Welcome to this article on how to change windows with keyboard! If you’re looking to improve your computer skills, one important area to focus on is keyboard shortcuts. While using a mouse is often faster for some tasks, it can be very time-consuming to move your hand from the keyboard to the mouse and back again. By learning how to change windows with keyboard, you can navigate your computer more efficiently and get your work done faster.
Steps:
How to Change Windows with Keyboard
Step 1: Know Your Key Combinations
The first step to changing windows with your keyboard is to know the key combinations. There are a variety of different key combinations that you can use, some of which are specific to Windows operating systems while others are more universal. Some of the most common key combinations include Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, and the Windows key plus various letters.
Step 2: Open Multiple Windows
One of the easiest ways to practice changing windows with your keyboard is to open multiple windows. This might mean having several different web browsers open, or several different applications. Once you have multiple windows open, you can use the key combinations to switch between them.
Step 3: Use Alt+Tab to Switch between Windows
Alt+Tab is one of the most commonly used key combinations for changing windows with your keyboard. When you press Alt+Tab, a menu will appear on your screen showing all of the open windows on your computer. You can use the Tab key to scroll through the list, or use the mouse to click on the window you want to switch to.
Step 4: Use Alt+F4 to Close Windows
Another important key combination for changing windows with your keyboard is Alt+F4. This combination will close the currently active window. This can be a great time-saver, especially if you have a lot of windows open and need to close them quickly.
Step 5: Use the Windows Key plus a Number to Open a Specific Window
If you have a lot of different windows open and need to switch between them quickly, you can use the Windows key plus a number to open a specific window. For example, if you have three different browser windows open, you can press Windows key+1 to switch to the first window, Windows key+2 to switch to the second window, and so on.
Step 6: Use the Windows Key plus D to Show the Desktop
If you need to quickly access the desktop, you can use the Windows key plus D. This key combination will minimize all of the open windows and display the desktop. This can be a great time-saver if you need to quickly find a file or access a program on your desktop.
Step 7: Use the Windows Key plus E to Open File Explorer
Another useful key combination for changing windows with your keyboard is the Windows key plus E. This will open File Explorer, which allows you to browse through your files and folders. By using this key combination, you can quickly access your files without having to search for them.
Step 8: Use the Windows Key plus L to Lock Your Computer
If you need to lock your computer quickly, you can use the Windows key plus L. This will immediately lock your computer, requiring a password or PIN to log back in. This is a great way to keep your computer secure when you need to step away from it for a moment.
Step 9: Use the Windows Key plus P to Change Display Settings
If you’re using a projector or a second monitor, you can use the Windows key plus P to change your display settings. This will allow you to switch between different display modes, such as duplicating your screen or extending your desktop. This can be a great way to improve your presentations or be more productive.
Step 10: Use the Windows Key plus R to Open the Run Box
If you need to run a program or access a file quickly, you can use the Windows key plus R to open the Run box. The Run box allows you to type in the name of a program or file and then quickly launch it. This can be a great time-saver when you need to access a specific program or file.
Step 11: Use the Windows Key plus S to Take Screenshots
If you need to take a screenshot quickly, you can use the Windows key plus S. This will open the Snipping Tool, which allows you to capture all or part of your screen. You can then save the screenshot and use it for reference later on.
Step 12: Practice, Practice, Practice!
As with any new skill, the key to mastering changing windows with your keyboard is practice. The more you use these key combinations, the more comfortable you’ll become with them. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!
Explanation & Tips:
Explanation & Tips
Now that you know the basic steps for how to change windows with keyboard, let’s talk about some additional tips and tricks you can use to make the process even easier. These tips will help you save time and be more efficient when working on your computer.
Tip 1: Customize Your Key Combinations
One of the great things about changing windows with keyboard is that you can customize the key combinations to suit your needs. For example, you might find it easier to use Alt+Q instead of Alt+Tab. To customize your key combinations, go to the Control Panel, select Keyboard, and then choose the option to customize your key combinations.
Tip 2: Use Keyboard Shortcut Lists
There are a variety of different keyboard shortcut lists available online that can help you learn new key combinations. These lists provide a quick reference guide that you can use to look up key combinations when you need them.
