Common Control (Ctrl) Key + Windows Shortcuts

In Microsoft Windows you can use many keyboard shortcuts to speed up common tasks, here are some of them using Crtl key in your keyboard.

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By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.
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Windows 11 create shortcuts
Windows 11 create shortcuts

I spend a lot of time online, creating documents, and multitasking on my computer, so I am always looking for ways to optimize my time. And today I would like to share with you, some of what I think are the most common Windows shortcuts, using the control (Ctrl) key in your keyboard, they are simple and easy to remember.

Shortcuts are really easy to execute; just press and hold the Ctrl key, and while holding the first key, press the second key and let go.

Ctrl Z keyboard keys

These Windows shortcuts will work on most Microsoft Windows releases (XP, Vista, Windows 7, etc.), most applications, and web Browsers.

Most Windows-compatible keyboards will have 2 “Ctrl” keys, as shown in the image below (Click Image to expand).

Ctrl Key in a keyboard

  • Ctrl + Z enables you to undo the last action or several actions, depending on how many undo actions the application supports. For example, if you delete a selected line of text or an image, you can easily use these keys to retrieve the selected line of text.
  • Ctrl + A – Enables you to select everything (pictures, text, etc.) on a document, website page, or files and folders.
  • Ctrl + X – Enables you to cut selected text, pictures, and files.
  • Ctrl + C – Enables you to copy selected text, pictures, and files.
  • Ctrl + V – Enables you to paste text, pictures, and files that you previously cut or copied.
  • Ctrl + F – Enables you to start a search within an application.
  • Ctrl + S – Enables you to save a document or save changes to the already saved document.
  • Ctrl + O – Enables you to open a document.
  • Ctrl + N – Enables you to create a new document.
About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].