How to make your scroll lock key useful on a windows 10 pc

In the nook of the keyboard is a forgotten key with an extended historical past: Scroll Lock . Fortunately, you’ll simply remap Scroll Lock for extra useful purposes or configure it as a shortcut to release the program on Windows 10.

How to remap the Scroll Lock key

Using Microsoft’s unfastened PowerToys application for Windows 10, you’ll simply remap the Scroll Lock key into every other key or machine function. The remapping signifies that when you press Scroll Lock, as an alternative of activating the unique function of the Scroll Lock, this key does one thing else. This method, you can use the Scroll Lock key for quite a few tasks.

Here are some recommended purposes that you’ll assign to the Scroll Lock key:

Volume Off / Mute : Quickly keep watch over the volume from any source. This feature is particularly at hand if you need to mute your computer to obtain calls.
Play / Pause media content material : This is handy when you pay attention to tune on your computer steadily. Just press Scroll Lock to pause a tune, then press the button again to resume playback.
Enter Sleep mode : A unmarried press will put your device in Sleep mode.
Caps Lock : If you by accident pressed Caps Lock, you’ll assign it to the Scroll Lock key instead. You must also disable the Caps Lock key by way of assigning it some other serve as.
Refresh the browser : One click will briefly reload the present internet page.

If any of the above makes you interesting, this is how to remap the desired function to the Scroll Lock key. First, if no longer already available, obtain Microsoft PowerToys. Launch it, then, select Keyboard Manager in the sidebar. Next, click Remap a key .

Click Remap a key

In the Keyboard Manager window that looks, click the plus sign ( + ) to upload a shortcut.

Click the plus signal (+) to add a shortcut

On the left, you will have to determine the key you’re remapping. Click Type Key , then press Scroll Lock .

In the Mapped To phase on the correct, click the drop-down menu, then make a selection the function or key you need to map to Scroll Lock. For instance, from the checklist above, you’ll be able to choose Volume Mute.

Select Volume Mute

Click OK to shut the Remap Keyboard and Scroll Lock windows which were effectively remapped.

You can experiment with other mappings to see which can be most useful. If at any time you do not like this mapping anymore, just revisit the Remap Keyboard window in PowerToys. Click the Trash icon next to the mapping merchandise to delete it.

Click the Trash icon to delete the mapping

If you do not like PowerToys, you can additionally remap keys with SharpKey, even though its interface is not entirely user-friendly.

How to launch the program with the Scroll Lock key

You can also use Scroll Lock as part of a hotkey combination to release any program you prefer and don’t need to use a unique utility.

First, create a shortcut to the program you wish to have to run and place it on the Desktop. Then right-click the shortcut and choose Properties.

In the Shortcut tab , click on the Shortcut Key box , then make a choice Scroll Lock. Windows will routinely insert Ctrl + Alt + Scroll Lock in the field.

Windows will routinely insert Ctrl + Alt + Scroll Lock in the box

Click OK to close the window. From now on, on every occasion you press Ctrl + Alt + Scroll Lock , the program is represented through a shortcut that can release. Just make certain you have not deleted the fallacious shortcut. Some other folks dangle utility shortcuts that give a boost to hotkeys in a special folder because of this.

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Benj Edwards is an Associate Editor for How-To Geek. For over 15 years, he has written about technology and tech history for sites such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCMag, PCWorld, Macworld, Ars Technica, and Wired. In 2005, he created Vintage Computing and Gaming, a blog devoted to tech history. He also created The Culture of Tech podcast and regularly contributes to the Retronauts retrogaming podcast. Read more.

Up in the corner of your keyboard sits an oft-neglected key with a long history: Scroll Lock. Luckily, you can easily remap Scroll Lock to serve a more useful purpose, or configure it as a shortcut to launch a program on Windows 10.

But It’s Already Useful

The Scroll Lock key was on the very first IBM PC released in 1981. It was intended to toggle a feature for which you could use the arrow keys to move text inside a window instead of the cursor. Today, the arrow keys function in most programs automatically based on context. As a result, the Scroll Lock feature is rarely used as it was originally intended.

However, one prominent program still uses Scroll Lock for its original purpose: Microsoft Excel. If Scroll Lock is disabled, you use the arrow keys to move the cursor between cells. When Scroll Lock’s enabled, though, you can use the arrow keys to scroll the entire workbook page within the window.

Many KVM switches will switch inputs if you tap Scroll Lock twice. Some legacy programs also use Scroll Lock, but these are relatively rare scenarios for most people.

In fact, Scroll Lock is so infrequently used, it might not be on your keyboard at all—especially if it’s a compact or laptop keyboard.

If you do have the Scroll Lock key and never touch it, though, you can put it to work doing something useful.

How to Remap the Scroll Lock Key

Using Microsoft’s free PowerToys utility for Windows 10, you can easily remap the Scroll Lock key to another key or some system functions. Remapping means when you press Scroll Lock, instead of activating Scroll Lock, the key will do something else. This way, you can potentially use the Scroll Lock key for many different tasks.

