All Computer Shortcut Keys 2025 – Complete Guide for Windows, Mac, Office & Browsers

In today’s digital world, computer shortcut keys play a vital role in improving speed, efficiency, and productivity. Whether you are a student, professional, or casual user, knowing keyboard shortcuts helps you perform tasks without relying heavily on a mouse. In 2025, most operating systems like Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, and Linux distros, along with applications like Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and Adobe tools, have integrated advanced keyboard shortcuts. This guide covers the most important shortcut keys you should know in 2025.

Why Are Shortcut Keys Important?

Save Time – You can perform tasks in seconds instead of minutes.

Improve Productivity – Quick navigation helps professionals work faster.

Reduce Repetitive Strain – Less mouse usage means reduced physical strain.

Professional Advantage – Knowledge of shortcuts is considered a must-have skill in workplaces.

Basic Computer Shortcut Keys

These are universal shortcuts used across almost all platforms:

Ctrl + C → Copy selected text or item.

Ctrl + X → Cut the selected item.

Ctrl + V → Paste copied content.

Ctrl + Z → Undo last action.

Ctrl + Y → Redo action.

Ctrl + A → Select all content.

Ctrl + S → Save current file.

Ctrl + P → Print document or page.

Alt + Tab → Switch between open applications.

Alt + F4 → Close the current window or program.

Windows + D → Show or hide the desktop.

Windows 11 Shortcut Keys (2025 Update)

Microsoft has added new shortcuts to improve multitasking in Windows 11 and beyond.

Windows + A → Open Quick Settings (Wi-Fi, Volume, Brightness).

Windows + N → Open Notification Center.

Windows + W → Open Widgets panel.

Windows + E → Open File Explorer.

Windows + I → Open Settings.

Windows + Shift + S → Take a screenshot with Snipping Tool.

Windows + Ctrl + D → Create a new virtual desktop.

Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right → Switch between virtual desktops.

Windows + L → Lock your computer.

Windows + . (period) → Open emoji and GIF panel.

macOS Sonoma Shortcut Keys

Apple devices also rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts for efficiency.

Command + C → Copy.

Command + X → Cut.

Command + V → Paste.

Command + Z → Undo.

Command + Shift + Z → Redo.

Command + A → Select All.

Command + Tab → Switch between apps.

Command + Space → Open Spotlight Search.

Command + Shift + 3 → Take a screenshot.

Command + Shift + 4 → Capture a selected portion of the screen.

Command + Option + Esc → Force quit applications.

Microsoft Office Shortcut Keys (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Office applications are widely used in 2025. Knowing their shortcuts saves massive time.

Microsoft Word

Ctrl + B → Bold text.

Ctrl + I → Italicize text.

Ctrl + U → Underline.

Ctrl + K → Insert hyperlink.

Ctrl + Shift + L → Apply bullet points.

Ctrl + F → Open Find box.

Ctrl + H → Open Replace box.

Microsoft Excel

Ctrl + T → Create a table.

Ctrl + Shift + L → Apply filters.

Ctrl + Space → Select entire column.

Shift + Space → Select entire row.

F2 → Edit active cell.

Alt + = → AutoSum.

Ctrl + ; → Insert current date.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Ctrl + M → Insert new slide.

Ctrl + Shift + C → Copy formatting.

Ctrl + Shift + V → Paste formatting.

F5 → Start slideshow from beginning.

Shift + F5 → Start slideshow from current slide.

Ctrl + D → Duplicate selected slide.

Web Browser Shortcut Keys (Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Browsing has become faster with new shortcuts in 2025.

Ctrl + T → Open new tab.

Ctrl + W → Close current tab.

Ctrl + Shift + T → Reopen last closed tab.

Ctrl + Tab → Switch to next tab.

Ctrl + Shift + Tab → Switch to previous tab.

Ctrl + L → Highlight address bar.

Ctrl + H → Open browsing history.

Ctrl + J → Open downloads.

Ctrl + Shift + N → Open incognito/private window.

F11 → Enter/Exit full-screen mode.

File Management Shortcuts

When managing files and folders:

Ctrl + N → Open a new File Explorer window.

Ctrl + Shift + N → Create a new folder.

Alt + Enter → Open file/folder properties.

Delete → Move file to Recycle Bin.

Shift + Delete → Permanently delete file.

F2 → Rename selected file.

Special Shortcuts for Developers (2025)

With AI tools and coding platforms integrated, shortcuts for developers are more important than ever.

Ctrl + / → Comment/uncomment code (VS Code, Sublime).

Ctrl + Shift + P → Open Command Palette in VS Code.

Ctrl + Shift + ` → Open new terminal in VS Code.

Alt + Click → Place multiple cursors.

Ctrl + B → Toggle sidebar.

F12 → Go to definition.

Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator Shortcuts

Creative professionals rely on shortcuts heavily.

Ctrl + N → New file.

Ctrl + O → Open file.

Ctrl + Shift + S → Save as.

Ctrl + T → Free transform.

Ctrl + J → Duplicate layer.

Ctrl + Shift + I → Invert selection.

Spacebar + Drag → Move canvas.

Ctrl + Alt + Z → Step backward (multiple undos).

Advanced AI & Cloud Shortcuts in 2025

With AI and cloud-based tools being integrated, new shortcut keys are available:

Windows + C → Open Copilot/AI assistant in Windows 11.

Command + C (Hold) on macOS → Access AI Spotlight recommendations.

Ctrl + Shift + A → Open AI-powered search in cloud apps (Google Docs/Sheets).

Ctrl + Alt + G → Quick AI grammar and tone check in Microsoft Word.

Tips to Master Shortcut Keys

Start with basics like copy, paste, undo, redo.

Practice daily – replace mouse actions with shortcuts.

Focus on app-specific shortcuts depending on your work (Excel, Photoshop, Browsers).

Print a shortcut chart and keep it at your desk.

Use online trainers or apps that gamify learning keyboard shortcuts.

In 2025, shortcut keys are not just optional; they are essential for every computer user. With the growing use of AI, cloud computing, and multitasking, mastering these shortcuts gives you an edge in speed and productivity. Whether you are managing documents, browsing the internet, designing graphics, or coding, shortcut keys can save valuable time and make your work effortless.