the classic ctrl+z to quickly erase our mistakes, but have you heard of ctrl+y which lets you to redo your most recent action? Mac users: command + shift + z
#19
Total game changer. If you want to rename any file on your computer click on the file and then press f2, it’s way quicker then clicking ‘rename’ manually. Mac: enter
Jaeda Hebert 4 years ago
Does not work all it does is put a blue circle on the top of my screen?
#20
If you want to make a screenshot of just the window that is open, use alt+print screen instead of single print screen button since it captures the entire window. Mac: command + shift + 4, then + Space key. Then click on the window you’d like to capture.
r3dd3v1lL 7 years ago
That would screenshot everything, with ALT you'll only screenshot the active window.
Load More Replies... r3dd3v1lL 7 years ago
Literally what it says on it. It's usually shortened to Prt Sc.
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#21
Having a couple of virtual desktops open allows you to have all types of programs opened without having your screen all cluttered. If you wish to move between your screen simply click windows + ctrl + left/right arrows.
#22
Not many know about this shortcut that lets you to quickly zoom the entire screen to 200% in one click.
#23
Wish you could quickly change, edit or delete the last word you’ve written? The Ctrl+Right/Left Arrow will do the trick! Ctrl+Right Arrow/Left Arrow
Parmeisan 7 years ago
And/or holding shift to select the text, allowing shift+ctrl+arrow to select multiple words and then delete, copy, cut, etc as you wish. (And shift+arrow for single characters).
Load More Replies... #24
You’re watching something and the noises just sound a bit inappropriate? Just mute that part by clicking ctrl+m.
#25
Open task manager easily by clicking this combination, now you can easily access any running program on your computer.
Troux 7 years ago
Not quite. That brings up an option screen which includes the task manager. This one is a step quicker, and easier to do with one hand!
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#26
Who knew you can quickly enter windows action center? This shortcut allows you to access your notifications and various settings in a second.
#27
Windows+ +/- Somebody tagged you in a picture? Want to check your hair and makeup up close to see if everything is on point? Using this shortcut will save you some time! Mac: Command +/-
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What do you think ?
Misterscooter 7 years ago
I don't know if some of these are disabled for me or are just trolling because several did nothing for me. Like my ex.
Night Owl 7 years ago (edited)
Same with me. Maybe it's simply different OS (Windows Vista vs. Windows 7 vs. Windows 10) or slightly different keyboard or ...
Load More Replies... Cassie 7 years ago
The mouse is great for a lot of things, but doesn't work for some. like the find command or bringing up emojis in BP comment boxes while browsing in Windows.
Load More Replies... Sage Jay 7 years ago
My own addition: if you have several tabs open, Ctrl + (the number of the tap) will get you to it without having to scroll through the tabs. For example, if you have 6 tabs open and you want to go to the fourth one, press Ctrl + 4. Also, Ctrl + 9 will always get you to the last tab.
Marnee DeRider 7 years ago
I'm a programmer. It's unbelievable to me how many developers and QA people we get who don't know even the most basic shortcuts (including mouse shortcuts like double-clicking a word to select it). They are SO SLOW. I get probably 30% more done per day just due to using keyboard shortcuts. It should be tested during the interview process.
Misterscooter 7 years ago
I don't know if some of these are disabled for me or are just trolling because several did nothing for me. Like my ex.
Night Owl 7 years ago (edited)
Same with me. Maybe it's simply different OS (Windows Vista vs. Windows 7 vs. Windows 10) or slightly different keyboard or ...
Load More Replies... Cassie 7 years ago
The mouse is great for a lot of things, but doesn't work for some. like the find command or bringing up emojis in BP comment boxes while browsing in Windows.
Load More Replies... Sage Jay 7 years ago
My own addition: if you have several tabs open, Ctrl + (the number of the tap) will get you to it without having to scroll through the tabs. For example, if you have 6 tabs open and you want to go to the fourth one, press Ctrl + 4. Also, Ctrl + 9 will always get you to the last tab.
Marnee DeRider 7 years ago
I'm a programmer. It's unbelievable to me how many developers and QA people we get who don't know even the most basic shortcuts (including mouse shortcuts like double-clicking a word to select it). They are SO SLOW. I get probably 30% more done per day just due to using keyboard shortcuts. It should be tested during the interview process.
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