Windows key shortcuts: lock your screen with Windows + L, and 19 more worth knowing
By Jera IT
Originally published April 2024. Refreshed November 2026: Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025 and many new keyboards now have a Copilot key, so we've updated the list and put the most searched shortcut first.
The Windows key (the one with the four-pane window logo, bottom left of most keyboards) does far more than open the Start menu. Combined with other keys, it saves time every day, and one of its shortcuts is a security habit worth having.
The short answer: Windows + L locks your computer instantly. If you learn only one shortcut, make it that one.
Windows + L: lock your screen
Press the Windows key and L together and your PC locks straight away. Everything stays open exactly as you left it, but nobody can use your computer, read your email or open your files until you sign back in.
It takes half a second, and it’s one of the simplest security habits there is. An unlocked computer in an office or a coffee shop can be used by anyone who walks past, and they get access to everything you can see.
Two ways to make locking automatic:
- Dynamic Lock. Pair your phone with your PC by Bluetooth, then turn on Dynamic Lock (Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options). When you walk away with your phone, the PC locks itself shortly after.
- A screen-lock timeout. Your IT team can set every company PC to lock after a few minutes idle, so a forgotten laptop never stays open for long.
The most useful Windows key shortcuts
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Windows + L | Lock your computer |
| Windows + D | Show the desktop (press again to bring everything back) |
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows + I | Open Settings |
| Windows + Shift + S | Screenshot any part of the screen (Snipping Tool) |
| Windows + V | Clipboard history: paste something you copied earlier |
| Windows + Z | Snap layouts: arrange windows side by side (Windows 11) |
| Windows + left / right arrow | Snap the current window to half the screen |
| Windows + Tab | See all open windows and virtual desktops |
| Windows + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + left / right arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
| Windows + P | Project to a second screen or meeting-room display |
| Windows + K | Cast to a wireless display |
| Windows + A | Quick settings: Wi-Fi, volume, brightness (Windows 11) |
| Windows + N | Notifications and calendar (Windows 11) |
| Windows + H | Voice typing: dictate into any text box |
| Windows + . (full stop) | Emoji, symbols and GIFs |
| Windows + Shift + M | Restore minimised windows |
| Windows + number (1–9) | Open the app pinned in that position on the taskbar |
| Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B | Wake the screen if it goes blank or black |
A few that save real time
- Screenshots without the faff. Windows + Shift + S lets you drag a box around exactly what you want. It’s copied to your clipboard, ready to paste into Teams or an email.
- Two documents side by side. Press Windows + left arrow on one window and Windows + right arrow on the other. On Windows 11, Windows + Z gives you more layouts.
- Copy several things, paste them later. Turn on clipboard history once with Windows + V, and it remembers your recent copies.
- Separate your work. Virtual desktops (Windows + Ctrl + D) keep, say, a big project on one desktop and email and Teams on another.
What has changed since we first wrote this
- Windows 10 is out of support. Microsoft stopped providing free security updates for Windows 10 in October 2025. A PC that no longer gets security fixes is an easy target, so if you still run Windows 10, plan the upgrade now. Microsoft sells businesses Extended Security Updates as a paid stop-gap for up to three years. The price doubles each year, and if you join late you pay for the years you missed.
- The Copilot key. Many new laptops have a Copilot key that opens Microsoft’s AI assistant. Before staff start pasting company information into any AI tool, make sure it’s the version covered by your Microsoft 365 business account and its data protections.
- Locking matters more with hybrid work. Laptops travel between home, the office, trains and cafés. Windows + L, plus an automatic lock, is the cheapest protection you’ll ever add.
How Jera can help
We look after Windows PCs and Microsoft 365 for businesses across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeenshire, including screen locks and security settings on every device. Still on Windows 10? Book a call and we’ll plan the upgrade with you.
Frequently asked questions
What does Windows + L do?
It locks your computer straight away. Your apps and documents stay open, but anyone who sits down needs your PIN, password, fingerprint or face to get back in.
How do I lock my screen quickly in Windows 11?
Press the Windows key and L together. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Lock, or turn on Dynamic Lock so the PC locks itself when your paired phone moves out of range.
What does Windows + P do?
It opens the projection options, so you can mirror or extend your screen to a second monitor or projector, which is handy in meeting rooms.
Why is Windows + V not working?
Clipboard history is switched off by default. Press Windows + V once and choose Turn on, or enable it in Settings, then it keeps a list of the things you've copied.
What is the Copilot key?
Many new laptops and keyboards have a dedicated Copilot key, usually next to the right-hand Alt key, which opens Microsoft's AI assistant. What it opens depends on how your organisation has set up Windows and Microsoft 365.
