Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys
Microsoft Windows 8 provides shortcuts to perform actions quickly. Press the Windows key 
in combination with a designated key in the table to perform the action.
Shortcut |
| Key | Description |
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| Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the Windows |
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| desktop. |
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| NOTE: Pressing the key again returns you to the previous screen. |
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| + | c | Reveals the charms. |
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| + | d | Opens the Windows desktop. |
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| + | q | Opens the All Apps screen. |
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| + | tab | Switches between open apps. |
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| NOTE: Continue to press this key combination until the app you |
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| want is revealed. |
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alt | + | f4 | Closes an active app. |
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For additional information on Windows 8 shortcut keys, go to Help and Support. From the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.
Using the hot keys
A hot key is a combination of the fn key and the esc key.
To use a hot key:
▲Briefly press the fn key, and then briefly press the esc key.
Function | Hot key | Description |
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Reveals system information. | fn+esc | Reveals information about system hardware components and the |
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| system BIOS version number. |
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38 Chapter 5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard
