10. Windows-PrtSc: Screen capture
PrtSc has long been the default option for screen capture in Windows, but in Windows 8 there’s a neat new twist: if you use Windows-PrtSc, a PNG file of the capture is saved in a Screenshots folder in your picture library. (If you don’t want the clutter of lots of picture files, PrtSc on its own still copies the screen to the clipboard, and Alt-PrtSc captures just the active window in non-Metro apps.)
9. Windows-C: Charms
Think of charms as a kind of super-sized options setting: you can use individual charms to share with other apps, search for information, change settings, or send something to a connected device such as a printer or drive.
8. Windows-Z: App bar
The app bar is essentially the equivalent of right-clicking: use it to access additional options in Metro applications.
7. Windows-Q: Search charm
This launches search options for any Windows application: if you’re in the store, for example, you need the Search charm to actually look for apps. Search is also accessible from charms (Windows-C), but using Windows-Q saves you extra clicking or arrowing around.
6. Windows-H: Share charm
Similarly, while you can access the Share charm (used to share information via email or to other apps) through the main charms list, this shortcut saves time getting there.
5. Windows-fullstop: Snap
This snaps a Metro app to the right, placing it in a narrow column so you can see crucial information (such as a Twitter feed) while working in another app. (By default, Metro apps take up the entire screen, which makes sense on tablets but can be annoying on large screens.) Repeating the key combination snaps to the left; repeating a third time maximises. To snap immediately to the left, use Windows-> (which is, in effect, Shift-Windows-fullstop).
4. Windows-Tab: Switch apps
The familiar Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut still cycles through open applications in the centre of the screen. If you only want to cycle through newer Metro applications, Windows-Tab is your friend, and switches in a list down the left-hand side.
3. Windows-D: Desktop
If you’re not using Metro apps and want a more familiar Windows interface, Windows-D opens up the desktop.
2. Windows-I: Settings
This is a speedy route to system-wide PC settings. It’s also where you’ll find the Power button if you want to shut down your machine entirely (by default, Windows 8 favours putting your system to sleep rather than a complete shutdown.)
1. Windows key (on its own)
Hitting the Windows key on its own brings up the Metro desktop. However, if you then start typing Windows will begin searching (just as it used to on the old Start menu), finding apps, files and settings. You can also switch to searching other Metro apps from within the interface. You can navigate the results with the arrow keys and Enter, so you don’t need to use a mouse at all.
- Win : switch between the Start screen and the last-running Windows 8 app
- Win + C : displays the Charms: the Settings, Devices, Share and Search options
- Win + D : launches the desktop
- Win + E : launches Explorer
- Win + F : opens the File Search pane
- Win + H : opens the Share pane
- Win + I : opens Settings
- Win + K : opens the Devices pane
- Win + L : locks your PC
- Win + M : minimises the current Explorer or Internet Explorer window (works in the full-screen IE, too)
- Win + O : toggles device orientation lock on and off
- Win + P : switch your display to a second display or projector
- Win + Q : open the App Search pane
- Win + R : opens the Run box
- Win + U : open the Ease of Access Centre
- Win + V : cycle through toasts (notifications)
- Win + W : search your system settings (type POWER for links to all power-related options, say)
- Win + X : displays a text menu of useful Windows tools and applets
- Win + Z : displays the right-click context menu when in a full-screen app
- Win + + : launch Magnifier and zoom in
- Win + - : zoom out
- Win + , : Aero peek at the desktop
- Win + Enter : launch Narrator
- Win + PgUp : move the current screen to the left-hand monitor
- Win + PgDn : move the current screen to the right-hand monitor
- Win + PrtSc : capture the current screen and save it to your Pictures folder
- Win + Tab : switch between running apps
Windows+R to open Run, type shell:Startup
