Trying out Windows 8 Release Preview? Try these shortcut keys for help getting adjusted!
Trying out the Windows 8 Release Preview, but getting a little stuck on some aspects of the new UI? Try these shortcut keys as quick ways to get around …
WINDOWS KEY - Toggles between the Start screen and the foremost running app (Windows 8-style) or the Windows Desktop.
WINDOWS KEY + 1, WINDOWS KEY + 2, etc. - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the nth shortcut in the Windows taskbar. So WINDOWS KEY + 1 would launch whichever application is first in the list, from left to right.
WINDOWS KEY + B - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and select the tray notification area.
WINDOWS KEY + C - Display Charms and time/date/notification overlay. (Note that this shortcut displays the charms in the lower left of the screen and not on the right as would be the case using touch.)
WINDOWS KEY + D - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and toggle Show Desktop (hides/shows any applications and other windows).
WINDOWS KEY + E. Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch Windows Explorer with Computer view displayed.
WINDOWS KEY + F - Search Files using the new Windows Search pane.
WINDOWS KEY + I - Display Settings pane for the Start screen (also provides access to Networks, Volume, Screen Brightness, Notifications, Power, and Language).
WINDOWS KEY + L - Lock PC and return to Lock screen.
WINDOWS KEY + M - Minimize the selected Explorer window.
WINDOWS KEY + O - Toggle orientation switching on slate and tablet PCs.
WINDOWS KEY + P - Display the new Project (for "projection") pane for choosing between available displays.
WINDOWS KEY + Q - Search (within) Apps using the new Windows Search pane.
WINDOWS KEY + R - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Run box.
WINDOWS KEY + U - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center.
WINDOWS KEY + X - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Windows shortcuts pop-up menu.
WINDOWS KEY + Z - Display the App Bar in a Windows 8-style app.
WINDOWS KEY + ARROW KEYS - Aero Snap (on classic Desktop)
My favorite hotkey shortcuts are I, C and X! What's yours?
Have you found any others? If so, post them in the Comments below!
HTH,
Keith