Here are some suggested functions you could assign to the Scroll Lock key:

Mute/Unmute volume: Quickly control the audio volume from any source. This is particularly handy if you need to silence your computer to take a call.
Play/Pause media: This one is handy if you listen to music on your computer frequently. You can just tap Scroll Lock to pause a song, and then tap it again to play.
Sleep: One tap will put your device in Sleep mode.
Caps Lock: If you’re always hitting Caps Lock accidentally, you can assign it to the Scroll Lock key instead. You should also disable the Caps Lock key by assigning it another function.
Browser refresh: One press will quickly reload the current web page.

If any of those sound good to you, here’s how to remap the desired function to the Scroll Lock key. First, if you don’t already have it, download Microsoft PowerToys. Launch it, and then “Keyboard Manager” in the sidebar. Next, click “Remap a key.”

In the “Remap Keyboard” window that appears, click the plus sign (+) to add a shortcut.

On the left, you have to define the key you’re remapping. Click “Type Key,” and then press Scroll Lock.

In the “Mapped To” section on the right, click the drop-down menu, and then select the function or key you’d like to map to Scroll Lock. For example, from our list above, you could select “Volume Mute.”

Click “OK” to close the “Remap Keyboard” window, and Scroll Lock should be successfully remapped.

You can experiment with various mappings to see which one will be most useful. If at any time you dislike the mapping, just revisit the “Remap Keyboard” window in PowerToys. Click the Trash icon beside the mapping to remove it.

If you dislike PowerToys, you can also remap keys with SharpKeys, although its interface is not quite as user-friendly.

How to Launch a Program with the Scroll Lock Key

You can also use Scroll Lock as part of a hotkey combination to launch any program you’d like, and you don’t need to use a special utility.

First, create a shortcut to the program you’d like to run and place it on your Desktop. Then, right-click the shortcut and select “Properties.”

In the Shortcut tab, click the “Shortcut Key” box, and then press Scroll Lock. Windows will automatically insert “Ctrl+Alt+Scroll Lock” in the box.

Click “OK” to close the window. From now on, whenever you press Ctrl+Alt+Scroll Lock, the program represented by that shortcut will launch. Just make sure you don’t delete the shortcut. Some people keep hotkey-enabled app shortcuts in a special folder for that reason.

You never know–with these tweaks, Scroll Lock might become your new favorite key. You might even wonder how you ever lived without it.

How to remap the Scroll Lock key

Here are some recommended purposes that you’ll assign to the Scroll Lock key:

Volume Off / Mute : Quickly keep watch over the volume from any source. This feature is particularly at hand if you need to mute your computer to obtain calls.
Play / Pause media content material : This is handy when you pay attention to tune on your computer steadily. Just press Scroll Lock to pause a tune, then press the button again to resume playback.
Enter Sleep mode : A unmarried press will put your device in Sleep mode.
Caps Lock : If you by accident pressed Caps Lock, you’ll assign it to the Scroll Lock key instead. You must also disable the Caps Lock key by way of assigning it some other serve as.
Refresh the browser : One click will briefly reload the present internet page.

Click Remap a key

In the Keyboard Manager window that looks, click the plus sign ( + ) to upload a shortcut.

Click the plus signal (+) to add a shortcut

On the left, you will have to determine the key you’re remapping. Click Type Key , then press Scroll Lock .

Select Volume Mute

Click OK to shut the Remap Keyboard and Scroll Lock windows which were effectively remapped.

Click the Trash icon to delete the mapping

If you do not like PowerToys, you can additionally remap keys with SharpKey, even though its interface is not entirely user-friendly.

How to launch the program with the Scroll Lock key

You can also use Scroll Lock as part of a hotkey combination to release any program you prefer and don’t need to use a unique utility.

First, create a shortcut to the program you wish to have to run and place it on the Desktop. Then right-click the shortcut and choose Properties.

In the Shortcut tab , click on the Shortcut Key box , then make a choice Scroll Lock. Windows will routinely insert Ctrl + Alt + Scroll Lock in the field.

Windows will routinely insert Ctrl + Alt + Scroll Lock in the box

This is a topic that’s probably important for all windows users. If you use a windows laptop or PC dozens of keyboard shortcuts will make your regular tasks much easier from copying & to open the quick link menu. These windows 10 shortcuts keys will help you speed different operations and boost overall productivity.

Why you would need shortcut keys on a windows PC or Laptop?

There are several operations that users perform daily which are time-consuming.
e.g.
copying a file from a desktop to a different drive, if you follow the traditional copying methods it would take several minutes to get the job done but using the shortcut keys combinations for example CTRL + C and CTRL + V will speed up the entire process.

image credit: Zero Dollar Tips

Similarly, to the example, there are several other keyboard shortcuts for windows that’ll make your life easier and help you get the job done from various tasks without any hassle.

Most Useful Windows 10 Shortcut Keys

These windows 10 shortcuts have been categorized into four:

General Shortcuts.
File Explorer Shortcuts.
Windows Key Keyboard Shortcuts and
Command Prompt Shortcuts.

General Shortcuts

These shortcuts are extremely useful but also very common so you should already know these:

Ctrl + A

This is one of the most commonly used windows keyboard shortcuts. You can use this key combination to select an entire content at a particular folder or location.

