Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys
Microsoft Windows 8 provides shortcuts to perform actions quickly. Press the Windows key
in
combination with a designated key in the table to perform the action.
Shortcut
key
Key
Description
Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the Windows
desktop.
NOTE:
Pressing the key again returns you to the previous screen.
+
c
Reveals the charms.
+
d
Opens the Windows desktop.
+
q
Opens the All Apps screen.
+
tab
Switches between open apps.
NOTE:
Continue to press this key combination until the app you
want is revealed.
alt
+
f4
Closes an active app.
For additional information on Windows 8 shortcut keys, go to
Help and Support
. From the Start
screen, type
h
, and then select
Help and Support
.
Using the hot keys
A hot key is a combination of the
fn
key and the
esc
key.
To use a hot key:
▲
Briefly press the
fn
key, and then briefly press the
esc
key.
Function
Hot key
Description
Reveals system information.
fn
+
esc
Reveals information about system hardware components and the
system BIOS version number.
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Chapter 5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard