Windows 8 introduced a significantly redesigned interface with the Start screen, charms bar, and Metro apps. While these features were designed for touch screens, they can be navigated efficiently on a keyboard using hotkey combinations.
Here is a reference guide to the most useful Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts.
Navigation shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
| Windows Key | Opens the Start screen |
| Windows Key + Tab | Metro app switcher (cycles through open Metro apps) |
| Windows Key + D | Show Desktop |
| Windows Key + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows Key + L | Lock the computer |
| Windows Key + R | Open the Run dialog |
| Windows Key + X | Open the Quick Link menu (Power User menu) |
Charms and menus
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
| Windows Key + C | Open the Charms bar (Search, Share, Start, Devices, Settings) |
| Windows Key + I | Open the Settings charm |
| Windows Key + K | Open the Devices charm |
| Windows Key + H | Open the Share charm |
| Windows Key + Z | Open the app command bar (Application charms) |
Search shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
| Windows Key + F | Search for files |
| Windows Key + Q | Search for apps |
| Windows Key + W | Search settings |
Snap and multitasking
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
| Windows Key + . (Period) | Snap the current Metro app to the right side of the screen |
| Windows Key + Shift + . (Period) | Snap the current Metro app to the left side (works best on widescreen monitors) |
Tips
- Most of these shortcuts also work in Windows 8.1 and several carry forward into Windows 10 and later.
- The Windows Key + X menu is particularly useful as it provides quick access to Device Manager, Disk Management, Command Prompt, and other admin tools without needing to navigate through the Control Panel.