Tip 3: Practice Common Combinations
While there are many different key combinations you can use to change windows with keyboard, there are a few that are particularly useful. These include Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, and the Windows key plus various letters. By practicing these key combinations, you’ll become much more comfortable with changing windows on your computer.
Tip 4: Use Your Mouse and Keyboard Together
While changing windows with keyboard is a great way to save time, there are still some tasks that are easier to accomplish using a mouse. For example, if you need to move a window around on your desktop, it’s often easier to do so using a mouse than a keyboard. Don’t be afraid to use your mouse and keyboard together for maximum efficiency.
Tip 5: Try Keyboard Shortcuts in Programs
Many programs have their own keyboard shortcuts that can save you time and make you more efficient. For example, if you’re using Microsoft Word, you can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly format text, create tables, and more. Take some time to learn the keyboard shortcuts in your favorite programs and you’ll be amazed at how much time you can save.
Tip 6: Keep Your Keyboard Clean
If you’re using your keyboard a lot, it’s important to keep it clean. Over time, your keyboard can accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris that can interfere with the keys and make them harder to press. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris, and wipe down the keys with a damp cloth.
Tip 7: Invest in a Quality Keyboard
Finally, if you’re serious about changing windows with keyboard, it’s worth investing in a quality keyboard. Not all keyboards are created equal, and some are more comfortable and responsive than others. Look for a keyboard that has a comfortable layout and keys that are easy to press.
In conclusion, learning how to change windows with keyboard is a great way to improve your computer skills and be more efficient when working on your computer. By following these steps, tips, and tricks, you can become a master at changing windows with your keyboard in no time!
Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Change Windows with Keyboard
Changing windows with keyboard shortcuts is a useful and fast way to navigate between different open windows on your computer. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using this method.
Advantages:
- Efficiency: Using keyboard shortcuts to change windows can be faster than using a mouse. This is especially true if you are already typing, as you can quickly switch between different windows without having to move your hands away from the keyboard.
- Increased Productivity: By using keyboard shortcuts, you can become more efficient in your tasks and increase productivity because you can quickly access and switch between different applications and windows without struggling with multiple clicks of a mouse.
- Reduced Hand Strain: Using a mouse for prolonged periods can cause strain on your hand, leading to repetitive strain injuries(RSI). By reducing your mouse time and relying on keyboard shortcuts, you can reduce the risk of RSI.
- Customizability: Many computer operating systems allow users to customize their keyboard shortcuts for specific tasks, making it even more efficient and personalized.
- Multi-tasking: With keyboard shortcuts, you can switch between different applications, tabs, and windows quickly. This is an excellent way to multi-task and be more efficient in completing tasks in less time than using a mouse.
- No Need for Mouse: By using keyboard shortcuts, you can complete most tasks without the need for a mouse, especially if you use programs that do not require the mouse.
- Boost your Confidence
With practice and mastery of keyboard shortcuts, you’ll gain more confidence and feel more in control of your computer system. - Easy Accessibility
Keyboard shortcuts are easy to access, without looking away from your monitor, or scanning your hands around mouse or trackpad. - Accurate Navigation
The precision of navigating between windows is easier when using Keyboard rather than a mouse. - Universality Keyboard shortcuts work across operating systems, various applications, and software.
Disadvantages:
- Difficulty with Memorization: Learning all the keyboard shortcuts needed to be efficient and productive takes time and effort.
- Less Intuitive: Not all keyboard shortcuts are intuitive or easy to remember. As a result, it can be challenging to remember every shortcut needed to perform different tasks, making it frustrating for some users.
- Wrong Keystroke: Accidentally pressing the wrong keystroke can cause problems, leading to a loss of data, or shutting down the system mistakenly.
- Reliance on QWERTY keyboard: Some shortcuts explicitly work only on the QWERTY keyboard, which may differ depending on the keyboard layout you use.
- Overwhelming: Keyboard shortcuts can look overwhelming for new users, making them hesitant to adopt the method.
