Windows shortcut close active window

When you combine the Windows key with other keys, you can quickly do common tasks. The following list includes many common keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows key.

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Windows 11 introduces new keyboard shortcut keys that complement pre-existing Windows shortcuts, designed to enhance your work efficiency and speed. The majority of Windows 10 shortcuts continue to function in Windows 11, with additional shortcuts introduced to accommodate new features in this latest version.

Windows 11 shortcuts offer a wide range of commands, from navigation within Settings and executing commands on a command prompt, to alternating between snap layouts and interacting with dialog boxes. This article will provide a comprehensive list of crucial keyboard shortcut keys, otherwise known as Windows hotkeys, that every Windows 11 user should familiarize themselves with.

Shortcut Keys or Windows Hotkeys for Windows 11

Utilizing keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 can greatly enhance your efficiency by accelerating your usual tasks. These shortcuts offer a more streamlined approach to task completion, often reducing the need for repetitive clicking and scrolling.

While the prospect of learning all available shortcuts may seem overwhelming, it’s not necessary to memorize every single one. Instead, focusing on the shortcuts related to your most frequent tasks can significantly improve your speed and productivity.

New Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

Windows 11 brings a few Keyboard Shortcuts for accessing its cool new features such as widgets, snap layouts, action center, and quick settings.

FYI, Win key is the Windows Logo key on your keyboard.

General and Popular Shortcuts for Windows 11

Here are the most frequently used and essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11.

Keyboard Shortcuts For Taking Screenshots in Windows 11

Task Manager Shortcuts for Windows 11

Desktop and Virtual Desktops Shortcuts for Windows 11

These simple shortcuts will help you navigate your desktop, virtual desktops, and Azure Virtual Desktop more smoothly.

Taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

You can use below keyboard shortcuts to take control of your taskbar:

File Explorer (with Tabs) Shortcuts for Windows 11

These keyboard shortcuts can help you navigate your Windows filesystem more quickly than ever:

Command Prompt Shortcuts for Windows 11

If you are a Command Prompt user, then these shortcuts will come in handy:

Dialog box Shortcuts for Windows 11

Use the following Windows hotkeys to navigate the Dialog box of any application easily:

Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

Windows 11 provides these keyboard shortcuts to make your computer more accessible and easier to use for everyone:

Xbox Game Bar Shortcuts for Windows 11

Here are some keyboard shortcuts for the Xbox Game Bar overlay in Windows 11 that can help you perform in-game tasks like capturing game clips, taking screenshots, and more.

Browser Shortcuts for Windows 11

You can use these shortcuts to navigate and use browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, etc.

Other Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Any App

Not every app or program has shortcut keys to open it in Windows 11. In such cases, you can create your own keyboard shortcuts or keybinding to launch an application in Windows 11. Here’s how you can create custom keyboard shortcuts for an app in Windows 11:

First, open the Start menu and search for the app you want to create a keyboard shortcut for. Then, right-click the app from the search results and select ‘Open file location’ from the context menu.

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This will open the Programs folder in the user files where you can see the desktop shortcuts for the app. Now right-click the desired shortcut icon and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu. 

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In the program Properties dialog box, switch to the ‘Shortcut’ tab and press the key combination you want for the shortcut in the ‘Shortcut key’ field. Then, click on ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’.

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If an app doesn’t have a desktop shortcut, create one and add keyboard shortcuts to it. To do that, navigate to the folder where the app was installed and right-click on the application (.exe), and select ‘Show more options’.

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In the full context menu, hover over ‘Send to’ and select ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’.

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Then, go to the desktop and right-click the shortcut you just created, and select ‘Properties’.

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In the Properties dialog, specify the shortcut in the ‘Shortcut key’ and click ‘Apply’ then ‘OK’.

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Have fun doing things quicker and efficiently with the above-mentioned keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11.

That’s it.

Close the Active Window

When you have multiple windows open on your computer screen, it can be cumbersome to close each one individually. Thankfully, there are shortcut keys that allow you to quickly close the active window without hassle.

One of the most commonly used shortcut keys to close the active window is Alt + F4. Simply press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard and then press the F4 key. This will instantly close the active window, whether it’s a program, a document, or a web browser tab.

Another shortcut key you can use to close the active window is Ctrl + W. This is specifically used in web browsers to close the currently active tab. If you have multiple tabs open in your browser window and want to quickly close the one you’re currently viewing, just press Ctrl + W.

Alternatively, if you prefer using the mouse rather than keyboard shortcuts, you can close the active window by clicking on the “X” button located in the top-right corner of the window or tab. This method is especially useful when you have a touchscreen or a trackpad.