Ctrl + C

This key combination will copy a selected item to your clipboard.

Ctrl + V

This is used to paste the content that you pre-copied to a dedicated location.

Ctrl + D

If you want to delete an item from your PC, simply select it and press Ctrl + D on your keyboard. This won’t permanently delete the file; it will only transfer it to the recycle bin.

Shift + Del

Unlike the previous key combination, Shift + Del will permanently delete the selected file from your PC. You won’t be able to recover the deleted file so use it with caution.

Alt + Tab

If you often multi-task, opened up multiple apps and windows. It becomes challenging to navigate between them in this case, the Alt + tab will help you switch between different apps easily.

Windows Key + E

This will help you directly open the file explorer without having to double-click my computer on your desktop.

Windows Key + Prt Sc

One of the most useful windows keyboard shortcuts that save you a lot of time. When you want to capture a screenshot, simply press Windows Key + Prt Sc and this will automatically take a screenshot and save it inside your pictures folder.

Del = Delete.
Prt Sc = Print screen.

File Explorer Shortcuts

When you’re in windows explorer you can use various key combinations to perform different tasks.

Ctrl + F

If you want to search a specific item inside the current folder, press Ctrl + F and you’ll automatically be prompted to the search box at the top right-hand corner.

Alt + D

Using this key combination, will highlight the address bar to find a specific location.

Ctrl + W

Instead of dragging the cursor up to the close button. Ctrl + W will directly close the current window.

Alt + Enter

This shortcut will open the properties windows for the selected item.

Ctrl + Shift + N

This key combination will create a new folder in the current directory. This shortcut instantly creates a folder within a few seconds.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

There are several keyboard shortcuts in windows 10 that work with the Windows key and these few shortcuts help you in your daily life.

Windows key

Press the Windows key quickly bring the start menu which is probably the easiest way to launch the start menu.

Windows key + A

A windows 10 comes with a dedicated action center where you can change different preferences, by pressing the shortcut key will launch the action center instantly.

Windows key + D

This shortcut will be useful when you want to check something on the desktop instead of minimizing all the windows, simply press Windows key + D to go to your desktop and pressing it again, you’ll promptly back to your previous window.

Windows key + C

It will launch Microsoft’s voice assistant Cortana.

Windows key + L

It will lock the computer immediately and only show the password page.

Command Prompts Shortcuts

If you use the command prompt regularly, the next key combinations will be extremely helpful for you.

Ctrl + F

In the command prompt, pressing Ctrl + F will bring up the dedicated Cmd search box.

Ctrl + Up/Down

You can use the Ctrl + Up/Down-arrow keys to move the screen either up or down by one line.

Page up/down keys

It will help you move the cursor up and down through the lines you’ve written in the command prompt window

Ctrl + End

This will allow you to scroll to the end of the screen.

Ctrl + Home

This key combination will automatically scroll you to the top of the screen.

Conclusion

These key combinations will help you in your daily life and perform different operations without wasting time on any computer running on Windows 10 operating system, although there are many other windows keyboard shortcuts out there, they might not be useful in one’s life.

Asked by: Alexane Schimmel

If your keyboard does not have a Scroll Lock key, on your computer, click Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
Click the On Screen Keyboard button to turn it on.
When the on-screen keyboard appears on your screen, click the ScrLk button.

What is the shortcut key for Scroll Lock?

The official Microsoft shortcut for Scroll Lock is Shift + F14.

Where is my Scroll Lock key?

Sometimes abbreviated as ScLk, ScrLk, or Slk, the Scroll Lock key is found on a computer keyboard, often located close to the pause key. The Scroll Lock key was initially intended to be used in conjunction with the arrow keys to scroll through the contents of a text box.

How do I turn off scroll lock on my keyboard?

Scroll lock is one of the more esoteric settings on a computer keyboard today. It’s often the third light on a keyboard, represented by a down arrow with a line under it on the keyboard. Turn the scroll lock light off by hitting the scroll lock button to toggle scroll lock mode itself off.

How do I unlock scroll on my laptop?

On a notebook computer keyboard, while holding down the FN key, press either the NUM LOCK or SCROLL LOCK to enable the function. .
On a desktop computer keyboard, press NUM LOCK or SCROLL LOCK to enable the function, and press it again to disable the function.

What Does Scroll Lock Do?

15 related questions found

How do I get F14 on my keyboard?

Uses on computer keyboards

It is sometimes used to modify the function keys. Modern Microsoft Windows keyboards typically have only 12 function keys; Shift+F1 must be used to type F13, Shift+F2 for F14, etc.

How do I unlock scroll lock on HP probook?

Toggle Scroll Lock on HP laptops

On an HP laptop, press the Fn + C key combination to turn Scroll Lock on and off.

Why is my excel not scrolling?

Re: My excel spreadsheet won’t scroll down

Try this: Check and make sure your Scroll Lock is not turned on. You can normally toggle Scroll Lock off and on by hitting the Scroll Lock key on your keyboard. . That should bring up the on-screen keyboard, click on the “scroll lock” key to toggle off that option.