- Not suitable for Visual Tasks: When working with graphic design, video editing, or software with a heavy focus on visual elements, using keyboard shortcuts may not be efficient because the user will need to rely on the mouse for much of the work.
- No Mouse Precision: Using a keyboard cannot give the precision and control a mouse can bring when working with design software, drawing tools, or computer-aided drafting (CAD) applications.
- Difficult to Discover: Users may have difficulty discovering which shortcut keys to use for specific tasks.
- No flexiblity: Some applications may not support or have a limited number of keyboard shortcuts.
- Requires Keyboard Access: For users who have trouble accessing a keyboard, this approach may be difficult or impossible.
As you can see, there are several pros and cons to using keyboard shortcuts to change windows on your computer. For most people, the advantages usually outweigh the disadvantages, making it a valuable tool for increased productivity and efficiency. However, personal preferences, user comfort, and type of tasks influence their choices.
FAQ
1. Can I change windows using my keyboard?
Yes, you can change windows using keyboard by pressing “Alt + Tab” keys together.
2. How do I switch between multiple open windows?
You can switch between multiple open windows by pressing “Alt + Tab” keys together and keep pressing the “Tab” key until you reach the window you want to switch to.
3. What if I want to switch windows in the opposite direction?
You can switch windows in the opposite direction by pressing “Alt + Shift + Tab” keys together.
4. Can I use my keyboard to minimize or maximize a window?
Yes, you can use “Windows key + down arrow” to minimize a window and “Windows key + up arrow” to maximize it.
5. What if I want to restore a minimized window?
You can restore a minimized window by pressing “Windows key + up arrow” again.
6. Can I close a window using keyboard?
Yes, you can close a window by pressing “Alt + F4” keys together.
7. How do I open the Task Manager?
You can open the Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keys together.
8. Can I use keyboard to open the Start menu?
Yes, you can open the Start menu by pressing the “Windows” key on your keyboard.
9. How can I search for files or apps using keyboard?
You can search for files or apps by pressing “Windows key + S” and then typing in the search box.
10. Can I open the File Explorer using keyboard?
Yes, you can open the File Explorer by pressing “Windows key + E”.
11. How do I take a screenshot using keyboard?
You can take a full screenshot of your screen by pressing “Windows key + PrtScn” keys together. To take a screenshot of a specific area, press “Windows key + Shift + S” and then select the area you want to capture.
12. How do I open the Action Center using keyboard?
You can open the Action Center by pressing “Windows key + A”.
13. Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Windows?
Yes, you can customize keyboard shortcuts by going to “Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard” and then clicking on “Customize your keyboard shortcuts”.
How to Change Windows with Keyboard
If you are a computer user, there is a good chance that you spend a lot of time switching between multiple windows or applications on your computer. One of the most common ways to do this is by using your mouse, but did you know that you can also use your keyboard to switch between windows? Not only can this save you time, but it also allows you to work more efficiently. In this article, we will cover how to change windows with a keyboard on Windows and Mac operating systems.
Windows Operating System
If you are a Windows user, switching between windows with your keyboard is incredibly easy. To switch between windows, use the following keyboard shortcut:
Alt + Tab: This will switch between the different windows that are currently open on your computer.
If you hold down the Alt key and then press the Tab key, you will be able to cycle through all of the different windows that are currently open. You can keep pressing the Tab key to cycle through the windows until you find the one that you want to work on. Once you have found the window that you want to switch to, you can release the Alt key and the window will become active.
Mac Operating System
If you are a Mac user, switching between windows with your keyboard is also easy. To switch between windows, use the following keyboard shortcut:
Command + Tab: This will switch between the different windows that are currently open on your computer.
Just like on Windows, you can cycle through all of the different windows that are currently open by holding down the Command key and then pressing the Tab key. Once you have found the window that you want to switch to, you can release both keys and the window will become active.
Conclusion and Closing
Using your keyboard to switch between windows is a quick and easy way to work more efficiently on your computer. Whether you are using a Windows or Mac operating system, the keyboard shortcut is simple to use and can save you time and energy. So next time you are multitasking on your computer, give it a try and see how much more productive you can be!
Thanks for reading and happy computing!