Most Useful Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts

Working with a new operating system like Windows 7 can be challenging at times, but can be very rewarding once you've become comfortable with the navigation and controls. Here are a few of Windows 7 keyboard shortcut to help you perform efficiently with your tasks.

Activate Preview Pane:

Pressing on Alt + P when inside a directory (My Computer, Libraries, etc) will activate the preview pane in that directory to the right side of the window.

Activating the Magnifier:

By pressing on Windows + plus key (+)  /  minus key (-), you can activate the magnifier. This will allow you to zoom in or out of a page or image up to 1600% magnification. The magnifier can be customized to follow your keyboard or mouse pointer. 

Maximize - Restore - Minimize a Window

You can easily maximize, restore, or minimize a windows by pressing Windows + Up Arrow Key/ Down Arrow Key.

Case 1: Windows are maximized to full screen view

    Pressing on Windows + Up Arrow Key  -- no effect
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Once) -- window will be restored down
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Twice) -- window will be minimized to taskbar

Case 2: Windows are restored down
    Pressing on Windows + Up Arrow Key  -- window will be maximized to full screen view
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Once) -- window will be minimized to taskbar
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Twice) -- no effect

Case 3: Windows are already minimized to the taskbar
    Pressing on Windows + Up Arrow Key  -- no effect
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Once) -- no effect
    Pressing on Windows + Down Arrow Key (Twice) -- no effect

Activating Half Screen for Windows

By simultaneously pressing on Windows + Left or Windows + Right, you can choose to make a window resized to only half of your screen, aligning to the left or right side. This shortcut is most efficient when you extending windows across multiple monitors.

Managing Multiple Active Windows

• Alt + Tab

This will create a linear thumbnail view of all open windows, providing a quick preview of each (you need to hold down on Alt while tapping on Tab to switch preview)

• Windows + Tab

This will present a 3D version of all open windows. Just hold down on Windows key while tapping on Tab to switch windows.

• Windows + D

This will activate the "show desktop" command and minimize all open windows.

• Windows + T

Pressing on Windows + T will allow you to cycle through all peek preview of active taskbar applications.

• Ctrl + Click

This is useful when you have multiple instance of a program open and minimized. Just hold down Ctrl, choose the icon on the taskbar you wish to toggle, and repeatedly click on it with the left mouse button. (This shortcut will NOT let you toggle between browser tabs)

• Windows + Spacebar

If you have multiple active windows open and you wish to look at your desktop without minimizing all these windows, just press Windows + Spacebar. This will make all active windows transparent so you can view your desktop.

• Windows + E

This will open up a new Windows Explorer directory window.

• Windows + P

This is useful when managing multiple monitors. Windows + P will open a configuration overlay to let you choose whether to activate dual-display (mirror or extended) or projector only.

• Windows + Shift + Left  /  Windows + Shift + Right

This will let you move a window from one monitor to another, while maintaining its position and original size.

• Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Opens up Task Manager.

• Windows + L

Locks your computer and directs you the login screen.

• Windows + F

Shortcut for opening the search window.

• Windows + F1

When you're lost and no longer sure what to do, this is your best bet. A handy shortcut to launch Windows 7 Help and Support. Enjoy!

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