More Keyboard Shortcuts for Everyone

Sep 08, 2025

Once you've mastered the ten essential shortcuts that save hours every week, the next level of keyboard combinations can eliminate even more repetitive mouse movements and menu hunting. These advanced shortcuts build on the foundation of Ctrl+C, Alt+Tab, and other basics covered in The 10 Keyboard Shortcuts That Will Save You Hours Every Week to streamline file management, text editing, and program navigation.

Each of these shortcuts replaces multiple clicks with simple key combinations that become automatic within days. They work across most programs and transform routine computer tasks into quick, efficient actions.

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Why Advanced Shortcuts Make Such a Difference

Essential shortcuts, such as copy, paste, and undo, eliminate single actions, but advanced shortcuts can replace entire sequences of mouse movements. Instead of clicking through File Explorer or hunting through browser tabs, these combinations get you exactly where you need to be instantly.

These shortcuts become particularly valuable when you're working with multiple documents, managing files, or editing text extensively. The time savings compound throughout busy workdays when you might switch between programs hundreds of times.

Advanced Shortcuts for File and Window Management

For Windows Users:

Windows + E - Opens File Explorer from anywhere instantly
F2 - Renames selected file without right-clicking
Ctrl + Shift + N - Creates new folder in File Explorer
Windows + Arrow keys - Snaps windows to left, right, or maximizes them
Alt + F4 - Closes current program completely
Windows + M - Minimizes all windows to show desktop
Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Opens Task Manager directly
Windows + R - Opens Run dialog for quick program launching

For Mac Users:

Cmd + Space - Opens Spotlight search to find anything on your Mac
Enter key - Renames selected file (different from Windows)
Cmd + Shift + N - Creates new folder in Finder
Cmd + ` (backtick) - Cycles between windows of the same app
Cmd + Q - Quits application completely (vs Cmd + W which closes window)
Cmd + H - Hides current application to reduce clutter
Cmd + Option + Esc - Opens Force Quit dialog
Cmd + R - Opens Run dialog equivalent

Advanced Text Editing Shortcuts

Universal Text Navigation:

Ctrl/Cmd + Left/Right Arrow - Moves cursor by whole words instead of letters
Ctrl/Cmd + Up/Down Arrow - Jumps to beginning or end of document
Shift + Arrow keys - Selects text while moving cursor
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Arrow keys - Selects entire words or lines
Ctrl/Cmd + Backspace - Deletes entire word backward
Double-click + drag - Selects whole words while dragging

Advanced Browser Shortcuts:

Ctrl/Cmd + L - Jumps cursor directly to address bar
Ctrl/Cmd + K - Jumps to search box on most websites
Ctrl/Cmd + Plus/Minus - Zooms in or out on web pages
Ctrl/Cmd + 0 - Resets zoom to normal size
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Delete - Opens clear browsing data menu
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + I - Opens developer tools (useful for troubleshooting)

Tip: Focus on file management shortcuts first if you work with many documents, or text editing shortcuts if you do lots of writing. Master one category before moving to the next to avoid overwhelming yourself.

Worth Knowing

Advanced keyboard shortcuts evolved as software became more complex in the 1990s and 2000s. Programs like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite introduced hundreds of shortcuts to help power users work more efficiently.

The Windows key combinations were introduced with Windows 95 and have remained largely consistent across different Windows versions. Mac's Command key shortcuts follow similar patterns but often use different modifier keys.

Research from productivity experts suggests that learning 15-20 total keyboard shortcuts provides 80% of the efficiency benefits, with diminishing returns beyond that point for most users. The shortcuts in this guide represent the most universally applicable advanced combinations.

Many programs allow you to customize keyboard shortcuts, but learning the default combinations first ensures they work consistently across different computers and software versions.