Remember to save any unsaved work in the active window before closing it. Some applications or programs may prompt you to confirm the closure, while others may close without any warning. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you’ve saved your progress to avoid losing any important data.

By using these shortcut keys or the mouse’s close button, you can swiftly and effortlessly close the active window, whether you’re working on a single application, a web browser, or any other program.

Managing multiple open windows can become overwhelming, especially when you want to close them all at once. Instead of manually closing each window, there are several ways to quickly close all of them simultaneously.

The easiest way to close all open windows is by using the keyboard shortcut Alt + F4. Instead of just closing the active window, this keyboard combination will close all open windows across different applications. Simply hold down the Alt key and press the F4 key. Keep in mind that any unsaved work in these windows will be lost, so make sure to save your progress before using this shortcut.

Another method to close all open windows is by right-clicking on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and selecting “Close all windows” or a similar option. This will instantly close all open windows, including applications, programs, and folders. It’s a convenient approach, especially when your taskbar is cluttered with multiple windows.

If you prefer using the mouse, you can also right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and choose “Close all windows” from the context menu. This action will achieve the same result of closing all open windows in one go.

In addition, certain applications and programs have built-in options to close all open windows within their interface. For example, in web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you can press Ctrl + Shift + W to close all open tabs at once. This can be immensely helpful when you have numerous tabs open and want to quickly close them all.

Remember that closing all open windows with these methods may result in the loss of any unsaved data, so make sure to save your work before proceeding. With these convenient methods, you can effortlessly close all open windows on your computer, decluttering your screen and improving your productivity.

Close All Windows Except the Active Window

There may be instances when you have multiple windows open on your computer screen, but you only want to close all of them except the active window. This can be particularly useful when you want to focus on a specific task or need to keep one window open while closing others.

One of the easiest ways to close all windows except the active one is by using the keyboard shortcut Alt + F4. While this shortcut is commonly used to close the active window, if you first minimize or select the window you want to keep open, pressing Alt + F4 will close all other windows, leaving only the active one untouched. Remember to save any unsaved work in the windows you intend to close, as this shortcut will close them without any prompt.

If you prefer using the mouse, you can use the “Close other tabs” option in your web browser. Simply right-click on the tab of the active window and select the “Close other tabs” option from the context menu. This will close all other tabs in the browser, preserving the active one. It’s a handy feature when you have multiple tabs open and want to declutter your browsing experience.

In certain applications like text editors or document viewers, you may find a “Close all except this” or similar option in the file menu. Clicking on this option will close all open documents or files except for the current active one. This allows you to focus on the specific document you are working on without being distracted by other open files.

It’s worth noting that these methods may vary depending on the applications and programs you use. While some may have specific options to close all windows except the active one, others may rely on standard system shortcuts like Alt + F4.

By utilizing these methods, you can quickly and efficiently close all windows except the active one, helping you maintain focus and declutter your computer screen while working.

Close the Current Tab in Your Web Browser

Web browsers have become central to our daily online activities, and it’s common to have multiple tabs open simultaneously. There are various methods to close the current tab in your web browser, allowing you to efficiently manage your browsing experience.

The simplest way to close the current tab is by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W on Windows or Command + W on Mac. This shortcut universally works across most popular web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Just press these keys, and the current tab will instantly close.

If you’re using a mouse with extra buttons or a touchpad that supports gestures, you may have additional options for closing the current tab. Some mice have a dedicated button for closing tabs, usually labeled with an “X” symbol. Clicking this button will close the tab you’re currently viewing.

Another method to close the current tab is by right-clicking anywhere on the tab itself and selecting the “Close Tab” option from the context menu. This is a convenient way to close the tab using the mouse without relying on keyboard shortcuts.

Most web browsers also offer the option to close the current tab by clicking on the small “X” symbol located on the right side of the tab. This symbol is typically displayed when you hover your mouse cursor over the tab. Just click on the “X” symbol, and the current tab will be closed.

It’s crucial to note that closing the current tab will permanently remove it from your browsing session. If you accidentally close a tab or need to reopen a recently closed tab, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + T on Windows or Command + Shift + T on Mac. This shortcut will reopen the most recently closed tab, allowing you to quickly restore any accidentally closed tabs.

By utilizing these various methods, you can easily and efficiently close the current tab in your web browser, customizing your browsing experience and keeping your browser window organized.

Close All Tabs in Your Web Browser

Managing multiple tabs in a web browser can sometimes lead to a cluttered workspace and decreased productivity. Fortunately, there are several methods to quickly close all tabs in your web browser, allowing you to start fresh or organize your browsing session more effectively.