Can’t scroll down excel?

In most cases, users can’t scroll down Excel spreadsheets because there are frozen panes within them. To unfreeze panes in Excel, select the View tab.
Click the Freeze Panes button.
Then select the Unfreeze panes option. Thereafter, try scrolling down the spreadsheet.

What is Scroll Lock on Logitech keyboard?

Some Logitech keyboards come with a “Scroll Lock” key. The “Scroll Lock” key is a vestige of the old IBM keyboards. It was used to scroll through text on computers not equipped with a mouse. Few applications, with the exception of spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, take advantage of the “Scroll Lock” function.

How do I unlock my arrow keys on my keyboard?

On a Windows computer, to toggle scroll lock on and off, press the Scroll Lock key. On most keyboards, it’s located in the control keys section of the keyboard, above the arrow keys or right of the function keys. On a Mac computer, to toggle scroll lock on and off, press the F14 or the Shift + F14 key combination.

How do you unlock scroll lock in Excel on HP laptop?

Step 1: Click Start >Settings>Ease of Access>Keyboard.
Step 2: Click the On-Screen Keyboard button to turn it on.
Step 3: When the on-screen keyboard appears on your screen, click the “ScrLk” button.

How do I turn on scroll lock on my HP laptop?

On my new company HP Elitebook, I found you have to press ‘FN Lock’ & ‘FN’ & ‘C’ together to turn the scroll lock on and off. Unfortunately trial and error was the only way to solve this. Just use Fn + C (no need for Fn lock). That’ll toggle it.

Can’t use arrow keys in Excel not scroll lock?

Turn Off Scroll Lock. The most common solution to not being able to use the arrow keys in Excel is to turn off your scroll lock. You won’t be able to use the arrow keys in Excel when the keyboard’s scroll lock is enabled. Look out for a light on your keyboard’s scroll lock button.

What is function of F1 to F12 keys?

The function keys or F keys are lined across the top of the keyboard and labeled F1 through F12. These keys act as shortcuts, performing certain functions, like saving files, printing data, or refreshing a page. For example, the F1 key is often used as the default help key in many programs.

What does F15 do in Windows?

All the keys, including the F3, F14, F15, and F16 keys display in a virtual test keyboard on the PC(runng the FlexMatric Tester program), that lights up whatever key is getting pressed as interpreted from the FlexMatrix encoder.

How do you unlock the page up and down on a laptop?

F Key Lock – your keyboard may have an F Key Lock key like the number lock and caps lock keys. If so, press F Key Lock to unlock the F keys. FN Key – your keyboard may have an FN key. Pressing FN may be necessary to enable the Page Up and Page Down functions.

How do I turn off the Scroll Lock on my Razer keyboard?

To toggle these functions on (lock) and off (unlock), push the respective key (Scroll Lock key, Num Lock key, or the Caps Lock key) once on your keyboard. Pressing the key toggles that keyboard function.

How do I use the F keys on my Logitech MX key?

Logitech provides an excellent settings tool for the keyboard (and other Logitech devices.) If you open the keyboard settings there is a check box “Use F1-F12 as standard function keys“. This works like a shift-lock to reverse the key actions. If the setting is checked you get normal F4 action.

Everyone likes a quick and easy way to obtain things in life. This statement is also true when you are searching for the windows 10 keyboard shortcuts to do basic to advance work with simple key combinations.

Windows 10 keywords shortcuts are also handy when you didn’t want to use your mouse or your mouse malfunctioned. So, with keyboards shortcut commands, you have a better chance to accomplish any task at a faster rate.

In this post, we provide you with a handy tabulated list of useful Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts for various applications and tasks, so that you can easily navigate or interact faster.

Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts

We have formulated the tabulated list of windows 10 keyword shortcuts based on their uses or to perform a specific type of task. These are the 5 different types of windows 10 keyboard shortcuts that can help you to unleash your task faster.

Windows key shortcuts
Desktop shortcuts
Command Prompt shortcuts
File Explorer shortcuts
Essential shortcuts

Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Using Windows Keys

By using Windows key in combination with other keys, you can perform several tasks like File Explorer, apps pinned in the taskbar, launch Settings, Run command, etc.

In addition, you can also open specific features like Magnifier or you can also accomplish tasks like lock your device, virtual desktops, controlling windows, etc.

Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts For Desktop

Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Related to Command Prompt

If your work demands too much use command prompt, then these windows 10 keyboard shortcuts would help you get the work done quickly.

Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Related to File Explorer

Other Essential Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Keys

How do I change keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10?

If you want to make your own shortcuts or want to change certain windows 10 keyboard shortcuts then these following pointers would help you with that.

To change the keyboard shortcuts, you have to firstly open settings> Time & language> Click on the Advanced keyboard settings link> click on the link Language bar options.
It will present a new dialog box named Text Services and Input Languages.
In the new pop-up window, go to the Advanced Key Settings tab and then select between input languages in the given list.
At last, click on the button “Change key sequence”.
Now form here, you can decide your own sequence, after selecting it.
Click on the OK button and your new windows 10 keyword shortcut will be live.

