Incredible Windows Keyboard Shortcuts to Enhance Productivity
Nowadays, many of us spend a lot of time in front of our computer and laptop screens. Wouldn’t it be lovely if there was some way of achieving repetitive tasks quickly and more efficiently? We’ve rounded up some nifty Windows keyboard shortcuts that can seriously boost your productivity, in the office or at home.
Creating documents.
For many of us, the ability to put together and edit documents is a large part of our jobs. You need to be able to process words fast to create reports, respond to colleagues and take down notes in meetings. Luckily, Windows has some amazing keyboard shortcuts that can speed up the process.
Navigate easily through large blocks of text by using CTRL + the left or right arrows. This enables you to cut through paragraphs, one word at a time. It’s a great way to swiftly edit or proofread.
Meanwhile, you can highlight entire words in the blink of an eye by selecting CTRL + Shift + the left or right arrows. Simply press Backspace to delete the chosen section.
Another fantastic tool for word processing is copying and pasting text. CTRL + C for copying and CTRL + V for pasting are widely-known shortcuts.
But, did you know that you can paste plain text (i.e. not formatted) into a document by selecting CTRL + Shift + V? This handy tip cuts out the hassle of re-dressing the pasted text to suit your chosen font style, size or colour; it should just blend right in.
Surfing the net.
The internet has become a key tool in the world of work, whether it’s used to look something up, conduct research, share files or do some cheeky online shopping during your lunch break. Reduce the time it takes to browse the World Wide Web with the following keyboard hacks.
CTRL + T opens up a brand new tab in your web browser. In the meantime, if you’ve accidentally closed a really important tab, all you need to do is select CTRL + Shift + T and it will magically reappear.
In addition to this, CTRL + H brings up your browsing history, whilst CTRL + W closes a window.
Multi-tasking.
Our fast-paced lifestyles mean that we’re constantly flicking between screens, windows, desktops and devices. Many offices even provide their employees with multiple monitors to work from.
With the Windows Key (that’s the one with the little Windows flag on it) + Shift + the right or left arrow, you can effortlessly move your active window to the next screen.
On top of this, you can also rapidly minimise all your windows by pressing the Windows Key + M – a great trick if you’re buying your colleague their Secret Santa gift and they happen to walk into the room.
And, don’t think that you must have additional monitors to take advantage of multitasking with Windows. You can create a virtual desktop by using Windows Key + Tab and clicking New Desktop. Likewise, move between them at your leisure with Windows Key + CTRL and the arrow keys.
If you want to learn more about streamlining your IT to suit your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.