Useful keyboard shortcuts

This page provides an overview of keyboard shortcuts that can help you use your desktop and applications more efficiently. If you cannot use a mouse or pointing device at all, see Keyboard navigation for more information on navigating user interfaces with only the keyboard.

Getting around the desktop

Alt+F1 or the

Super key

Switch between the Desktop and running applications. In the desktop, start typing to instantly search your applications, contacts, and documents.

Alt+F2

Pop up command window (for quickly running commands).

Use the arrow keys to quickly access previously run commands.

Super+Tab

Quickly switch between windows. Hold down Shift for reverse order.

Super+`

Switch between windows from the same application, or from the selected application after Super+Tab.

This shortcut uses ` on US keyboards, where the ` key is above Tab. On all other keyboards, the shortcut is Super plus the key above Tab.

Alt+Esc

Switch between windows. Hold down Shift for reverse order.

Ctrl+Alt+Tab

Give keyboard focus to the taskbar. In the Desktop, switch keyboard focus between the taskbar and the windows. Use the arrow keys to navigate.

Super+A

Show the list of applications.

Shift+Super+

Move the current window one monitor to the left.

Shift+Super+

Move the current window one monitor to the right.

Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Show the Power Off dialog.

Super+L

Lock the screen.

Super+V

Show the notification list. Press Super+V again or Esc to close.

Common editing shortcuts

Ctrl+A

Select all text or items in a list.

Ctrl+X

Cut (remove) selected text or items and place it on the clipboard.

Ctrl+C

Copy selected text or items to the clipboard.

Ctrl+V

Paste the contents of the clipboard.

Ctrl+Z

Undo the last action.

Capturing from the screen

Prnt Scrn

Take a screenshot.

Alt+Prnt Scrn

Take a screenshot of a window.

Shift+Prnt Scrn

Take a screenshot of an area of the screen. The pointer changes to a crosshair. Click and drag to select an area.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R

Start and stop screencast recording.