Windows 7 Hot Keys

Hot keys can be a real boon to get your work done faster. I really like to use my keyboard and stay off the mouse as much as possible and with Windows 7 the choices are overwhelming.

Here are some of my favorite hot keys in Windows 7.

a. Win+D: Shows the desktop.
b. Win+Spacebar: Shows the desktop without minimizing open windows (Aero Peek).
c. Win+E: Opens Windows Explorer with Computer selected.
d. Win+F: Opens a Search window for finding files or folders.
e. Win+Ctrl+F: Opens a Search window for finding computers on a network.
f. Win+G: Cycles through Gadgets (if any are installed).
g. Win+L: Locks your computer or switches users.
h. Win+M: Minimizes all windows.
i. Win+Shift+M: Restores minimized windows.
j. Win+P: Chooses a presentation display mode.
k. Win+R: Opens the Run dialog box.
l. Win+T: Cycles through and previews programs on the taskbar.
m. Win+(numbers 1 to 5): Starts the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, it switches to that program.
n. Win+Shift+(numbers 1 to 5): Starts a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
o. Win+Ctrl+(numbers 1 to 5): Switches to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
p. Win+Alt+(numbers 1 to 5): Opens the Jump List of recently accessed items for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
q. Win+Tab: Cycles through open programs by using Aero Flip 3-D. (You must have Aero working; Win7 Home Basic and Starter don’t use Aero.)
r. Win+Ctrl+Tab and then Left or Right Arrow: Opens Aero Flip 3-D to cycle through open programs.
s. Win+Ctrl+B: Switches to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
t. Win+Up Arrow: Maximizes the window.
u. Win+Left Arrow: Docks the active window to the left half of the screen.
v. Win+Right Arrow: Docks the active window to the right half of the screen.
w. Win+Down Arrow: Minimizes the window.
x. Win+Shift+Up Arrow: Stretches the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
y. Win+Shift+Left or Right Arrow: Moves the window from one monitor to another.
z. Win+Home: Minimizes all but the active window.

A couple of links for more:

lifehacker

My Digital Life

enjoy!
Matthew Davidson
Lexington, KY.