Windows 8 Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Get to old desktop style: Win + D or Esc or Alt + Esc I am sure there are others

Quick shutdow or restart: Win + D then Ctrl+Alt +F4

Access to some of admin tasks
Win + X
Access to Programs and Features
Power Options
Event Viewer
Device Manager
Control Panel
Task manager
Command Prompt
Elevated Command Prompt
Search
etc...

Access list of installed programs similar to the old Start Menu but in the Windows 8 UI format: Windows + Q

Open Task Manager: Ctrl+Shift+Esc

Dock a Fullscreen Windows Store App: This only works on a single monitor or the monitor furthest to the right if you have multiple displays. Drag or swipe the app to the right edge of the screen and let go. It will then dock it on the right. Useful for the stock messaging app if you haven't switched over to Skype yet.

Run as Administrator: Not all apps can be run as administrator from the Windows 8 UI, but if it can you can right click on it and you will get a "run as admin" button on the bottom of the screen.

For example, the metro version of IE won't show this option, however you can still run IE as admin by right clicking on it from the desktop.

Lock your screen: Win+L

Open Run Dialogue: Win+R

Open Windows Explorer: Win+E

If you have found any others that you find useful, add it to the comments and I'll attribute it to you and add it into this article.

License

This article, along with any associated source code and files, is licensed under The Code Project Open License (CPOL)

About the Author

Vince Yonemitsu

Systems / Hardware Administrator Code Project Solutions Inc.

United States

Member

I did my schooling at Humber College in the late 90's when everyone was trying to learn how to fix Y2K bugs in COBOL. It was then that I decided that I wanted nothing to do with programming. When all was said and done I have spent the last 12 years (and growing) in various Networking, Support, and Server Management positions for various private and public sector employers. It’s funny how I have now come full circle and I am again surrounded by programmers. Smile | :)

When I manage to get away from the office I am usually fishing, off-roading, golfing, canoeing or camping. Pretty much anything that keeps me outside. Actually I just bought my first DSLR camera and I think its going to soak up much of my time and resources over the next little while.

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