The basic shortcut keys of computer that every beginner should learn are copy Ctrl + C, paste Ctrl + V, cut Ctrl + X, undo Ctrl + Z, save Ctrl + S and switch windows Alt + Tab. With these six you already do most daily work faster.
Below is the list of 20 shortcut keys that schools and computer courses usually ask for, then 30 more to reach 50, grouped so they are easy to remember.
Quick facts
Most used
Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + ZSave often
Ctrl + SSwitch apps
Alt + TabDesktop
Win + DLock
Win + LMac
Command in place of Ctrl
Basic shortcut keys of computer: the 20 to learn first
| # | Keys | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ctrl + C | Copy |
| 2 | Ctrl + X | Cut |
| 3 | Ctrl + V | Paste |
| 4 | Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| 5 | Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| 6 | Ctrl + A | Select all |
| 7 | Ctrl + S | Save |
| 8 | Ctrl + P | |
| 9 | Ctrl + F | Find |
| 10 | Ctrl + N | New file or window |
| 11 | Ctrl + O | Open |
| 12 | Ctrl + W | Close tab or document |
| 13 | Alt + Tab | Switch between windows |
| 14 | Alt + F4 | Close the program |
| 15 | Win + D | Show desktop |
| 16 | Win + E | Open File Explorer |
| 17 | Win + L | Lock the computer |
| 18 | F2 | Rename a file |
| 19 | F5 | Refresh |
| 20 | Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Task Manager |
30 more for a list of 50 shortcut keys in computer
| Keys | Use |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + B | Bold |
| Ctrl + I | Italic |
| Ctrl + U | Underline |
| Ctrl + E | Centre text in Word |
| Ctrl + L | Left align in Word |
| Ctrl + R | Right align in Word |
| Ctrl + H | Replace |
| Ctrl + K | Insert link |
| Ctrl + Home | Go to the start |
| Ctrl + End | Go to the end |
| Shift + Arrow | Select text |
| Ctrl + Backspace | Delete a word |
| Win + Tab | Task View |
| Win + Up | Maximize |
| Win + Down | Minimize |
| Win + Left | Snap left |
| Win + I | Settings |
| Win + R | Run box |
| Win + V | Clipboard history |
| Win + Shift + S | Screenshot |
| Win + . | Emoji |
| Win + Plus | Magnifier |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | New folder |
| Shift + Delete | Delete permanently |
| Ctrl + T | New browser tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen closed tab |
| Ctrl + Plus | Make a page bigger |
| F11 | Full screen |
| Esc | Cancel or close a menu |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Security options |
How to learn basic shortcut keys quickly
- Learn the copy, cut, paste group first; they sit together at the bottom left.
- Add one new shortcut each day and use it all day instead of the mouse.
- Look at menus: most show the shortcut next to each command.
- Practise on a test document so mistakes do not matter.
For every Ctrl and letter pair, read the alphabet list, and a longer reference on 100 shortcut keys of computer.
Important shortcut keys of computer for office work
In an office, the ones that save the most time are Alt + Tab for moving between Excel, email and a browser, Win + L for locking the screen when you leave the desk, and Ctrl + S pressed every few minutes. Learn Win + Shift + S too, so you can send a picture of a problem instead of describing it.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | What to remember |
|---|---|
| Pressing keys one after another | Hold the first key, then tap the second |
| Shift + Delete to delete a file | That skips the Recycle Bin; use Delete |
| Alt + F4 to close a tab | It closes the whole program; use Ctrl + W |
| Ctrl + Z after closing a file | Undo history ends when the file closes |
On a Mac
Mac computers use Command for most of these: Command + C, Command + V, Command + Z, Command + S, and Command + Tab to switch apps. The Mac shortcut keys page lists them, and Windows shortcut keys covers the Windows logo key combinations in more depth.
Frequently asked questions
What are 20 shortcut keys of computer?
The table on this page lists the standard 20, from Ctrl + C to Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
What are the most important shortcut keys?
What are 50 shortcut keys in computer?
The 20 basic keys plus the 30 in the second table make 50.
Do these work on a laptop?
Yes. Function key shortcuts may need Fn on some laptops.
What is the shortcut key to switch between programs?
What are 15 shortcut keys for beginners?
Use numbers 1 to 15 from the first table.