The 10 Keyboard Shortcuts That Will Save You Hours Every Week

Most people click through menus dozens of times daily for actions that take half a second with the right keyboard shortcut. These ten combinations work in almost every program and can transform how efficiently you work on your computer.

For new readers: Screen Skills provides practical digital advice without technical jargon. I focus on tools that enhance your digital life without overwhelming you with complexity—you can apply what you learn here within minutes.

Why Keyboard Shortcuts Matter

Your computer already knows hundreds of keyboard combinations designed to speed up common tasks. Most people only use Ctrl+C (copy) and Ctrl+V (paste), but learning ten more shortcuts eliminates countless menu clicks and mouse movements throughout your day.

These shortcuts work across nearly every program—from email to web browsers to word processors. Once you learn them, they become automatic and save significant time every single day.

The 10 Essential Shortcuts Everyone Should Know

For Windows Users:

• Ctrl+Z - Undo your last action (works everywhere)

• Ctrl+F - Find text on any webpage or document

• Alt+Tab - Switch between open programs instantly

• Windows+L - Lock your screen for privacy

• Ctrl+Shift+T - Reopen that browser tab you accidentally closed

• Windows+Shift+S - Take a screenshot of any screen area

• Ctrl+A - Select all text in a document or webpage

• Ctrl+D - Bookmark the current webpage

• Windows+D - Show your desktop (minimizes all windows)

• Ctrl+Shift+N - Open a private browsing window

For Mac Users:

• Cmd+Z - Undo your last action

• Cmd+F - Find text anywhere • Cmd+Tab - Switch between applications

• Cmd+L - Lock your screen immediately

• Cmd+Shift+T - Reopen closed browser tabs

• Cmd+Shift+4 - Take a screenshot of selected area

• Cmd+A - Select everything

• Cmd+D - Bookmark current webpage

• F11 - Show desktop

• Cmd+Shift+N - Open private browsing window

Tip: Start with three shortcuts this week: Undo (Ctrl/Cmd+Z), Find (Ctrl/Cmd+F), and Screenshot. These alone will save you considerable time every day.

Worth Knowing

Keyboard shortcuts originated in the 1970s when computer interfaces were entirely text-based. Modern shortcuts maintain the same key combinations across different programs, which is why Ctrl+C works for copying in almost every application you use.

Learning basic shortcuts can feel awkward for the first few days, but then they become automatic. The time investment of practicing these combinations for one week pays dividends for years of computer use.

Did You Read This One?

• The Three Apps That Will Stop Your Days From Feeling Like Chaos

What keyboard or computer skill would you like to see covered next? Reply and let me know what's frustrating you about technology right now.

Until next time,
Alexander

---

Your support makes Screen Skills possible, allowing me to invest more time in creating valuable content.

---

When I travel, there is often something extra to enjoy on Patreon (for instance: yesterday's photos of the island where I am now)

Or perhaps you enjoyed the article and would like to support my writing by buying me a coffee?