The redo shortcut key on Windows is Ctrl + Y. It brings back an action you just reversed with undo. If you pressed Ctrl + Z one time too many, Ctrl + Y steps forward again.
Some programs, especially browsers and design tools, prefer Ctrl + Shift + Z for redo. On a Mac the usual key is Command + Shift + Z. Word and Excel add one more trick: when there is nothing to redo, Ctrl + Y and F4 repeat your last action instead.
Quick facts
Redo
Ctrl + YRedo, other apps
Ctrl + Shift + ZRepeat last action
F4 in Word and ExcelUndo first
Ctrl + ZMac
Command + Shift + ZLaptop
Fn + F4 if F4 is a media key
Redo shortcut key in different programs
| Program | Redo keys |
|---|---|
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Ctrl + Y |
| File Explorer | Ctrl + Y |
| Chrome and Edge text boxes | Ctrl + Y or Ctrl + Shift + Z |
| Notepad | Ctrl + Y |
| Mac apps | Command + Shift + Z |
| Office for Mac | Command + Y or Command + Shift + Z |
How redo works after undo
- Make a change, for example delete a sentence.
- Press Ctrl + Z. The sentence comes back.
- Press Ctrl + Y. The sentence is deleted again.
- Keep pressing to redo several steps in order.
- Stop as soon as the document looks the way you want, then save it.
Redo only remembers what you undid. As soon as you type or change something new, the redo list is cleared, so redo has nothing to bring back. The undo shortcut key guide explains the undo side in detail.
Redo shortcut in Word and Excel repeats actions
In Word and Excel, when nothing is waiting to be redone, Ctrl + Y repeats your last action on the new selection. F4 does the same. Make one heading bold and coloured, select the next heading and press F4: it gets the same change. In Excel you can insert one row, then press F4 on other rows to insert more.
Shortcut key of redo on laptops
Ctrl + Y uses letter keys, so it works the same on every laptop. The F4 repeat trick may need Fn + F4 on laptops where F4 controls the microphone or screen. Turning Fn lock on avoids that.
Searching in Hinglish for "redo ka shortcut key" leads to Ctrl + Y as well, on any Windows keyboard.
When redo does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Y does nothing | Nothing was undone; redo needs an undo first |
| Redo button greyed out | You made a new change after undoing; the redo list was cleared |
| Ctrl + Y opens history in a browser | Some browsers use it for history; use Ctrl + Shift + Z in text boxes |
| F4 changes the microphone | Use Fn + F4 |
Redo on a Mac
Most Mac apps use Command + Shift + Z. Office for Mac also accepts Command + Y. The Mac undo and redo page lists app differences, and all the everyday editing keys are on the editing shortcuts hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for redo?
What is the redo shortcut in Word?
Is Ctrl + Shift + Z the same as redo?
In many programs, yes. Office programs on Windows use Ctrl + Y.
Why is redo not working?
You need to undo something first, and the redo list is cleared when you make a new change.
What does F4 do in Excel?
Outside a formula it repeats the last action; inside a formula it locks cell references with dollar signs.
What is the shortcut key of redo on a laptop?
The same Ctrl + Y.