Windows 8 and Windows RT Shortcut Keys

             With Windows 8 and Windows RT, you can use the keyboard shortcuts you're already using, and you'll find new ones too. For example, the easiest way to search on the Start screen is to simply start typing. Not on the Start screen? Press the Windowslogo key‌ and you can quickly switch between Start and the app you're in.

If you’re not familiar with keyboard shortcuts—or you’d like to see a list of shortcuts in one place—see the bigger list of keyboard shortcuts.

Here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows.

Windows logo key‌ +start typing
Search your PC

Ctrl+plus (+) or Ctrl+minus (-)
Zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen

Ctrl+scroll wheel
Zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen

Windows logo key‌ +C
Open the charms

Windows logo key‌ +F
Open the Search charm to search files

Windows logo key‌ +H
Open the Share charm

Windows logo key‌ +I
Open the Settings charm
Switch the main app and snapped app

Windows logo key‌ +K

Windows logo key‌ +O
Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape)

Windows logo key‌ +Q
Open the Search charm to search app

Windows logo key‌ +W
Open the Search charm to search settings

Windows logo key‌ +Z
Show the commands available in the app

Windows logo key‌ +spacebar
Switch input language and keyboard layout

Windows logo key‌ +Ctrl+spacebar

Change to a previously selected input

Windows logo key‌ +Tab
Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps)

Windows logo key‌ +Ctrl+Tab
Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) and snap them as they are cycled

Windows logo key‌ +Shift+Tab
Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order

Windows logo key‌ +PgUp
Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the left (Apps in the desktop won’t change monitors)

Windows logo key‌ +PgDown
Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the right (apps in the desktop won’t change monitors)

Windows logo key‌ +Shift+period (.)
Snaps an app to the left

Windows logo key‌ +period (.)
Snaps an app to the right