The easiest way to close all tabs in your web browser is through the use of a keyboard shortcut. For Windows users, press Ctrl + Shift + W to instantly close all open tabs. Mac users can use the shortcut Command + Shift + W for the same effect. By holding down the respective keys and pressing the letter “W,” you can swiftly close all tabs and return to an empty browser window.

Another method to close all tabs is by right-clicking on any tab and selecting the option to close all tabs from the context menu. This allows you to quickly close all tabs without relying on keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, some browsers may offer a keyboard shortcut specific to closing all tabs, such as Ctrl + Shift + T or Command + Option + W.

If you prefer a visual interface, some browsers provide a button dedicated to closing all tabs at once. Look for a small “x” or a “close all tabs” icon located within your browser’s toolbar. Clicking on this button will promptly close all open tabs, giving you a fresh start for your browsing session.

It’s essential to note that closing all tabs will permanently remove them from your browsing session. However, some browsers have a feature that allows you to restore recently closed tabs. To reopen a tab you accidentally closed or want to revisit, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + T on Windows or Command + Shift + T on Mac. This handy shortcut will restore the most recently closed tab, helping you recover any essential content.

By utilizing these methods, you can efficiently close all tabs in your web browser, decluttering your workspace and improving your browsing experience. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, right-clicking options, or dedicated buttons, managing your tabs becomes a seamless task to keep you organized and productive.

Close the Current Document in Your Text Editor

Text editors play a crucial role in our daily work, allowing us to write, edit, and organize various types of documents. When you’re done working on a particular document and want to close it in your text editor, there are several methods you can use to quickly accomplish this.

The most common way to close the current document in a text editor is by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W on Windows or Command + W on Mac. This shortcut universally works across most popular text editors such as Notepad++, Sublime Text, and VS Code. Simply press these keys, and the active document will close.

Alternatively, you can use the mouse to close the current document. Look for a small “x” symbol or a close button located in the top-right corner of the text editor window. Clicking on this “x” symbol will close the current document. Some text editors may prompt you to save unsaved changes before closing, while others may close the document without any warning.

In some text editors, you may find a specific option in the menu bar to close the current document. Look for menu items like “File” or “Document” and explore the options available. You might find an option called “Close” along with a respective keyboard shortcut. Clicking on this option will effectively close the current document, allowing you to move on to other tasks.

If you’re working on a tabbed interface in your text editor, you can also close the current document by right-clicking on the respective tab and selecting the “Close” option from the context menu. This method is particularly useful when you have multiple documents open in your text editor and want to quickly close the one you’re currently working on.

Remember to save any unsaved changes in the document before closing it. If prompted, choose the option to save your work or use the keyboard shortcut specific to saving, such as Ctrl + S on Windows or Command + S on Mac, before proceeding to close the document.

By utilizing these methods, you can easily and efficiently close the current document in your text editor, allowing you to move on to other tasks or open a new document to work on.

Close All Documents in Your Text Editor

Working with multiple documents simultaneously in a text editor can become overwhelming, especially when you want to close all of them at once. Luckily, there are several methods available to quickly close all documents within your text editor, allowing you to keep your workspace organized and decluttered.

One of the most common ways to close all documents in your text editor is by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + W on Windows or Command + Shift + W on Mac. By pressing these keys, you can instantly close all open documents within the editor. It’s important to note that any unsaved changes in these documents will be lost, so make sure to save your work before using this shortcut.

If your text editor uses a tabbed interface, there may be an option in the menu bar to close all documents. Look for menu items like “File” or “Document” and navigate to the available options. You might find an option called “Close All” or “Close All Documents” along with a respective keyboard shortcut. Clicking on this option will swiftly close all open documents, giving you a fresh slate to work with.

Some text editors also offer the option to close all documents through the use of a right-click context menu. In the document tabs area, you can right-click and select the option to close all documents. This method is particularly convenient when you have multiple documents open and want to close them all without navigating through the menu bar.

If your text editor has a sidebar or a navigation panel displaying a list of open documents, there might be an option to close all documents within that panel. Look for a close button or an option to close all documents. Clicking on this button will efficiently close all open documents, allowing you to start fresh or open new files.

It’s important to remember that closing all documents will permanently remove them from your editor session. If you accidentally close a document or need to reopen a recently closed one, some text editors provide an option to restore recently closed documents. Check the menu bar or right-click context menu for options like “Reopen Closed Document” or use the appropriate keyboard shortcut to restore the most recently closed document.

