Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows Key (tap)- Toggles between the Start screen and the foremost running app (Metro-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.

Windows Key + B - Switch to the Windows desktop and select the tray notification area.

Windows Key + C - Display Charms and time/date/notification overlay.

Windows Key + D - Switch to the Windows desktop and toggle Show Desktop.

Windows Key + E -  Switch to the Windows desktop and launch Windows Explorer with Computer view displayed.

Windows Key + F - Display File Search pane

Windows Key + H - Display Share charm.

Windows Key + I - Display Settings charm.

Windows Key + J - Swaps foreground between the snapped and filled apps.

Windows Key + K - Display Devices charm.

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 Search pane.

Windows Key + R - Switch to the Windows desktop and display the Run box.

Windows Key + U - Switch to the Windows desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center.

Windows Key + V - Cycles through Notification toasts.

Windows Key + W - Display Settings Search pane

Windows Key + SHIFT + V - Cycles through Notification toasts in reverse order.

Windows Key + X - Access the advanced context menu on the Start preview tip.

Windows Key + Z - Access the App Bar.

Windows Key + ENTER - Launches Narrator.

Windows Key + SPACEBAR - Switch input language and keyboard layout

Windows Key + TAB - Cycle through apps in Switcher.

Windows Key + SHIFT + TAB - Cycle through apps in Switcher in reverse order.

Windows Key + CTRL + TAB - Cycle through apps, snapping them as you go.

Windows Key + PGUP  - Moves the Start screen to the display on the left.

Windows Key + PGDN  - Moves the Start screen to the display on the right.

Press "Windows Key + PrntScr" keys together and a screenshot will be automatically saved to "Pictures" library folder.  The screenshot is saved with the name "Screenshot.png".

The new hotkey of "Shift+F8" replaces “F8” to boot into Safe Mode.