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General FAQ

What is the keyboard shortcut to minimize and maximize a window?

Ans. For minimizing the window, you have to hold the window key and press down arrow key. While to maximize the window key, hold Windows Key and press up arrow key.

How you fix the keyboard shortcut problem?

Ans. If your keyboard shortcuts are not working then you can fix it with three main ways. First, cleaning and fixing the mechanical failure of certain keys, second by uninstalling your previously installed keyboard software, and lastly by updating and re-installing the keyboard drivers.

How do hotkeys work?

Ans. Hotkeys are the combination of keys that triggers a specific command, application, website, or other specific tasks. There are basically two ways of designing a hotkey in windows. One is by using the combination of modifier keys and other is by using a default combination.

What does F7 do?

Ans. The function F7 is basically used to check spelling and grammatical errors in Microsoft words, outlook, etc. In addition, Shift +F7 provides a Thesaurus check on the word highlighted.

Most people don’t bother memorizing keyboard shortcuts because they rely on their mouse. But certain Windows keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re doing repetitive tasks. Below are some Windows keyboard shortcuts to help you be more productive.

Keyboard Shortcuts to Navigate Windows

Most tasks that require you to move your mouse around can also be accomplished with hotkeys. Save a few mouse clicks by using the Windows keyboard shortcuts below.

Windows key (⊞)+ Dto access your desktop. You don’t need to minimize all your windows and applications to see your desktop. After you use this keyboard shortcut to look at your desktop, you can use it again to bring your applications back to where they were before.

Windows + Commato peek at your desktop. Use this keyboard shortcut to quickly see your desktop. Once you let go of the comma key, your windows and applications will return to where they were before.

Windows + down arrowto minimize the current window. Use this shortcut to hide your current window or application in the taskbar. You can then bring it back up by hitting the Windows + arrow up keys.

Windows + Mto minimize all open windows. Use this keyboard shortcut if you’re tired of seeing all your windows and applications. Once you use this keyboard shortcut, you will have to manually click on your applications and windows to bring them back up.
Windows + Eto open File Explorer. If you don’t have File Explorer pinned to your taskbar, this is another way to access it.
Windows + L tolock your computer. This will immediately bring you back to your sign-in screen. Once you sign in, your applications and windows will be right where they were before.
Windows + S – Open the Windows search bar. You can type in a search term and search your apps, documents, settings, or email, and more

Windows + Tto scroll through taskbar. Use this keyboard shortcut to see all the windows you have opened across all your applications. From there, you can use your arrow keys to navigate or open a program by hitting Enter when it has a white box around it.

Windows + number toopen an app on the taskbar. Use this keyboard shortcut to open an application based on the number specified. If you have Google Chrome as the third item in your taskbar, for example, you can open it by hitting the Windows + 3 keys.
Alt + Tabto switch between applications. If you have more than two programs running, hold down the Alt button, then press the Tab button. This will open up the Task Switcher window. From here, you can navigate between apps by pressing the Tab button. You can also close apps by clicking the red X in the upper-right corner of each app.

Shift + F10to open contextual menu. Use this keyboard shortcut in place of right-clicking with your mouse. It opens up a contextual menu, with the options varying depending on what kind of program you have open.

Once you are in the contextual menu, you’ll be given options to Restore, Move, Minimize, Size, Maximize, or Close a window. Some options are grayed out depending on what kind of program you are using.

How to Close a Window with Shortcuts

To close a window, you would normally move your cursor to the X or Exit button on a program and click on it using a mouse. You can accomplish the same task on a keyboard with the following shortcuts.

Alt + F4to force quit a program. Use this keyboard shortcut to force an application to quit. This is especially helpful when a program becomes unresponsive.
Ctrl + F4 toclose a window without exiting the application. Use this keyboard shortcut when you want to close one window without quitting the application. You can also use Control + W to do the same task, but it will only close tabs in Google Chrome.

Browser Shortcuts

If you have too many tabs open, you’ll have to click on the tab first before you can see the Exit button. No matter how many you have open, these shortcuts will make it easier to open and close them.

Ctrl + Tto open and go to a new tab. New tabs will open to whatever home screen you have set.
Ctrl + W to close the current tab. This keyboard shortcut will also close pinned tabs.
Ctrl + Shift + Tto reopen a previously closed tab. Did you just close out of a tab on accident? When you use this keyboard shortcut, your reopened tabs will appear in the order that you closed them. For example, if you last closed a webpage on the third tab, it will reopen on the third tab.

How to Switch Between Tabs in Chrome

If you’re the type of person that always has too many tabs open, these keyboard shortcuts will make surfing the web a lot easier. Another option is to install a tab manager extension on your browser, which lets you filter and search previously opened tabs.

Ctrl + Tab to open the next tab. Use this keyboard shortcut to open the tab to the right of the one you currently have open. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + Tab to move through the tabs the opposite way.
Ctrl + 1 to 8to go to tabs in order. Hold down the Ctrl key and press 1 to access the first tab, or 2 to access the second tab, and so on. No matter how many tabs you have open, you can also use Ctrl + 9 to jump to the last open tab to the far right.

