10 useful Windows keyboard shortcuts you should know to save time on your laptop
From faster editing to instant screenshots and recovering lost browser tabs, these simple Windows shortcuts can help you work smarter, troubleshoot faster and save valuable time.
- Aug 28, 2026,
- Updated Aug 28, 2026 1:05 PM IST
Whether you use a Windows laptop for work, study or everyday browsing, knowing a few keyboard shortcuts can make common tasks much faster. From taking screenshots and recovering accidentally closed browser tabs to accessing copied content and activating voice typing, these shortcuts can save you from navigating through multiple menus.
Must Read: Is your child’s phone safe? Adult content exposure nearly 3x higher on Android devices: Report
Some can also come in handy when your laptop becomes unresponsive or when you need to quickly manage files. Here are 10 useful Windows keyboard shortcuts you can try.
1. Delete an entire word quickly
Ctrl + Backspace lets you delete an entire word at a time instead of removing characters individually. It can be particularly useful while typing or editing long sentences.
2. Scan for malware without installing antivirus software
If your Windows laptop does not have paid antivirus software, you can use Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool. Press Windows + R, type mrt, and press Enter to launch the tool and scan your computer for certain malicious software.
3. Reset the graphics driver
If your screen freezes or graphics stop responding, press Ctrl + Shift + Windows + B. This shortcut resets the graphics driver and can sometimes restore the display without requiring a restart.
4. Take a screenshot of part of your screen
Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Windows screenshot tool. You can then select a specific area of the screen to capture.
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5. Capture the entire screen
Press Windows + Print Screen to capture the entire screen. The screenshot is automatically saved on your Windows device.
6. Access your clipboard history
Press Windows + V to open clipboard history. You can access previously copied text and images, provided clipboard history is enabled.
7. Reopen a closed browser tab
Accidentally closed an important tab? Press Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen the most recently closed browser tab.
8. Delete a file permanently
Pressing Shift + Delete on a selected file permanently deletes it without sending it to the Recycle Bin. Use this shortcut carefully because the file may not be recoverable through the usual Recycle Bin.
9. Turn on voice typing
Press Windows + H to activate Windows voice typing. You can then speak instead of typing, making it useful for quickly entering text.
10. Close the current window
Alt + F4 closes the currently active window or application. On the desktop, it can also open Windows' shutdown options, allowing you to shut down or restart the laptop.
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Whether you use a Windows laptop for work, study or everyday browsing, knowing a few keyboard shortcuts can make common tasks much faster. From taking screenshots and recovering accidentally closed browser tabs to accessing copied content and activating voice typing, these shortcuts can save you from navigating through multiple menus.
Must Read: Is your child’s phone safe? Adult content exposure nearly 3x higher on Android devices: Report
Some can also come in handy when your laptop becomes unresponsive or when you need to quickly manage files. Here are 10 useful Windows keyboard shortcuts you can try.
1. Delete an entire word quickly
Ctrl + Backspace lets you delete an entire word at a time instead of removing characters individually. It can be particularly useful while typing or editing long sentences.
2. Scan for malware without installing antivirus software
If your Windows laptop does not have paid antivirus software, you can use Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool. Press Windows + R, type mrt, and press Enter to launch the tool and scan your computer for certain malicious software.
3. Reset the graphics driver
If your screen freezes or graphics stop responding, press Ctrl + Shift + Windows + B. This shortcut resets the graphics driver and can sometimes restore the display without requiring a restart.
4. Take a screenshot of part of your screen
Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Windows screenshot tool. You can then select a specific area of the screen to capture.
Must Read: Windows users, save these: 5 keyboard tricks that could change how you work
5. Capture the entire screen
Press Windows + Print Screen to capture the entire screen. The screenshot is automatically saved on your Windows device.
6. Access your clipboard history
Press Windows + V to open clipboard history. You can access previously copied text and images, provided clipboard history is enabled.
7. Reopen a closed browser tab
Accidentally closed an important tab? Press Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen the most recently closed browser tab.
8. Delete a file permanently
Pressing Shift + Delete on a selected file permanently deletes it without sending it to the Recycle Bin. Use this shortcut carefully because the file may not be recoverable through the usual Recycle Bin.
9. Turn on voice typing
Press Windows + H to activate Windows voice typing. You can then speak instead of typing, making it useful for quickly entering text.
10. Close the current window
Alt + F4 closes the currently active window or application. On the desktop, it can also open Windows' shutdown options, allowing you to shut down or restart the laptop.
For Unparalleled coverage of India's Businesses and Economy – Subscribe to Business Today Magazine