Jan 27, 2014
If you just got a brand new Windows 8.1 copy or system for the holidays, some of you might be struggling to learn the ins and outs of Redmond’s latest platform, especially if you bypassed Windows 8 and made a jump to 8.1 from Windows 7 or Windows XP. In such times of transition, one of the greatest ways to cut down on frustration and time spent getting from Point A to Point B on your Windows 8.1 system is by getting cozy with keyboard shortcuts.
Microsoft just put out a guide that aims to introduce some of Windows 8.1′s features to newcomers. One of the pages in the PDF includes a list of 15 keyboard shortcuts that will help you roam through different parts of the OS.
It’s worth noting that we recognize that some of these (like searching through your system) may be holdovers from Windows 8, while others are new to Windows 8.1. But why should we continue yammering about them when we can just give them to you? So, here they are!
15 Windows 8.1 keyboard shortcuts and how to use them
1. Hold the Windows key and press D to show and hide the desktop.
2. Hold the Windows key and press X to pull up the Quick Link menu.
3. Hold the Windows key and press E to open File Explorer.
4. Press Control, Shift and Esc together to open Task Manager.
5. Hold the Windows key and press X and down arrow to open the Mobility Center.
6. In Internet Explorer 11, hold CTRL and Press T to open a new browser tab.
7. In Internet Explorer 11, hold CTRL and press Tab to switch between different browser tabs.
8. Hold CTRL and scroll the mouse wheel up or down to zoom in or out.
9. Press the Windows key and simply begin typing in order to search through your Windows 8.1 PC to find any files, folders, programs or menus you’re looking for.
10. Hold the Windows key and press down arrow in order to close a Modern UI app.
11. Hold the Windows key and press Tab to switch between open Modern UI apps as well as the classic desktop UI.
12. Hold Alt and Press Tab to switch between all open apps, including those in the Modern and desktop UIs.
13. Press the Windows key, Shift and Tab together to scroll through open Modern UI apps backwards.
14. Hold the Windows Key and press P to select a display presentation mode.
15. Hold the Windows key and press Spacebar to choose a keyboard language and pick a different keyboard layout.
