Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts

Now that we are a couple of weeks away from the official retail launch date of Windows 7, I thought I would list out some of my favorite and most used keyboard shortcuts in this new operating system from Microsoft.  For me, the most used are grouped into 3 categories; General Windows 7, Display Shortcuts, and Display Magnifier Shortcuts.

General Windows 7

Windows logo key + Tab

Cycle through open programs on the taskbar using Aero Flip 3-D

For those not familiar with Aero Flip 3-D, this was introduced with Windows Vista, and functions much like the Alt + Tab feature, but performs it visually.  Eye candy, but nice.

Ctrl + Windows Logo key (+ Tab)

Hit the tab key once while holding the other two and then use the arrow keys to move the Aero Flip 3-D, then hit Windows Logo key to release.

Windows Logo key + Pause

Display the System Properties dialog box

Windows Logo key + D

Display the Desktop

Windows Logo key + M

Minimize all windows

Windows Logo key + Shift+M

Restore minimized windows

Windows Logo key + E

Open Computer Explorer

Windows Logo Key + R

Open Run dialog box

Display Shortcuts

Windows Logo Key + Spacebar

Look at the desktop without minimizing/closing application

Windows Logo key + Shift + (Left Arrow or Right Arrow)

Moves active window from one screen to another in multi-monitor configurations

Windows Logo key + PChoose a display presentation mode

Shift+Click taskbar item

Opens a new instance of the item

Display Magnifier Shortcuts

Windows Logo key + (+ or – key)

Screen Zoom in or out

Ctrl + Alt + F

Switch to Full Screen

Ctrl + Alt + L

Switch to Lens mode

Ctrl + Alt + D

Switch to Docked mode

Ctrl + Alt + I

Invert colors

Ctrl + Alt + arrow keys

Pan in the direction of the arrow key

Windows logo key + Esc

Exit Magnifier