Little known Windows Secrets

[newtekie1]

I thought I'd starts a thread about all the little Windows secrets that most of us probably not know about. So feel free to post some of the secrets you know that makes using Windows easier, that most people probably never even heard of.

My biggest one is probably Alt+Prt Scr, it takes a screenshot of only the active window. Great for taking shots of CPU-z or GPU-z, it really cuts down on the time wasted on cropping out the rest of the desktop.

What are some others?

The List:
Alt+Prt Scr - Takes Screenshot of the Active Window Only
Windows+M - Minimizes All Windows
Windows+D - Shows Desktop(Similar to Windows+M, but also Minimizes Windows that normally can't be minimized)
Windows+Shift+M - Restores all Windows
Ctrl+Shift+Esc - Brings up Task manager
Windows+Pause - Brings up System Properties
Windows+E - Brings up My Computer
Windows+L - Locks the Workstation

 

[RadeonX2]

w0w didn't know that. tnx

 

[kyle2020]

I thought I'd starts a thread about all the little Windows secrets that most of us probably not know about. So feel free to post some of the secrets you know that makes using Windows easier, that most people probably never even heard of.

My biggest one is probably Alt+Prt Scr, it takes a screenshot of only the active window. Great for taking shots of CPU-z or GPU-z, it really cuts down on the time wasted on cropping out the rest of the desktop.

What are some others?

thats fantastic, thanks!

One not everyone will know is pressing home + M minimizes all windows. Not really a secret but yeah

 

[ShadowFold]

Ctrl+Shift+Esc brings up task manager. Really useful in Vista.

 

[3870x2]

windows + d is what most people use, does the same thing but more useful. Supposed to show the desktop, so windows that cant be minimized still go away.

 

[newtekie1]

Heres another one: Windows Key+Pause brings up the system properties box.

Another: Windows+E opens My Computer.

 

[DRDNA]

Windows key + L = windows locked.

 

[rampage]

i dont have any to add, but you should add all of these to your first post, as i think this could become a handy little thread

 

[TheMailMan78]

I thought I'd starts a thread about all the little Windows secrets that most of us probably not know about. So feel free to post some of the secrets you know that makes using Windows easier, that most people probably never even heard of.

My biggest one is probably Alt+Prt Scr, it takes a screenshot of only the active window. Great for taking shots of CPU-z or GPU-z, it really cuts down on the time wasted on cropping out the rest of the desktop.

What are some others?

We may disagree on marketing but this is a cool thread. Thanks!

 

[WhiteLotus]

a very nice thread, erm
hitting shift 5 times brings up sticky keys ~ what ever they are

 

[kyle2020]

yeah, newtekie make a list of all that are posted. that would be useful!

 

[Lazzer408]

Ctrl+Shift+Esc brings up task manager. Really useful in Vista.

lmao - sry I just found that really funny. Vista needs a shortcut to end-task IE7.

 

[GREASEMONKEY]

Probably well known but(control+f)brings up find window.

 

[Lazzer408]

Probably well known but(control+f)brings up find window.

Or the middle mouse button if you use this...
http://www.highrez.co.uk/downloads/XMouseButtonControl.htm

I couldn't figure out how to do it within the OS. I had to use this 3rd party app.

 

[Beertintedgoggles]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Alt + Tab to switch between programs.

 

[silkstone]

Nice thread, a few of these i didn't know. i especially like the open window printscreen.

 

[oli_ramsay]

Probably well known but(control+f)brings up find window.

And windows and F brings up search menu.

Windows and tab does the flip 3d thing.

 

[Yin]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301583

 

[thoughtdisorder]

When typing a WWW address into your browser on a Windows OS, simply type the name then hit Ctrl+Enter and it will fill in the http:// and other related info automatically.

For example: Type: Google (then hit Ctrl+Enter)

 

[TRIPTEX_CAN]

Ctrl + W closes the current window

Alt + Enter makes 3d apps go fullscreen.

Alt + F4 kills the currently viewed application.

 

[Fleck]

Everyone know what shift+del does? It works in uTorrent too.

 

[blueskynis]

Win+R run a program
Ctrl + Esc bring start menu
Alt + space bring system menu of active window

 

[Ahhzz]

Yup. Delete bypassing the recycle bin. Works in my email client (Calypso) as well.

 

[fafa21]

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=52397

 

[RevengE]

THANKS! I forgot how to take a screen shot!