What are the general editing keyboard shortcuts in Windows?

Do you know any of the general keyboard shortcuts when editing a lot, such things as cutting and pasting in Windows?

This question was answered on February 6, 2003. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Keyboard shortcuts are built into virtually every Windows based program on your computer Some of them such as Alt-F4, which will close any application, are universal and will work in any program Here are a few general keyboard shortcuts for editing in Windows applications

Keyboard shortcut commands are often listed to the right of the menu command in most programs For instance, in Microsoft’s Word application, if you click on the edit menu, the list of commands appears with the keyboard shortcuts listed just to the right (Cut = Ctrl X, Copy = Ctrl C, etc.)

Some of the most helpful general keyboard shortcuts include the following:

CTRL V - Paste

CTRL Z - Undo

SHIFT DELETE - Delete selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin

CTRL A - Select all

CTRL N - Creates a new (folder, document, etc..) whatever your working on.

F3 - Search for a file or folder

ALT TAB - Switch between open items

F10 or ALT - Activate the menu bar in the active program

CTRL RIGHT ARROW - Moves the cursor one word to the right

CTRL LEFT ARROW - Moves the cursor one word to the left

ESC - Cancel the current task

If you would like to see all the available shortcuts in virtually any Windows program, go to the Help menu then to the Index and type �Sshortcuts⬝.

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Posted by Michal of Data Doctors on February 6, 2003

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