Other Helpful Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

These shortcuts don’t have anything to do with navigation, the Windows system, or cycling through open tabs, but they are helpful for common Windows tasks.

Ctrl + Alt + Deleteto access lock screen. Use this keyboard shortcut to get to the Task Manager, which is handy when you need to force-quit an application. You can also lock your device, switch users, sign out, or change your password from here.

F2 to rename selected file or folder. Instead of clicking on a file and them waiting and clicking again, use this keyboard shortcut to quickly give any file or folder a new name.
F5 to reload browser tab. Use this keyboard shortcut when browsing to refresh a page without needing to click the reload button. You can also use Control + R to accomplish the same thing in any browser.
Ctrl + Dto delete a file of folder. Use this keyboard shortcut to instantly move any file or folder to the recycle bin. You can also use Shift + Delete to delete a file. You will have the chance to confirm the action via a pop-up box. If you click Yes, the file will be permanently deleted.

Master these keyboard shortcuts, and you’ll be a keyboard ninja in no time. If you want to learn how to take a screenshot on Windows with keyboard shortcuts, check out our previous article here.

Having the Start menu, Search bar, Task View, and your favorite apps, Windows Taskbar is probably the most used functionality. And it comes with some of the pretty useful tips that some of you might not be well aware of. Getting acquainted with them will definitely help in executing your desired tasks much quicker. Therefore, in this guide, we have compiled some of the best Windows Taskbar tips, tricks, and shortcuts. So without further ado, let’s begin with this guide. Also, have a look at the steps to View Multiple Time Zones in Windows Taskbar.

Keyboard Shortcut to Access Apps on Windows Taskbar

I have always been the kind of person who prefers to use keyboard over the mouse, as much as possible. And taskbar is one such region where I make full use of it. Here is how the shortcut works. If you wish to open any app from Taskbar, just press the Windows key plus the number key corresponding to that app’s position. For the 10th position, use Windows+0. And for apps placed beyond 10, it is best to move them to the position 1-10. It’s indeed a useful Windows Taskbar tips. One more thing to keep in mind is that while counting, the task view icon isn’t taken into consideration. With that said, also check out 10 Google Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts.

Shifting the Windows Taskbar Position

The everyday user of Windows wouldn’t find this taskbar tip much of a use. This is because you might have become accustomed to using Taskbar in its default state. However, if you’re one of the customization freaks, here is how you could move the position of the Taskbar. First of all, you will have to unlock the taskbar from its preset position. To do so, right-click the taskbar and uncheck the Lock the taskbar option. Now click on any blank region of the taskbar and drag it to the desired position. Likewise, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to Move Taskbar Icons to Center on Windows 10

Increasing the Height of Taskbar

Unknown to many, you could also increase the height of the Windows taskbar using this useful tip. Sometimes when too many apps are opened, you’ll see only a handful of apps. to access the next set of apps, you will have to take the help of arrows that appear at the extreme right. But you could easily escape from these efforts simply by increasing the height of the taskbar. In doing so, all apps will easily be accommodated in one single space. You wouldn’t even have to scroll to view the other set of apps.

To do so, start by unlocking the taskbar by right-clicking on it and de-selecting Lock the Taskbar option. Now bring the cursor to the edge of the taskbar. As you do so, the cursor will change to a double-sided arrow. Drag and release the mouse pointer up to the desired height. Moreover, you could use this tip to Have Your Network Speed Displayed on Taskbar in Windows.

Pinning and Unpinning Apps

Another pretty handy Windows taskbar tip allows you to pin/unpin apps. If you’re a frequent user of some apps, then it’s much better to place it on the Taskbar. To do so, you could either simply drag the app over to the taskbar or if any app is already opened, right-click on it and select Pin to taskbar.

Moreover, there are some apps like Microsft Store remains pinned on the taskbar, which some of you would rarely use. The best bet, in that case, is to remove it from the taskbar. To do so, right-click on the desired app and select unpin from the taskbar. Also, have a look at the steps to Pin Recycle Bin to Taskbar in Windows

Hide Cortana from Windows Taskbar

The Cortana search bar takes a lot of space on the Taskbar. To be frank, not many people use it. Even id the need arises, you could easily invoke the Assistant via Windows+C shortcut key. Or press the Windows keys and type in the desired query. Therefore, for hiding the Cortana search bar, right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and go to Cortana > Hidden. You could also Disable Hey Cortana Hotword on Windows 10. Have a look at that guide to know more.

With that, we conclude this guide on some of the useful Windows Taskbar tips and tricks. Which one is your favorite? Do let us know in the comments section below.

Don’t like the annoying sticky keys prompt popping up when you press the Shift key repeatedly? Here’s a way to stop Sticky Keys prompt in Windows.

When you press the Shift Key five times continuously, you will see a popup prompt asking if you’d like to enable Sticky Keys functionality in Windows. In case you don’t know, Sticky Keys is an accessibility functionality. When enabled, the modifier keys like Ctrl, Alt, and Shift remain active even after you release the key. This allows you to press the combination keys or keyboard shortcuts without holding the keys.

