Description: This article will show you some useful keyboard shortcuts that are used in Windows 8.

Windows 8 has a large number of hot keys and keyboard shortcuts. Here are some of the most useful:

• Windows key Shows the new Start screen (Metro).
• Win + type keyword Instant application search (same as in Windows 7).
• Win + D Standard Windows desktop. Also minimizes/restores all open windows in desktop mode.
• Win + F Instant search for files.
• Win + I Settings sidebar (control panel, network, volume, brightness, notifications, and more).
• Win + J Switches focus between snapped Metro apps.
• Win + Page Up / Down Moves full-screen Metro app to secondary monitor.
• Win + Left / Right arrow Moves and snaps desktop applications in that direction, or to a different monitor.
• Win + Tab Switches between open applications. Similar to using the left-upper hot corner with a mouse.
• Win + P Shows multi-monitor options, also useful for connecting an external monitor or projector.
• Win + Q Shows all installed apps
• Win + L Locks Windows.
• Win + W Instant search for settings
• Win + X Power user shortcut menu (Device Manager, Control Panel, Command Prompt, Power Options, etc.).
• Win + Z Shows App Bar in Metro applications.
• Win + . (period) Snaps the current Metro app to the right side of the screen. Twice will snap it to the left.
• Win + . (period) + Shift Snaps the current Metro app to the left side of the screen