The Best Computer Keyboard Shortcuts Everyone Should Know

With the busy digital day and age we're living in today, knowing a computer keyboard can spare you more time than you realize. Whether it's doing homework, writing content, or keeping documents organized, knowing keyboard shortcuts can transform how you do things quickly.

Instead of constantly switching between your keyboard and mouse, these shortcuts save you seconds doing things. This article will cover the most useful and best keyboard shortcuts across Windows and Mac, and will focus on productivity, navigation, and everyday use.

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1. Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V (Copy and Paste)

We'll start with the most basic and widely used pair:

Windows: Ctrl + C (copy), Ctrl + V (paste)

Mac: Cmd + C, Cmd + V

These shortcuts are essential for moving text, files, or images from one place to another. Whether you’re copying a paragraph for an assignment or pasting a link into a browser, this shortcut combo is a lifesaver.

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2. Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y (Undo and Redo)

Mistakes happen. That’s why undo and redo exist:

Undo: Ctrl + Z (Windows), Cmd + Z (Mac)

Redo: Ctrl + Y (Windows), Cmd + Shift + Z (Mac)

These shortcuts redo or undo instantly. They work in almost all applications, including text editors and graphics programs.

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3. Alt + Tab (Switch Between Open Windows)

When working on multiple tasks at once, instant switching between applications can save an enormous amount of time:

Windows: Alt + Tab

Mac: Cmd + Tab

Press and hold the shortcut to scroll through all the open apps. This comes in handy if you're surfing the web and typing away in Word or switching between YouTube and your homework (we've all been there!).

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4. Ctrl + S (Save Your Work)

Never lose your work again:

Windows: Ctrl + S

Mac: Cmd + S

Get into the habit of hitting this often. It saves your file right away in almost any program—a document, slideshow, or code file.

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5. Ctrl + F (Find Text Fast)

Want to find a certain word or phrase on a lengthy web page or document?

Windows: Ctrl + F

Mac: Cmd + F

This shortcut opens a small search box so you can easily type and look up words. It's a lifesaver when reading large PDFs or web surfing.

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6. Ctrl + Shift + T (Reopen Closed Tab)

Accidentally closed a browser tab? No problem.

Windows & Mac: Ctrl + Shift + T / Cmd + Shift + T

This shortcut reopened the most recently closed tab in your browser—pure magic if you have several tabs open.

7. Ctrl + A (Select All)

Want to copy or cut all of the contents of a file?

Windows: Ctrl + A

Mac: Cmd + A

This command selects all—text, graphics, files—depending on the situation. Handy in documents, folders, or web pages.

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8. Ctrl + P (Print the Document/Page)

Need to quickly open the print dialog for any page or file:

Windows: Ctrl + P

Mac: Cmd + P

Saves time over clicking through menus.

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9. Windows + D (Show Desktop)

Want to close all windows and see your desktop?

Windows: Windows + D

Mac: Fn + F11 or Cmd + F3

A quick and easy way to clean up your view and access desktop files fast.

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10. Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Open Task Manager)

For Windows users, this shortcut opens Task Manager directly:

Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Esc

You can close inactive apps or look at performance here. On Mac, force quit applications using Cmd + Option + Esc.

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11. Ctrl + T / Ctrl + N (New Tab or Window)

Need to open a new browser tab or window?

New Tab: Ctrl + T (Windows), Cmd + T (Mac)

New Window: Ctrl + N (Windows), Cmd + N (Mac)

Very convenient when viewing several sites simultaneously.

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12. Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow (Jump Between Words)

It's quicker to edit text with:

Windows: Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow

Mac: Option + Left/Right Arrow

It jumps your cursor word by word instead of letter by letter—ideal for fast editing.

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13. Ctrl + Backspace (Delete Whole Words)

Instead of deleting letters individually, this key combination deletes whole words:

Windows: Ctrl + Backspace

Mac: Option + Delete

Perfect for fast corrections.

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14. Windows + L (Lock Your Screen)

Need to step away from your computer?

Windows: Windows + L

Mac: Ctrl + Cmd + Q

Locks your screen right away for security and privacy.

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Conclusion: Type Smarter, Not Harder

Keyboard shortcuts are little things, but a big difference. If you start using them daily, you'll be working faster, erring less, and feeling more in control of your computer. Try to pick 3–5 of them and practice using them daily for a week. They will soon become second nature.

Your keyboard is more powerful than you realize—learn it, and you'll unlock a whole new productivity level.