The most useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac
The most useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac: copy, paste, undo, find, switch windows, reopen tabs, screenshots and more in one easy table.
Quick answer
The basic shortcuts work in almost every program: Ctrl + C copies, Ctrl + V pastes, Ctrl + X cuts, Ctrl + Z undoes, Ctrl + F finds and Ctrl + S saves. On a Mac, use Cmd instead of Ctrl. Windows + D shows the desktop and Alt + Tab switches windows.
Key takeaways
- Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V and Ctrl + Z work in almost every program.
- On a Mac, the Cmd key does what Ctrl does on Windows.
- Alt + Tab switches windows; Windows + D shows the desktop.
- Ctrl + F finds words in a page or document.
Keyboard shortcuts do in one second what takes several clicks with a mouse. Learning ten of them changes how fast you work.
The essentials (they work almost everywhere)
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Cmd + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Cmd + V |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | Cmd + X |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Cmd + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | Cmd + Shift + Z |
| Select all | Ctrl + A | Cmd + A |
| Find | Ctrl + F | Cmd + F |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Cmd + S |
| Ctrl + P | Cmd + P |
Windows and system
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Switch windows | Alt + Tab | Cmd + Tab |
| Show the desktop | Windows + D | F11 or a trackpad gesture |
| Lock the computer | Windows + L | Ctrl + Cmd + Q |
| Open file explorer | Windows + E | Cmd + Space, then type “Finder” |
| Screenshot an area | Windows + Shift + S | Cmd + Shift + 4 |
| Close the window or app | Alt + F4 | Cmd + Q |
In the browser
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| New tab | Ctrl + T | Cmd + T |
| Reopen closed tab | Ctrl + Shift + T | Cmd + Shift + T |
| Close tab | Ctrl + W | Cmd + W |
| Incognito/private window | Ctrl + Shift + N | Cmd + Shift + N |
| Zoom in or out | Ctrl + / Ctrl − | Cmd + / Cmd − |
How to learn them without effort
- Pick three shortcuts this week and use them on purpose.
- When you do something with the mouse several times, look up its shortcut.
- If you work with spreadsheets, continue with Excel formulas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to copy and paste?
Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste on Windows; Cmd + C and Cmd + V on a Mac. Ctrl + X cuts (copies and removes).
How do I undo something I deleted by mistake?
Press Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on a Mac). To redo, use Ctrl + Y on Windows or Cmd + Shift + Z on a Mac.
How do I reopen a tab I closed by accident?
In Chrome, Edge and Firefox, press Ctrl + Shift + T (Cmd + Shift + T on a Mac).
Sources
- Keyboard shortcuts in Windows Microsoft Support
This article is general and educational; it is not personalized financial, legal or tax advice. Financial product terms change: always confirm current terms with the institution.