Mouse and keyboard: What's new

Most of what you know about using a mouse and keyboard with Windows has stayed the same, especially in the desktop. Here are some ways to use both new and familiar Windows features with a mouse and with keyboard shortcuts.

To do this With a mouse With a keyboard

Get back to the Start screen.

Click the Start button on the lower-left corner.

Press the Windows logo key Windows key.

Open the charms (Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings).

Point to the upper-right or lower-right corner to see the charms (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the charms appear, move up or down the edge and click the one you want.

Illustration of opening the charms with a mouse
All charms:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+C
Search charm:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+S
Share charm:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+H
Start charm:
Windows logo key Windows logo key
Devices charm:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+K
Settings charm:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+I

Search your PC (apps, settings, and files), the web, or within an app.

Point to the upper-right corner (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the charms appear, move down the edge, click Search, and then enter your search term.

If you want to see a list of all the apps on your PC, click the down arrow in the lower-left corner of the Start screen.

If you’re on the Start screen, start typing your search term.

Open the Search charm:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+S
Search within the app you've got open:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+Q
Search settings:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+W
Search files:
Windows logo key Windows logo key+F

Get to commands and context menus in an app.

Right-click within the app, and then click the command you want. Or, right-click an item to see the options specific to that item.

Illustration of viewing app commands

Within an app: Windows logo key Windows logo key+Z

Switch between open apps.

To switch to your most recently used app, point to the upper-left corner (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the previous app appears, click the corner.

To switch to a different app, point to the upper-left corner and then move down the edge. When the other apps appear, click the one you want.

Illustration of switching apps

Windows logo key Windows logo key+Tab: Switches between apps and the desktop

Alt+Tab: Switches between all apps, including desktop apps

Use up to four apps side by side.

Notes

  • The Start screen can't be used side by side with another app on the same screen.

  • Your screen resolution must be at least 1024 x 768 to have multiple windows and apps on your screen at the same time. To check this setting, open the Settings charm, click Change PC Settings, click PC and devices, and then click Display.

Drag your app from the top of the screen and place it on the left or right side. Then, go to the Start screen and click another app.

If you already have two apps open, you can insert the app on the left, right, or middle, or replace one of the currently open apps.

You can also point to the upper-left corner and then move the pointer down to see a list of apps you've used recently. Drag the app to insert it.

Illustration of switching apps

Windows logo key Windows logo key+Period+Left or Right Arrow

Open the desktop.

Go to the Start screen, and then click the Desktop tile.

Windows logo key Windows logo key+D

Zoom in or out on Start.

On Start, click the icon Summary view icon in the lower-right corner or Ctrl+mouse wheel to zoom out. Click anywhere to zoom back in.

Ctrl+Plus sign to zoom in

Ctrl+Minus sign to zoom out

Close an app.

Point to the top edge of the screen, and then drag the app to the bottom of the screen.

You can also close apps you've used recently by pointing to the upper-left corner and then moving down the edge. Right-click the app you want, and then click Close.

Windows logo key Windows logo key+Down Arrow

Show the title bar on a Windows Store app.

Point to the top of the app.

(No keyboard command.)

Show the taskbar on the Start screen.

Point to the bottom edge. (If you've moved your taskbar to another edge, point there.)

Windows logo key Windows logo key+T selects the first app on the taskbar.

Shut down your PC.

Point to the lower-right corner (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the charms appear, move up the edge, and then click Settings. Click Power, and then choose a shutdown option.

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del.

  2. Use the Tab key to move to the Power icon, and then press Enter. A list of shutdown options appears.

  3. Use the up or down arrow keys to get to the option you want.

  4. Press Enter.

To learn about how to do similar tasks using touch, see Touch: swipe, tap, and beyond. For more about getting around Windows, see Get to know Windows.