Maximum PC - UK (2019-12)

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Discover Invaluable


Windows Shortcuts


1


QUICKLY OPEN PINNED PROGRAMS
Pinning programs to the Windows 10 taskbar is a good way
to quickly access the apps you use most often. But rather
than using the mouse to open them, there’s an even swifter way.
Moving left to right, each program on the taskbar corresponds
to a number. Press the Windows key and that number to open
that program.
>> For example, if you have Microsoft Edge pinned on the first
spot on the taskbar, you’d press Win-1 to open it. Win-5 opens
the program pinned in the fifth spot [Image A], and so on. If you
press Win-1 and already have an instance of this application
open, this shortcut switches to it; press Win-Shift-1 to open a
new instance of the app.
>> Alternatively, you can press Win-T to cycle through the
programs on the taskbar, then press Enter to open the selected
app. Or press Win-Alt-(number) to access the context menu for
that particular program.
>> Note that the Win-(number) tip only applies to programs—if
you have the Windows 10 search icon or Task View button listed
in the first spot, Win-1 doesn’t open them.

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WINDOW MANAGEMENT TRICKS
Windows 10 puts plenty of handy window management
tools at your disposal. For example, dragging a window
to the left edge of the screen snaps it to that side, while dragging

USING A MOUSE IS SO 2018. These days, anyone who’s anyone is using keyboard shortcuts to get
things done. Not only are they so much quicker than using the mouse, but they let you impress
your friends at cool bars and parties. Probably.
Anyway, most us know the standard Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V shortcuts, but Windows has a whole
lot more up its sleeve when it comes to clever shortcuts. Make use of a couple of modifier keys
and your keyboard suddenly becomes the launchpad of your desires (or of Windows Explorer,
whichever you prefer).
For instance, the Windows key is best known for snapping you out of full-screen programs
when you accidentally tap it, but did you know it has other, less annoying uses? It turns out it’s
actually one of the most useful keys when it comes to shortcuts. Who knew?
That’s not your only option. The Ctrl, Shift, and Alt keys all unlock extra features in the apps
you use most frequently. Make use of these shortcuts and you’ll be a Windows workflow wizard.
Who needs to use a mouse anyway? –ALEX BLAKE

YOU’LL NEED THIS


WINDOWS 10
And a keyboard with a
Windows key.

it to the top edge maximizes it. But did you know that
you can do all this—and more much more quickly—with
keyboard shortcuts?
>> For example, you can press the Windows key
and either the left or right directional button to snap
the current window to the corresponding edge of your
screen. Once you’ve done that, Windows presents
thumbnails of your other open programs [Image B]—
navigate through them using the arrow keys, and press
Enter to snap one to the other side of your screen.
>> The up and down arrow keys also come into play
here. If your current program isn’t maximized, press
Win-Up to maximize it; press Win-Down to restore it to
its previous size.
>> And if you have additional monitors, you can quickly
move programs to them without using the mouse. If you
have a secondary monitor to the left of your main screen,
for example, press Win-Shift-Left to move the current
program to the left-hand display.

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68 MAXIMUMPC DEC 2019 maximumpc.com


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