By utilizing these methods, you can easily and efficiently close all documents within your text editor, keeping your workspace tidy and optimizing your productivity.

Close the Active Folder in File Explorer

Navigating through folders and directories in the file explorer is a common task when managing files and organizing your computer. While you may be familiar with opening folders, you might wonder how to close them once you’re done. Although it may seem less obvious, there are methods to close the active folder in the file explorer.

One simple way to close the active folder is by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W on Windows or Command + W on Mac. This popular shortcut, commonly used to close windows or tabs, can be used in the file explorer to close the active folder as well. Just press these keys, and the folder window will instantly close.

If you prefer using the mouse, you can close the active folder by clicking on the “x” button located in the top-right corner of the folder window. Similar to closing tabs or windows in web browsers, clicking on this button will effectively close the active folder in the file explorer. This method is particularly useful when you have a touchscreen or a trackpad and want to perform the action with a simple click.

Another method to close the active folder is through the use of the file explorer’s menu bar. Look for the “File” or “Folder” menu and explore the options available. Depending on the file explorer you’re using, you may find an option called “Close Folder” or something similar. Clicking on this option will close the active folder, allowing you to move on to other tasks or open a different folder.

In some file explorers, you can also right-click on the active folder in the directory tree or the folder view and select the “Close” option from the context menu. This method is particularly helpful when you have multiple folders open and want to close specific ones without affecting others.

It’s important to note that closing the active folder does not delete or remove the folder or its contents from your computer. It simply closes the file explorer window displaying the folder’s contents. If you make any changes or edits to files within the folder, be sure to save your progress before closing to avoid any loss of data.

By utilizing these methods, you can easily and efficiently close the active folder in the file explorer, helping you better manage your files and maintain an organized workspace.

Close All Open Folders in File Explorer

When working with multiple folders simultaneously in the file explorer, you may want to close all of them at once to declutter your workspace and streamline your file management. Fortunately, there are several methods available to quickly close all open folders in the file explorer.

The simplest way to close all open folders is by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W on Windows or Command + W on Mac. This popular keyboard shortcut, commonly used to close windows or tabs in various applications, is also applicable in the file explorer. By pressing these keys, you can instantly close all open folder windows, freeing up your screen space.

If you prefer using the mouse, you can close all open folders by clicking on the “x” button located in the top-right corner of each individual folder window. However, this method can be time-consuming if you have multiple folders open. An alternative approach is to right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select the “Close all windows” or a similar option. This action will promptly close all open folder windows, allowing you to start fresh.

Another method to close all open folders is through the use of the file explorer’s menu bar. Look for the “File” or “Window” menu and explore the options available. Depending on the file explorer you’re using, you may find an option called “Close All” or “Close All Folders.” Clicking on this option will efficiently close all open folder windows, giving you a clean slate for your next file management task.

It’s important to note that closing all open folders in the file explorer does not delete or remove any folders or their contents from your computer. It simply closes the individual folder windows that were open in the file explorer.

By utilizing these methods, you can easily and efficiently close all open folders in the file explorer, helping you maintain an organized workspace and optimize your file management workflow.

Close the Active Application

When you’re done working with a specific application on your computer, it’s important to know how to close it properly. Whether it’s a word processor, a web browser, or any other program, there are various methods to close the active application.

One of the most common ways to close the active application is by using the familiar keyboard shortcut Alt + F4. Simply press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard and then press the F4 key. This keyboard combination is universally recognized and can be used to close the active application in most cases. However, please note that not all applications may respond to this shortcut, especially those that have customized keyboard commands or special functions.

If you prefer using the mouse, you can look for the standard close button located in the top-right corner of the application window. It typically appears as an “X” symbol. Clicking on this button will close the active application instantly. Alternatively, you can right-click on the application icon in the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select the “Close” option from the context menu.

In some cases, the application you’re using may have a specific option to close it within its menu bar. Look for the “File” or “Application” menu and explore the available options. You might find an option called “Exit,” “Close,” or “Quit.” Clicking on this option will effectively close the active application.

It’s important to note that closing the active application will terminate its process, and any unsaved work may be lost. Therefore, it’s crucial to save your work before closing the application to avoid any data loss.

Some applications may also prompt you with a confirmation dialog before closing. This may include a message asking if you want to save changes or reminding you to save any unsaved work. Be sure to read and respond accordingly to ensure that your work is properly saved.

By utilizing these methods, you can easily and efficiently close the active application, whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, mouse clicks, or application-specific options. Properly closing applications not only helps declutter your workspace but also ensures that your work is saved and that the application is properly terminated.