Many say that every time Microsoft delivers a new operating system, it’s primarily about the appearance. Of course, the appearance of Windows operating systems is improved occasionally. But it’s more essential how smoother they become, what new features they provide, and how an average user may benefit from all these. In this way, Windows 11 not only adopts a new design but has also made improvements in many elements. Not surprisingly, to match the newly introduced function modules, the shortcut keys of Win11 are different from Win10. So let’s see what new shortcut keys we get with the new system.
1. Win + A to open the Quick Settings menu
The Quick Settings panel is a new module that has been included in Win11. As the name says, it enables quick access to and closure of several common functions (such as WiFi, flight mode, projection, night mode, brightness, volume, etc.). To simplify the process of making a call, the Redmond company implemented a new shortcut key.
2. Win + B to quickly jump to the system tray
The shortcut key combination Win + B is used in the system tray. The Overflow key (upwards arrow) will be highlighted in the Notification area after you press it. After pressing enter, you can toggle between the icons in the overflow menu by using the arrow keys.
3. Win + C to open Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is another new feature in Windows 11. At the press conference, Microsoft used it to demonstrate instant messaging. The Win + C shortcut key can be used to quickly launch the module. Whether or not it is visible on the taskbar, you can use it to launch Microsoft Teams with a single click.
By the way, in Windows 10, the shortcut for Cortana is Win + C. However, Windows 11 has given it a new function, possibly in response to Cortana's poor performance.
4. Win + D to display the desktop quickly
This is not a novel concept. Additionally, if you want to view the contents of the desktop temporarily while working, you can use the shortcut key. It acts as a toggle key for minimizing and restoring the window. Combine the two commands to minimize all windows and then restore them. This is comparable to the "Show Desktop" option on the right side of the taskbar.
5. Win + E to run Edge
This is a standard Windows shortcut key. That is, it is supported by a large number of Windows versions. It has been added to enable rapid access to the resource manager in Windows 11.
6. Win + G to open Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar is a collection of small tools aimed specifically at gamers. It includes modules for monitoring performance, multi-channel control, screenshot recording, resource management, and one-click sharing. In comparison to Windows 10, Win11's Xbox Game Bar includes one additional feature: technical support for AutoHDR. The shortcut key for this function is Win + G.
7. Win + H to launch Voice Typing
Win + H is the Win11 voice typing key. However, this feature debuted with Windows 10. Win11 has merely enhanced its overall recognition.
8. Win + I to open Settings
The settings panel has been reorganized in Windows 11. Everything has been improved in comparison to the previous version, including the classification logic, search, and usability. This panel's shortcut key is Win + I.
9. Win + F to open Feedback Hub
After pressing, the "Input Feedback" section of the "Feedback Hub" will automatically open. It is essentially identical to Win + F in Windows 10. However, the new style is more compatible with Windows 11.
10. Win + L to lock the screen
We're guessing you're all familiar with this shortcut key. However, when compared to Win10, Win11's lock screen is more concise and identical to the mobile phone version. In any case, the functionality is identical to the previous version. Additionally, it supports the display of information on the lock screen.
11. Win + K to open the “Connect” quick setting
Win + K is the screencast shortcut key in Windows 11, which allows you to directly project the desktop to a Miracast-enabled TV or projector. By the way, Win11 is compatible with both wired and wireless connections.
12. Win + M to minimize the window
As with Win + D, the Win + M shortcut key minimizes the currently open window. The distinction is that Win + D allows for window minimization and restoration, whereas Win + M allows for window minimization only.
13. Win + P to modify projection mode
After successfully connecting the computer to the external monitor or projector, you can modify the projection mode by pressing Win + P. Win11 supports three different projection styles: "Duplicate" (synchronized with the computer display), "Extend" (which uses the second device as an extended display), and "Second screen" (the second screen will be used as your main display). This is a frequently used feature for office or game users.
14. Win + N to open Notification panel/monthly calendar panel
Win + N invokes the Notifications panel. Because Win11 incorporates the monthly calendar into the notification panel, it also serves as a shortcut to the monthly calendar.
15. Win + Q / Win + S for one-click search
Win + Q is Windows 11's single-key search. As a result, when clicked, the search bar is displayed. Win + S performs the same function.
16. Win + V to open Clipboard History
Additionally, "Cloud Clipboard" is a classic Win10 module. Copying and pasting content from machine A to machine B is possible (you need to log in to the same Microsoft account). Win11 adds two additional details to the previous framework, namely the panel's drag-and-drop functionality and the Gif animation.
17. Win + TAB to open Desktop view
The virtual desktop in Windows 11 adds three new features: window movement (Alt+Shift+/), renaming, and independent wallpaper, and the appearance value is increased over the version in Windows 10. Along with the standard window management functions, Win + TAB includes three additional sub-functions: new desktop, desktop overview, and desktop sorting. Additionally, you can use it to move windows between desktops.
18. Win + Shift + S to take a professional screenshot
In comparison to Win + PrtsScn, Win + Shift + S has a broader range of functions. Along with full-screen screenshots, it includes four additional screenshot modes: window snapshots, area snapshots, free screenshots, and delayed screenshots (selected in the editor). Additionally, it includes a simple editor for quickly annotating, measuring, and cropping the intercepted images.
19. Win + Home to minimize inactive windows
Too many open windows will have a negative impact on work efficiency. Thus, Win + Home may be advantageous. It is the key to minimize the inactive window, analogous to the mouse's "window shaking." As with window shaking, in addition to minimizing all windows (except the current window) with a single key press, you can restore the minimized window by pressing Win + Home again.
20. Win + spacebar to switch input method
If multiple input methods are available, the Win + spacebar can be used to quickly switch between them.