For example, after enabling the sticky keys functionality, to copy something you can press the “Ctrl” and “C” keys separately rather than holding down the Ctrl key and then pressing the C key. As you can guess, this is very helpful for differently-abled people.

As good as the feature, the sticky keys prompt can be annoying at times. This is especially true when playing games where pressing the Shift key repeatedly is very common.

Though most software and games automatically block the sticky keys functionality on their own. It is not perfect or applicable to the entire system. In those cases, you can use built-in options in Windows to stop Sticky keys popup prompt. Let me show you how.

1] Stops Sticky Keys Prompt from PC Settings App (Windows 10)

If you are using Windows 10, the PC Settings app provides an easy way to disable Sticky keys permanently. All you have to do is uncheck a checkbox and you are done. Here’s how.

1. First, open the Notification Center and click on the “All Settings” button to open the PC Settings app. You can also press the Win + I keyboard shortcut to open the same.

2. In the Settings app, go to the “Ease of Access” page.

3. Here, click on the “Keyboard” tab on the left panel. On the right panel, toggle the switch under Sticky Keys to the “OFF” position and then uncheck the “Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys” option.

That is it. From now on, no matter how many times you press the Shift key, the Sticky Keys prompt won’t appear.

2] From Control Panel (Windows 7 & 8)

If you are using Windows 7 or 8, you can use the good old control panel to stop Sticky Keys prompt.

1. First, open the start menu, search for “Control Panel” and click on the result to open Control Panel.

2. In the control panel, select “Category” view and then click on the “Ease of Access” link.

3. In the Ease of Access page, click on the “Change how your keyboard works” link.

4. Now, uncheck “Turn on Sticky Keys” checkbox and click on the “Set up Sticky Keys” link appearing right under it.

5. On the page, uncheck the “Turn on Sticky Keys when SHIFT is pressed five times” checkbox. Click on the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons to save changes.

You are done. From now on, the Sticky Keys prompt will not open when you press the Shift Key repeatedly.

Hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this article, do check out how to disable CAPS lock key and some of the most useful Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts.

For all the popularity of mobile apps and cloud services, the venerable PC continues to be a mainstay of computing today. Indeed, the versatile desktop interface means that the bulk of a day’s work continues to be done on PCs for most users.

We’ve found some pretty cool productivity apps that will substantially improve your Windows desktop experience.

1. TidyTabs

If you ever got frustrated tabbing through multiple application windows, then you need to install TidyTabs from Nurgo Software. The lightweight utility lets you organize the desktop by stacking multiple windows together in a tabbed arrangement, even for unrelated applications. This opens the door to grouping applications based on projects worked on, decluttering the desktop and generally keeping things tidy.

Aside from the ease of stacking windows of disparate sizes together, the tool also works particularly well for segregating browser tabs. Brower windows containing their own tabs can be stacked together without messing up their sequence, and can even be renamed to highlight for improved management. The utility is priced at $9 per license, though a limited freeware version is also available.

2. AquaSnap

AquaSnap adds a bunch of capabilities that Microsoft should probably have built into Windows 10 from the start, offering a variety of window-handling tricks to make the desktop a much more enjoyable experience. For instance, window snapping makes it a breeze to align windows side by side as they dock together like magnets.

And rather than having to individually resize a group of several tiled windows, simply hold down on the “Ctrl” key to either resize them simultaneously, or move multiple adjacent windows as a group. Other features include the ability to set a window to stay right on the top — with the ability to set it to varying levels of transparency. AquaSnap is also made by Nurgo Software, but it costs more at $18. A freeware version is available for personal use, and may suffice if you only have one monitor.

3. MultiMonitorTool

As its name suggests, MultiMonitorTool is designed to facilitate working with multiple monitors. Disable or enable individual monitors, change the designated primary monitor, and move windows from one monitor to another either from its graphic user interface — or directly from the command line.

The two gems of this tool are its ability to view the content of any monitor in a resizable preview window, and the ability to save and reload monitor positions (and orientations) to a configuration file. The former is useful to view the contents of a non-primary monitor that has been switched off, while the latter is immensely useful if you are using monitor arms and have a habit of repositioning them. MultiMonitorTool is freeware.

4. MusicBee

Billed as the ultimate music manager and player, MusicBee is a beautiful and highly configurable music player that supports music playback from a variety of sources. You can change the appearance of the music player with a variety of skins, while a powerful array of features such as auto-tagging and support for multiple music formats makes it the must-have music player for your PC.

Under the hood, the sophisticated player delivers high quality music playback an audiophile would approve of. This includes the ability to use high-end audio cards, a built-in 10-band equalizer and support to upmix stereo to 5.1 surround sound. You can even hook up your favorite VST effects plugins with VST Effects Support with the use of a free plugin. MusicBee is free.

5. Airfoil

Airfoil is a powerful digital mixer that works with a variety of devices, including AirPlay speakers and Bluetooth devices paired to your PC. Its key strength is its ability to tap into audio from a variety of music services, including Spotify or even the web-based audio stream from your favorite radio station, and send them to your speakers.

