New Keyboard Shortcut Keys (HotKeys) in Windows 7

In Windows 7, mouse is still essential, with lots of new feature which takes advantage of mouse gesture, such as Aero Snap, Aero Peek, Aero Shake and etc. However, some users still prefer to use keyboard to use the Windows operating system.

For keyboard lover, Microsoft has added several keyboard shortcuts, hot keys or keyboard accelerators to make navigation and usage of Windows 7, especially the new Windows Aero snapping feature easier by using keyboard. Here’s a few keyboard shortcut keys or keyboard accelerators that new in Windows 7.

Windows + ↑ (Up Arrow) – Maximize window

Windows + ← (Left Arrow) – Snap window to left side covering half of desktop space. Continue pressing the keyboard shortcut will rotate the window between snap to left, snap to right and restore to normal position.

Windows + → (Right Arrow) – Snap window to right side covering half of desktop space. Continue pressing the keyboard shortcut will rotate the window between snap to left, snap to right and restore to normal position.

Windows + ↓ (Down Arrow) – Minimize the window. Restore to normal size and position if the window is currently maximized.

Windows + Home – Clear all but the active window.

Windows + Space – All windows become transparent so you can see through to the desktop.

Windows + Shift + ← (Left Arrow) – Move the active window to the adjacent monitor on the left for dual or multiple monitors setup.

Windows + Shift + → (Right Arrow) – Move the active window to the adjacent monitor on the right for dual or multiple monitors setup.

Windows + T – Show preview thumbnail of running applications in Windows Taskbar one by one without mouse over.

Windows + P – Adjust presentation options of the display on computer or projector.

Windows + + (Add) – Zoom in.

Windows + – (Minus or Dash) – Zoom out.

Shift + Click a Taskbar item: Open a new instance of that particular application.

Other popular or common keyboard hotkeys which are already been used in Windows Vista:

Windows + D – Show desktop and restore desktop (minimize or restore all windows).

Windows + M – Minimize all windows.

Windows + U – Open Ease of Access Center.

Windows + F – Search window.

Windows + G – Bring all gadgets on top and foreground.

Windows + X – Run Windows Mobility Center.

Windows + R – Open ‘Run’ command.

Windows + E – Run Windows Explorer.

Windows + L – Lock the computer.

Windows + Pause [Break] – Open System Properties.

Windows + [number] – Activate and run the program pinned on Windows 7 Taskbar, running program won’t be affected.

Windows + Tab – Windows Aero Task Switcher

F1 – Help

F3 – Search

Related Articles

• Keyboard Shortcut Keys for Windows XP & Windows Vista
• Comprehensive List of Command Prompt Keyboard Accelerators (Shortcut Keys)
• Using No Need to Remember Keyboard Shortcut Keys in Office 2007
• Complete List of Windows Vista Keyboard Shortcuts (Hot Keys or Accelerators)
• Keyboard Shortcut to Activate and Hold Windows or Tasks Switching State
• Keyboard Shortcut to Run Quick Launch Bar Items or Commands
• Keyboard Tweaker Simplifies HotKeys Assignment to Keyboard For Fast Program Execution
• Show Desktop Keyboard Shortcut
• Assign Keyboard Shortcut Sequence to Quickly Run Vista Snipping Tool
• Add and Create Aero Flip 3D Shortcut (on Desktop, Quick Launch or Windows 7 Taskbar)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 at 2:02 am and is filed under Tips & Tricks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.