As users explore Windows 11, mastering keyboard shortcuts is crucial for boosting productivity and efficiency. With its sleek interface and advanced features, Windows 11 offers keyboard shortcuts that can streamline your workflow. In this Geek Notes, we’ll explore some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 that can help you leverage the full potential of your system.

General

These keyboard shortcuts are simple and have been included in Windows for many versions, yet you would be surprised how many people do not know about them.

• Ctrl + C: Copy the highlighted text or image to the Clipboard.
• Ctrl + X: Cut the highlighted text or image to the Clipboard.
• Ctrl + V: Paste the text or image from the Clipboard.
• Ctrl + Z: Undo the last procedure.
• Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.

And if you want to store more than one item in the Clipboard, enabling the Clipboard history allows you to store multiple items and access them easily.

• Windows logo key + V: This opens the Clipboard history. Once enabled, this shortcut lets you view and use items you recently copied. To enable the Clipboard history, go to Settings > System > Clipboard.

Productivity

Windows 11 features a host of shortcuts that can enhance your productivity while you work.

• Windows logo key + E: This opens File Explorer.
• Windows logo key + R: This launches the Run dialog box.
• Windows logo key + D: This keyboard shortcut shows or hides the Desktop.
• Legacy context menu: If you are looking for the more detailed right-click menu, hold the Shift key while right-clicking a file to bypass the simplified Windows 11 version and see all options immediately.

Accessibility

Windows 11 comes with several features designed to enhance accessibility. Use these shortcuts to improve ease of access.

• Windows logo key + U: This opens the Accessibility section in Settings.
• Windows logo key + + (plus): This keyboard shortcut opens Magnifier.
• Windows logo key + Esc: This keyboard shortcut closes Magnifier.
• Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter: This keyboard shortcut turns on or off Narrator.

Miscellaneous

Windows 11 has some cool keyboard shortcuts that can save time and handle miscellaneous tasks.

• Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B: This keyboard shortcut restarts your graphics driver without requiring a full PC reboot.
• Windows logo key + Ctrl + Q: This keyboard shortcut opens the built-in remote assistance app Quick Assist.
• Windows logo key + Alt + R: This keyboard shortcut opens the built-in Game Bar and starts recording your screen.

Windows 11 is packed with features designed to improve efficiency, and understanding keyboard shortcuts is key to unlocking that potential. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you can navigate the operating system more fluidly, manage your windows effectively, and even enhance your productivity. These tips are just the beginning; as you become more familiar with the shortcuts, you’ll find even more ways to work smarter, not harder.

For a complete list of all the keyboard shortcuts you can use with Windows 11, follow the links below.

Windows logo key shortcuts for Windows 11

General Windows keyboard shortcuts

Windows dialog box keyboard shortcuts

Screen capturing, or taking a screenshot, is a valuable tool for sharing information, troubleshooting issues, or simply saving an essential moment on your computer screen. But it is not really clear on how you do this inside of Windows 11. So, in this article, we show you how to take a screenshot in Windows 11.

Use a keyboard shortcut to take a screenshot

The most straightforward way to take a screenshot on Windows 11 is to use the keyboard shortcut Windows logo key + Print Screen / PrtScn. This will capture the entire screen and automatically save the screenshot in the Screenshots folder in the Pictures directory.

Use the Snipping Tool to take a screenshot

If you want more control over your screenshot, you can use the Snipping Tool. To open the Snipping Tool, do either of the following:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Snipping Tool.

Or you can open the Snipping Tool ready to start a capture using the keyboard shortcut Windows logo key + Shift + S. Once you open the tool, you can select the area of the screen you want to capture, annotate, and save the screenshot.

Use the Game Bar to take a screenshot

If you are a gamer and want to capture your gameplay, Windows 11 has a built-in Game Bar that allows you to take screenshots and even record your gameplay. To access the Game Bar, use the keyboard shortcut Windows logo key + G. From there, you can take a screenshot or record your gameplay.

The Game Bar has seven (7) Windows logo key shortcuts. For a list of all of the Windows logo key shortcuts, check out our blog, Windows logo key shortcuts for Windows 11.

Use Third-Party Apps to take a screenshot

If you prefer to use a third-party app for your screen-capturing needs, there are many options available for Windows 11. Some popular choices include LightShot, Greenshot, and ShareX. These apps offer more advanced features than the built-in Windows tools, such as capturing scrolling webpages, capturing specific windows, and sharing your screenshots directly to social media.

Now that you know the different ways to take a screenshot on Windows 11, it’s essential to organize your screenshots so that you can easily find them later. By default, Windows 11 will save your captures to a folder named Screenshots inside of either your Pictures or Videos folder. It just depends on what app you use.

In conclusion, taking a screenshot on Windows 11 is simple and can be done using various methods, including Windows logo keyboard shortcuts, built-in tools, and third-party apps. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can make the most of your screen-capturing experience and easily share important information with others.