This week we’re going to revisit the “life hack” theme and share with you some of the most valuable everyday shortcuts for Windows computer users.
In my last contribution to the Adviser’s Top Tips I shared some software tools I like to use to boost productivity. We got some great feedback from our readers, and some demand for more technical tips to help with everyday computer functions.
Almost everyday I have a friend, family member or colleague ask me to assist them with something at their computer, and more often than not it is followed by the response, “Wow! How did you do that?”. It’s so easy to take for granted the little things that we do everyday, and forget how valuable these simple tricks can be for helping others. So again today I’d like to help you “hack your life”.
Being a Windows user, I’ve compiled a bunch of quick keyboard hotkeys that I often get asked how to do. For the Mac users, I’ve asked our resident Mac expert (and Video Ninja), Nick Kelly, to put together a similar guide in the coming weeks. So stay tuned for that one.
Please note, although all of the hotkeys below work for Windows 7 & 8, some of them aren’t built into Vista or XP’s programming (depending on which Windows updates you have installed).
For reference, below we refer to the Windows key as ‘Win’. The Win key is represented by the Windows symbol on your keyboard, which can generally be found between the Ctrl and Alt keysCtrl+Shift+N (Create a new folder)
Creating a new folder in Windows Explorer is something we all need to do on a frequent basis. And until now, there was no default shortcut key available for this task. But Windows 7 changed that. You could now use Ctrl+Shift+N to quickly create a new folder in Windows or anywhere on your computer where a folder can be created.
Win+X (Mobility Centre)
This feature is only accessible on laptop devices, but will quickly become your favourite control panel if you’re on the road a lot. Get instant access to wireless networks, display settings, audio levels, battery mode, syncing, and presentation displays by pressing Win+X at any time.
Win+Space (Desktop Peak)
Pressing the Win key and the space bar simultaneously shows you the desktop immediately. Handy for those “Is that file on my desktop?” moments.
Win+Arrow Keys (Snap active window to edge)
Snapping your windows to the edges of the screen is a very cool feature introduced by Windows 7. By hitting the Left or Right arrow key along with the Win key, you can evenly snap your window to the left or right side of the screen. The Up arrow maximises the window, and the Down arrow minimises.
Win+Shift+Arrow Keys (Move active window to next monitor)
Got more than one monitor and sick of dragging windows around? With this quick hotkey you can snap your active window to the next monitor. By pressing Win+Shift with either the Left or Right arrow key you’ll be a multiple monitor master in no time. Combine this hotkey combo with the one above to impress your colleagues with your tetris-esque window organisation skills.
Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Open Task Manager)
We’ve all experienced a program freezing and ‘Not Responding’ before. Use this hotkey combination to open the Task Manager and close any ‘hanging’ programs. The Task Manager is also helpful for closing multiple windows of the same program.
Shift+Delete (Permanently Erase File)
Have you got ‘clean Recycle Bin’ OCD, and getting sick of hitting ‘Empty Recycle Bin’ every time you delete a file? Bypass the Recycle Bin altogether by hitting Shift+Delete with the file selected to remove it from all existence! Use with caution, this hotkey is irreversible!
Win+’Plus/Minus’ (Open Magnifier)
Need to take a closer look at something? Quickly zoom in and out from your mouse pointer’s location with this hotkey. Pressing Win+Esc will quickly revert you back to standard zoom level.
Ctrl+S (Save document)
This is a basic one, but one you should get in the habit of using regularly. We can often get so tied up in the work we’re doing that we forget to save as we go. Hitting Ctrl+S at any time will save the active document. If you need to create a new version, ‘Save As’ can be prompted by adding the Shift key to the combination (Shift+Ctrl+S).
Alt+F4 (Close active window)
This combo is the easiest way to close a program without being prompted, “Are you sure?”. Alt+F4 will instantly eradicate the program’s active existence on your computer… until such time you decide to open it again.
Alt+Prt Scr (Print Screen active window)
Have you ever needed to send somebody a screenshot of something, but didn’t want them to see everything else on your desktop or taskbar? By pressing Alt+Prt Scr you’ll only capture the active window, keeping all your private on-screen information safe
I hope you’ve found some new hotkey combinations to adopt for your everyday use? Spend some time getting the hang of them and committing them to memory, and in the long run you will be saving yourself time.
To help you on your way, print out the list and keep it next to your computer until you become a ‘fully qualified hotkey hustler’. And remember to not take your skills for granted. There’s bound to be thousands of little things you do everyday that someone else could benefit from knowing how to do, so share the love!
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