Essential Hotkeys to Boost Productivity and Simplify Tasks

Ever been sitting at your desk, working with someone, and their fingers are flying across the keyboard, accomplishing a task in what feels like seconds? Well, it's no magic. It's hotkeys. Hotkeys are keyboard shortcuts that let you do many tasks in just a few seconds, hence boosting your efficiency and smoothing out your workflow.

In this blog, we will go through 15 must-know computer hotkeys: their usage, benefits, and step-by-step instructions. Be it Windows or macOS, this will change the way one perceives interaction with a computer by saving time and reducing stress.

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1. Creating a Virtual Desktop

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + D
• Mac: Press Control + Up Arrow

Benefits:

• Allows multitasking without cluttering one's current workspace.
• Keeps different projects organized.

Virtual desktops are essentially having other monitors on one screen. You can dedicate one desktop for work, another for personal things, and seamlessly switch between them.

2. Switch Between Virtual Desktops

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow
• Mac: Press Control + Left/Right Arrow

Benefits:

• You can toggle between tasks with ease.
• You will never lose a project you were working on.

This feature ensures you never lose track of your work while handling urgent interruptions.

3. Return to Desktop from Apps

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + M to minimize all apps.
• Mac: Press Command + F3 to reveal the desktop.

Benefits:

• Saves time in flicking between applications.
• Cleans up your screen instantly.

View your desktop without having to close windows for a quick peek at your file or a second of serenity with your wallpaper.

4. Open an App from the Taskbar

How to Use:

• Windows: Hit the Windows Key + [Number] (Number corresponds to app position on taskbar).

Benefits:

• Immediately access your most-used apps.
• Saves time and increases workflow efficiency.

Pin frequently used apps to your taskbar, and pop them open in a matter of seconds with this shortcut.

5. Split Screen Between Two Apps

How to Use:

• Windows: Hit the Windows Key + Left Arrow for one app; hit the Windows Key + Right Arrow for another.

Benefits:

• Boosts productivity by being able to multitask on one screen.
• Great for comparing documents or following tutorials.

With split screens, you can watch videos while taking notes or cross-reference multiple resources.

6. Switch Between Apps

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Alt + Tab to toggle through apps.
• Mac: Press Command + Tab

Benefits:

• Seamlessly switch between open programs.
• Ideal for multitasking across different applications.

This shortcut eliminates the need to manually click through each window, saving precious time.

7. Program Management and Troubleshooting

How to Use:

• Windows: Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc
• Mac: Use Command + Option + Esc

Benefits:

• Smooth killing of hung programs.
• Avoids loss of unsaved data among opened applications.

When a program freezes or becomes unresponsive, Task Manager, or as macOS calls it, Force Quit, saves your life.

8. Open File Explorer

How to Use:

• On Windows, Windows Key + E
• On Mac: Open Finder.

Benefits:

• Access instantly to files and folders.
• Provides ease in the organization of files.

This shortcut provides easy access to your computer’s storage, eliminating the need to search through menus.

9. Use the Magnifier

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + Plus/Minus to zoom in or out.
• Mac: Press Command + Plus/Minus.

Benefits:

• Enhances visibility for detailed work.
• Great for presentations or fine-tuning graphics.

Zoom into images, documents, or other visual elements to inspect every detail with ease.

10. Take Screenshots

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + Print Screen (saves screenshot automatically).
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + 3 (full screen) or Command + Shift + 4 (specific area).

Benefits:

• Capture important information and save it with ease.
• Perfect for creating tutorials or documentation of work.

Screenshots are the best for troubleshooting, creating guides, or saving on unforgettable moments.

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11. Access Action Center

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + A

Benefits:

• View notifications and take quick actions.
• Access Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and much more under one shortcut.

Stay connected and handle settings without drilling into menus.

12. Access Settings

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + I

Benefits:

• Quickly adjust system settings.
• Saves time in setting up on your device.

From adjusting display to modifying sound or handling accounts, it's easier with this shortcut.

13. Talk to Cortana or Siri

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + C
• Mac: Press Command + Space

Benefits

• Hands-free interaction with the system.
• Automate tasks like setting reminders or searching for information.

Virtual assistants: a game-changing thing, since convenience has come to your fingertips.

14. Use the Windows Game Bar

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + G

Benefits:

• Record, stream, or capture epic gaming moments.
• Great for sharing gameplay or tutorials.

Gamers and content creators alike can take advantage of this to record and share experiences.

15. Lock Down Your PC

How to Use:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + L
• Mac: Press Shift + Command + Q

Benefits:

• Protects your privacy when stepping away.
• Prevents unauthorized access to your data.

Keep your computer secure with a single key combination, ensuring peace of mind.

Mastering these 15 essential hotkeys can dramatically boost your productivity and make your computer experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re switching between tasks, organizing your workspace, or managing apps, hotkeys save time and effort.

What are some of your favorite hotkeys? Share them in the comments below, and don't forget to share this guide with friends who want to up their computer game. Stay productive, stay efficient!