5 Windows shortcuts you probably didn’t know
By David Nthua, March 13, 2026Most computer users rely on a mouse to navigate their way around a PC. However, Windows comes packed with powerful keyboard shortcuts that can save time and make everyday tasks much easier.
Some of these shortcuts are widely known, but others remain hidden gems that many people rarely use.
Learning a few lesser-known keyboard combinations can significantly improve your productivity, whether you are working, studying or browsing online. Below are five useful Windows shortcuts you probably did not know and how they can help you work faster.
Windows + . : Instantly open the emoji panel
Pressing Windows + . opens the built-in emoji panel in Windows. This small pop-up window allows you to quickly insert emojis, symbols and special characters into text fields.
This shortcut is particularly useful when chatting on messaging apps, posting on social media or even writing emails where a simple emoji can add tone and clarity.
Instead of searching for emojis online or copying them from websites, the panel lets you insert them instantly with a click.
The panel also includes kaomoji and symbols such as arrows, currency signs and punctuation characters that may not be easily accessible from the keyboard.
Windows + V: access clipboard history
Most people know Ctrl + V for pasting copied content, but Windows + V unlocks a much more powerful feature. It opens the clipboard history panel, which stores multiple items you have copied.
Instead of pasting only the most recent item, you can choose from a list of previously copied texts, links or images. This is extremely helpful when working with documents, coding or moving information between applications.
To use this feature for the first time, Windows may prompt you to enable clipboard history. Once activated, it becomes a convenient way to manage copied content.
Windows + shift + s: Take a screenshot quickly
Screenshots are essential for tutorials, troubleshooting and sharing information. Pressing Windows + Shift + S activates the Windows Snipping Tool overlay.
The screen dims, and a small toolbar appears at the top, allowing you to capture a specific part of the screen, a window or the entire display. The captured image is automatically copied to the clipboard so it can be pasted into a document, email or chat.
This shortcut eliminates the need to open screenshot applications manually.
Windows + L: Lock your computer instantly
Security is important, especially when working in shared environments such as offices or libraries. Pressing Windows + L immediately locks your computer and takes you to the login screen.
This simple shortcut ensures that no one can access your files or open your applications while you are away. It is much faster than navigating through the Start menu to lock your device.
Using this habit regularly can help protect sensitive information.
Windows + D: Show the desktop
When many windows are open, finding something on your desktop can become frustrating. Pressing Windows + D instantly minimises all open windows and shows the desktop.
Pressing the same shortcut again restores all previously open windows exactly as they were. This is useful when you need quick access to desktop files, folders or shortcuts without closing your current work.