Tips and Tricks: Windows 8 shortcuts cheatsheet

If you are migrating from an older version of Windows to the newer Windows 8, you will notice the huge change and difference in the look and operating methods. In the initial demo of Windows 8, Microsoft demonstrated how easy it was to use touch to navigate around the new operating system. However, since not everyone would have a touchscreen monitor, working around with the keyboard and mouse is the only possibility. In addition, not many would be very happy using the touch interface constantly, and the input devices are the only ones to the rescue. Windows 8 tablet users would find it easier, but desktop and laptop users would find it a tad too tedious to reach for the screen at all times.   

Now that the new touch-based operating system is finally here, novice users might find it hostile and some old hands might still find it a bit intricate if they do not have a touchscreen. We must admit that using the mouse and keyboard in conjunction with Windows 8’s tiled user interface – the Modern UI – can be a bit tricky, but after a few days of usage, ease will gradually set in. 

To make life a bit easier for you on your new operating system, we have compiled a table of shortcuts, since we know most users will not have a touchscreen monitor and would still be using their sweet old mouse and keyboard. One would also admit that keyboard and mouse shortcuts are the only easiest and super-fast methods to get around Windows 8.

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8 (Click here for a larger image)

Kent Walter, a Windows Web Services and Content writer at Microsoft, explains his ordeal with the new touch-based operating system, as he does not use the touchscreen as often. In his blog, he has written about the new features and additions to the Windows 8 operating system and has come up with a very comprehensive shortcut chart to get around Windows 8 with great ease. Click on the image below to enlarge the chart. To find out what more lies within Windows 8, check out what Kent has to say in his blog. 

Kent Walter's keyboard shortcuts from his blog (Click here to find the entire table)