Windows 8 is very hotkey-heavy, here are some of the shortcuts I find 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 + Q Shows all installed apps.
- Win + W Instant search for settings.
- Win + F Instant search for files.
- Win + I Settings sidebar (control panel, network, volume, brightness, notifications, and more).
- Win + P Shows multi-monitor options, also useful for connecting an external monitor or projector.
- 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. Do it twice and it will snap to the left.
- Win + . (period) + Shift Snaps the current Metro app to the left side of the screen.
- 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 + L Locks Windows.
You can snap Metro apps or your desktop to the side and continue working on the center of the screen. Another shortcut lets you switch focus between the two.
