Windows 7: A few Keyboard Shortcuts for the Power User

Windows 7 offers a couple more ways to enjoy the desktop "eye candy". We now have the 'windows snapping' feature where you drag the current program or explorer window to the left or right side, and it snaps in place, not to mention the window maximizing when you drop it to the top.

We also have the 'Aero shake' feature where you hold a window by holding down the mouse button and shake it a bit and the rest of the open windows/programs minimize to the taskbar.


For the power users, Windows 7 offers a few additional ways to navigate and/or move around the desktop. Here are a few additional 'keyboard tricks' for our everyday keyboard trudging....

• Windows key + up will maximize a window to fill the screen
• Windows key + down arrow on a maximized window will restore it to the original size.
• Windows key + down will minimize any regular window to the task bar. 
• Windows key + M will minimize any window to the task bar. 
• Windows key + right or left arrow will snap a window to half of the screen. This is the same as dragging a window to far left or right side of the screen.
• Windows key + home will minimize all open windows in the background except the top most active window. This is the same as shaking the window or performing Aero Shake
• Windows key + T will iterate through your task bar thumbnails of open applications.
• Windows key + D will minimize all windows.
• Windows key + Space bar will let you peek at the desktop.
• If you have multiple monitors, Windows key + shift + right arrow will move the active window to your next monitor. Windows key + shift + left arrow will revert it back.
• Good old Flip 3D is still there. Use Windows key + Tab to bring it up. While holding the Windows key hit tab to iterate through the windows. Hold down Windows key + shift and then hit tab to reverse the direction.

Why not give them a try? Probably one or more of these shortcuts will make your desktop navigation experience much faster.


info c/o TweakWin7