7 New Hidden Window Keyboard Shortcuts You Never Heard Of
People use Windows keyboard shortcuts all the time but there are so many of them, it is difficult to keep track of them all. Plus, frequent updates and changes in the UI/UX introduce new shortcuts that are often buried deep. Here are some hidden but useful Windows keyboard shortcuts you may not have heard of.
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1.Switch Between Your Sound Output Devices Quickly
Use the shortcutWindows + Ctrl + Vto easily switch between your output devices using this shortcut without actually going to settings and searching for that option taking too much time.
For example, if you are watching a video on YouTube and want to show one part of that video to your friend without disconnecting your headphones/earbuds. PressWindows+ Ctrl + Vand it will open the menu on the right to switch to your preferred sound output device.
2. Select and Record Any Part of the Screen
You can useWindows + Shift + Rkeyboard shortcut to select and directly start recording any part of the screen on your Windows. Also, you get the option to mute system audio and record from your mic instead.
This is useful in situations where you want to record just the selected part of your game or any other screen and you don’t want to show everything on the screen. It could be for privacy or security reasons like you don’t want to show all open tabs, or username for example.
3. Get Live Captions of any Video Using AI
UseWindows + Ctrl + Lkeyboard shortcut while watching a video and your Windows system will caption it on the device using AI. No data leaves your PC.
Live captions work across Windows 11 OS, making it seamless to read captions while working in other apps. Captions can be generated for audio even when you are disconnected from the internet. Yup.
you’re able to personalize how captions are displayed, set the position where you want the captions to appear, and include microphone audio to make in-person conversations easier in thePreferencesoption.
4. Set Any Image as Wallpaper Within a Second
Simply by pressingCtrl + B, you may set any image anywhere on your Windows PC as wallpaper. It saves a lot of time in comparison to setting up a wallpaper manually. No need to save the image first and then use the right-click menu.
5. Open Emoji Keyboard and Clipboard Instantly Anywhere
PressWINDOWS + . (period) or WINDOWS + ; (semicolon)to open the emoji keyboard where you can access all different types of emojis instantly over any screen.
You can also pressWindows + Vto access the clipboard history (appears in the same emoji menu) instantly.
6. Enhance Productivity With Voice Typing
PressWindows + Hto open dictation/voice typing anywhere on your screen so that you can instantly write what’s on your mind using just your voice. Go handsfree instantly.
This is a great feature for writing long texts and messages on your Windows computer. To save time, select the text box you want to write and use this shortcut.
7. Switch Browser Tabs Without Moving Your Cursor
you’re able to easily switch tabs by double pressing theF6key and navigating to different tabs using thearrow keyson your keyboard without actually moving your cursor to the desired tab. No need to touch the mouse.
This will help you quickly switch between open tabs and work more productively when multiple tabs are open on your browser.
Note:This only works on Windows (not on Mac even if you are using the same browser).
And that’s it, folks.
Anchit Srivastava
Working as a Tech Writer at Tech Wiser, I’m passionate about technology since childhood. I enjoy discussing it with friends, exploring new techs, and analyzing features in Android, iOS, and other technologies. My goal is to simplify complex information about current and emerging technologies, making them more accessible and understandable to people interested in learning more.
