Use Windows only with the keyboard - how it works

You can only operate Windows with a keyboard for a short time if you do not have a mouse at hand or the touchpad is defective. We tell you what tricks this works with.

Using Windows with the keyboard: the most important shortcuts

• Show desktop: [Windows] + [D]
• Open Explorer: [Windows] + [E]
• Change programs: [Alt] + [Tab]
• Close window / program: [Alt] + [F4]
• Copy selected content: [Ctrl] + [C]
• Paste copied content: [Ctrl] + [V]
• Cut selected content: [Ctrl] + [X]
• Select all: [Ctrl] + [A]

Navigate with the keyboard in Explorer

• [Alt]: This key helps you in almost every situation. If you press [Alt] on your keyboard once, the shortcuts to all options will be displayed (see image). Now all you have to do is press the letter and the desired option is selected. Press Alt again to exit the mode.
• Arrow keys: The arrow keys are also essential for navigating through Windows.
• Tab: The tab key is equally important. With this you can always jump to the next element, especially on websites. You will find the key on the left side of the keyboard, it is marked with two parallel arrows.
• Enter and Backspace: In Explorer, use these two buttons to navigate back and forth in the folders.
• Right click: On the keyboard you will find the right click button to the right of the space bar and "AltGr".

Adjust window sizes without mouse

• [Windows] + [left / right arrow key]: Adjusts the window to the left or right half of the screen.
• [Windows] + [Up Arrow Key]: Maximizes the window
• [Windows] + [down arrow key]: Minimizes the window
• [Windows] + [Home]: Minimizes all windows except the one currently in use (not available on every keyboard).
• [Alt] + [F4]: Closes the current window

In this practical tip you can read how you can change the individual key commands and thus adapt them to your needs.