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These tricks will make your Windows 10 experience even better

Published Jul 29th, 2015 11:37AM EDT
Wnidows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts

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It’s a busy day in the tech world today as Microsoft just a few hours ago released Windows 10 in 190 countries. And in case you missed it, the friendly folks in Redmond are making the upgrade to Windows 10 completely free for existing Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. Of course, if you happen to be running Vista or XP, there are ways for you to get Windows 10 for free as well.

Thus far, early reviews of Windows 10 have been overwhelmingly positive as Microsoft seems to have corrected many of the frustrations that plagued Windows 8. Which is to say, if you’re a Windows user, this is an upgrade you’d be well advised to check out as soon as possible.

DON’T MISS: How to skip the queue and install Windows 10 right now

If you’ve already downloaded Windows 10, or even if you’re planning to do so in the near future, you can really streamline your computing experience by making note of the myriad of keyboard shortcuts Microsoft implemented in Windows 10. While some are undoubtedly familiar, there are some new ones worth highlighting. Below are a few of the more important ones to be aware of.

Windows Key + A – this activates the Action Center

Windows Key + C – this activates Cortana with voice

Windows Key + D – this shows you a desktop view of your machine by minimizing applications

Control + Shift + M – this restores your minimized applications to normal size

Windows Key + I – this will open up your Windows 10 settings pane

Windows Key + K – use this shortcut to enable wireless streaming to displays and audio devices

Windows Key + L – locks your machine

Windows Key + S – this opens up Cortana

Windows Key + V – cycle through notifications

Windows Key + plus – zoom in on your screen

Windows Key + minus – and zoom right back out

Windows Key + Ctrl + (left or right arrow) – scroll through your virtual desktops, in either direction

Windows Key + Control + D – this creates a new virtual desktop

Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 – this closes a virtual desktop

Windows Key + Tab – quickly view all of your active desktops

Windows Key + Left — this snaps the active window to the left

Windows Key + Right — this snaps active window to the right

Windows Key + Up — this snap the active window to the top

Windows Key + Down — this snap the active window to the bottom

Windows Key + , – this will hide your apps and give you a clean glance at your desktop

Make sure to hit the source link below for the complete rundown of useful Windows 10 tips and tricks.

SEE ALSO: Windows 10: The 5 best new features

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.