It can also stream the same source to multiple disparate speakers, keeping them in sync even between different speaker types. This makes it possible to play back the same music source to multiple speakers around the house or office. Alternately, groups of speakers can be set up with different tunes streamed to each. Airfoil for Windows costs $29, and a trial version is available.

6. Nitro Pro

Nitro Pro is the PDF reader and editor that does everything you will ever need to do with PDF files. The powerful but snappy editor lets you change PDF documents with ease, and comes with a built-in OCR engine that can transform scanned documents into editable files. Fill up forms, annotate and sign them as part of your workflow, and easily merge multiple documents or delete selected pages as necessary.

If you use a large display or multiple monitors, NitroPDF also offers the ability to display PDF documents side-by-side so that you can pore through multiple documents. Of course, you could use AquaSnap to do that. Nitro Pro is priced at $160.

7. Snagit

Snagit is a powerful screen and video capture app that is more than a snipping tool. The tool is capable not only of capturing the desktop or an application window, but will also capture a scrolling screen such as a webpage.

Leverage its built-in editor to edit a captured image before saving, or mark it up with a plethora of tools such as a highlighter, magnifying lens or blur tool, among others. Videos can be captured and trimmed, or converted to an animated GIF. Snagit for Windows is available for $50. A 15-day trial is available. (Also available for macOS)

8. PhraseExpander

PhraseExpander is a utility that is invaluable for those who spend a lot of time typing at their computers. Though touted as a tool for medical professionals, its integrated spell checker and ability to easily add and edit phrases makes it ideal for accelerating just about any work involving extensive data entry.

Relevant phrases automatically appear as suggestions in a drop box as you type, regardless of application. Create custom phrase directories or tap into its autocorrection feature by downloading free dictionaries of commonly misspelled words. The basic version of PhraseExpander costs $59, though the Professional edition with integrated spell checker will set you back by $149. A 21-day trial is also available.

9. RescueTime

Ever wondered exactly what it was that you just spent the whole afternoon working on at your computer? Guess no more with RescueTime, the background tool that runs unobtrusively in the background to monitor exactly what happens. Statistics are automatically collated and visualized in nice charts on the RescueTime dashboard according to a list of configurable categories ranging from “very productive” to “very distracting” – no prizes for guessing where Facebook falls into by default.

Numbers don’t lie, as they say, and nothing like the truth on your productivity to help get things moving. A free “Lite” version will track time spent on websites and applications for free, though an upgrade to a $9 per month “Premium” is needed for more advanced features such as the ability to block distracting websites, set daily goals, and view detailed reports. (Also available for macOS)

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If you’re familiar with Microsoft, you know it is constantly releasing updates to create a better overall experience — specifically to Windows 10. Like the car industry, we’re introduced to upgraded features and options that make the experience easier with each major update.

Users can always count on the established programs that allow us to access the content we need quickly. Tap or click here to find out everything that came with the massive May Windows update.

It turns out that the Windows key, which can be found on virtually any Microsoft device, is more powerful than you may think. Well, it is if you know how to use it. Here are the most useful Windows key keyboard shortcuts from Windows 10.

What are the keyboard shortcuts?

Most people believe the mouse is the easiest way to navigate their computers, but they’d be wrong.

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Keyboard shortcuts are significantly faster. Want to see what these amazing key sequences can do?

Check out the shortcuts below and you may find a few that will make you faster and more productive:

Windows logo key = Open and close start menu
Windows logo key + A = Open Notifications
Windows key + Pause = Display System
Windows logo key + C = Open Cortana in listening mode
Windows key + D = Hide or display desktop
Windows key + M = Minimize all windows
Windows key + E = Open File Explorer
Windows key + F = Begin feedback dialogue
Windows key + Shift + M = Restore minimized windows to desktop
Ctrl + Windows key + F = Search for other computers on the same network
Windows key + L = Lock computer or switch users
Windows key + R = Open run dialogue box
Windows key + T = Cycle through Taskbar programs
Windows key + number = Start program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Shift + Windows key + number = Start a new instance of the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Ctrl + Windows key + number = Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Alt + Windows key + number = Open the jump list for the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows key + V = Open the clipboard
Windows key + tab = Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Ctrl + Windows key + tab = Use arrow keys to cycle through programs on the Taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Ctrl + Windows + B = Switch to a program that displays a message in the notification area
Windows key + Up Arrow = Maximize window
Windows key + Down Arrow = Minimize the desktop window
Windows key + Right Arrow = Maximize window on right side of the screen
Windows key + Left Arrow = Maximize window on the left side of the screen
Windows key + Home = Minimize all except the active window
Windows key + Shift + Up Arrow = Stretch the window from the top and bottom of the screen
Windows key + Shift + Left Arrow or Right Arrow = Move an open window or app from one monitor to another
Windows key + P = Select a presentation display mode
Windows key + G = Open the Game bar
Windows key + U = Open Ease of Access Center
Windows key + X = Open the Quick Link menu
Windows key + Ctrl + M = Open the Magnifier app

For more tips on how to become a Windows power user, tap or click here.