Podcast Summary: Hands-On Windows 173 – Keyboard Shortcuts in 2026

Host: Paul Thurrott
Date: January 22, 2026
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) – Hands-On Windows
Episode Focus: Revisiting and updating essential keyboard shortcuts in Windows, what's changed (and hasn't), and advanced efficiency tips for users in 2026.

Episode Overview

Paul Thurrott dives deep into the world of Windows keyboard shortcuts, highlighting old favorites, what’s new in 2026, and the best-kept secrets to becoming quicker and more productive. With practical demonstrations and personal anecdotes, Paul aims to help users regain command of Windows and reduce reliance on mouse-driven navigation and cluttered interfaces.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Keyboard Shortcuts Still Matter (00:22–03:30)

• Many users underutilize keyboard shortcuts, despite them being essential for Windows mastery and efficiency.
• Shortcuts help remove unnecessary on-screen UI, making more space for work and reducing distractions.
• Customizing your workflow is possible; “everyone’s got their own set” of preferred shortcuts, but some are critical for all.

Quote:

“I feel like you can’t really master Windows without knowing some selection of keyboard shortcuts.”
— Paul Thurrott (00:53)

2. Modifier Keys & The Evolution of the Windows Keyboard (03:30–05:00)

• Overview of control, alt, function, and Windows keys.
• The new “Copilot” key is introduced as controversial and, in Paul’s view, not useful (“I’m actually kind of hoping it just goes away…”).
• Most powerful shortcuts now use the Windows key in combination.

3. Core Windows Shortcuts Refresher (05:00–10:45)

Start/Search/Taskbar Navigation

• Windows Key or Ctrl + Esc – Open Start menu.
• Windows Key + S – Directly open the search interface.
• Windows Key + [number] – Launch the corresponding pinned app from the taskbar.
• Windows Key + E – Open File Explorer.

Managing Desktops and Windows

• Windows Key + D – Show desktop (toggles between open windows and desktop).
• Windows Key + , – Momentary show desktop (everything reappears when released, a lesser-known gem).

Quote:

“If you hit the comma, you get Show Desktop, but when you let go of the key, everything comes back. It’s kind of like a temporary on-the-fly show desktop. I don’t think a lot of people know about that one.”
— Paul Thurrott (09:45)

Other Taskbar and Quick Settings

• Windows Key + W – Open Widgets.
• Windows Key + A – Open Quick Settings.
• Windows Key + N – Notification Center and Calendar (noted to improve in 2026).

4. Multitasking & Window Management (11:19–15:35)

App/Task Switching

• Ctrl + Alt + Delete – Famous “break-glass” command for security/options.
• Alt + Tab – Switch between running apps.
• Alt + Shift + Tab – Switch through open apps in reverse order.
• Windows Key + Tab – Task View (persistent, more feature-rich, especially with multiple monitors).

Quote:

“Alt Shift Tab... goes in the opposite direction. Sometimes the app I want is at the end of the list. You can get to it really quickly.”
— Paul Thurrott (12:43)

Window Snapping and Sizing

• Windows Key + Up Arrow – Maximize window.
• Windows Key + Down Arrow – Restore/minimize window.
• Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow – Snap window to sides.

Task Manager Access

• Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Launch Task Manager directly.
• Windows Key + X – Quick settings, including Task Manager.

5. Clipboard Management (17:00–19:30)

• Classic shortcuts still reign: Ctrl + A (Select All), Ctrl + C/X/V (Copy/Cut/Paste).
• Clipboard history: Windows Key + Ctrl + V (must be enabled).
• PowerToys Advanced Paste (Windows Key + Shift + V): Quickly paste as plain text, markdown, etc.
• Print Screen Evolution:
  • Print Screen – Historically for screen captures (behavior now customizable).
  • Windows Key + Print Screen – Save screenshot directly to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
  • Print Screen can now trigger the Snipping Tool by default (configurable).

6. Other Essential and Advanced Shortcuts (19:30–24:00)

• Ctrl + Z/Y – Undo/Redo.
• Alt + Space – Open classic window menu for move, resize, etc. (some newer apps may override).
• Ctrl + W – Close current document or tab.
• Windows Key + . (Period) – Open emoji and symbols picker (“emojis, and more” panel, with currency and special symbols).
• PowerToys Quick Accent – Hold a key for accented character options, useful for special characters.
• Windows Key + G – Open Game Bar (for gaming/streaming overlays).

Quote:

“You might look at this and think, ‘I’m an adult, I’m not going to be using emojis.’ ...However, there’s other stuff in here and this is actually very useful... much easier way to find this stuff than Googling it.”
— Paul Thurrott (22:50)

Web Browsing: Tab Management

• Ctrl + T – Open new tab.
• Ctrl + W – Close tab.
• Ctrl + Shift + T – Reopen last closed tab (repeat to reopen multiple recent tabs).

Quote:

“Super, super useful Control Shift + T to get back a tab that you close by mistake. Very few people know about this.”
— Paul Thurrott (24:00)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The copilot key is also controversial. I think that one’s always going to be controversial. It’s terrible.” (04:30)
• “If you want the euro or the pound... These symbols are all just available in here. Much easier than Googling it.” (23:00)
• “I’ve only scraped the surface of what’s possible with keyboard shortcuts. There are so, so many.” (24:30)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:22 | Episode intro and keyboard shortcuts matter | | 03:30 | Overview of modifier keys and new Copilot key | | 05:00 | Start/search and taskbar navigation shortcuts | | 09:45 | Lesser known “Show Desktop” shortcut | | 11:19 | Multitasking and window management | | 12:43 | Alt+Shift+Tab and reverse-app switching | | 17:00 | Clipboard shortcuts and history | | 19:30 | Advanced window/application/document shortcuts | | 22:50 | Emoji and symbols panel usefulness | | 24:00 | Browser tab management and Ctrl+Shift+T | | 24:30 | Summary: The vast scope of Windows shortcuts |

Conclusion

Paul Thurrott revisits Windows keyboard shortcuts with a practical flair, educating listeners on both the foundational shortcuts and new, lesser-known tricks—such as the temporary Show Desktop, PowerToys enhancements, improved emoji/symbol picker, and the latest multitasking strategies. He urges listeners to experiment and find their own essential set, leveraging shortcuts as a powerful way to declutter Windows and speed up daily tasks.

Final Takeaway:
If you want to master Windows in 2026, speed up your workflow, and work smarter—not harder—know your shortcuts. Even lifelong users may discover a hidden gem or two!