#Office365Challenge – I love and use the Windows Button on my keyboard SO much, that I have a tattoo of it. Ok, I’m kidding – but I could – and that would be totally cool!! I’m considering painting it on all my Superman T-Shirts. It’s something I use at least a 100 times a day and it’s also the first thing I show users when training. You’d think everyone knows it and uses it – but I am amazed at how few people do. I call it the “Flag button” and anyone who’s gone through my training does too. Sorry guys – I’ve scarred you for life!
| Day: | 45 of 365, 320 left |
| Tools: | Microsoft Office; Windows |
| Description: | Windows Button on your keyboard |
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This little magic Windows Button has been around long before Windows 8 was released – but I only started using it then when I upgraded to Windows 8. Why? Because the start button was gone. Yup – forced to use it – and I’ve never looked back. Thank you Microsoft for forcing me to grow up and start searching for stuff – as opposed to navigating. |
So what can we do with the Windows Button?
Apart from pressing the Windows button to search for anything on my pc, I also use it in combination with other keys as shortcuts:
| Press this key | To do this |
| Windows logo key | Display or hide the Start screen |
| +, | Temporarily peek at the desktop |
| +/ | Initiate IME reconversion |
| +Alt+Enter | Open WindowsMedia Center |
| +Alt+number | Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
| +B | Set focus in the notification area |
| +C | Open the Charms |
| +Ctrl+B | Switch to the app that displayed a message in the notification area |
| +Ctrl+F | Search for PCs (if you’re on a network) |
| +Ctrl+number | Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
| +Ctrl+Shift+number | Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator |
| +Ctrl+Spacebar | Change to a previously selected input |
| +Ctrl+Tab | Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) |
| +D | Display and hide the desktop |
| +Down arrow | Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window |
| +E | Open File Explorer |
| +Enter | Open Narrator |
| +Esc | Exit Magnifier |
| +F | Open the Search charm and search for files |
| +H | Open the Share charm |
| +Home | Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke) |
| +I | Open the Settings charm |
| +K | Open the Devices charm |
| +L | Lock your PC or switch people |
| +Left arrow | Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen |
| +M | Minimize all windows |
| +number | Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app. |
| +O | Lock device orientation |
| +P | Choose a presentation display mode |
| +Pause | Display the System Properties dialog box |
| +period (.) | Cycle through open apps |
| +plus (+) or minus (-) | Zoom in or out using Magnifier |
| +Q | Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within the open app (if the app supports app search) |
| +R | Open the Run dialog box |
| +Right arrow | Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen |
| +S | Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web |
| +Shift+Down arrow | Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width |
| +Shift+Left or Right arrow | Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another |
| +Shift+M | Restore minimized windows on the desktop |
| +Shift+number | Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
| +Shift+period (.) | Cycle through open apps |
| +Shift+Tab | Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order |
| +Shift+Up arrow | Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen |
| +Shift+V | Cycle through notifications in reverse order |
| +Spacebar | Switch input language and keyboard layout |
| +T | Cycle through apps on the taskbar |
| +Tab | Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) |
| +U | Open Ease of Access Center |
| +Up arrow | Maximize the window |
| +V | Cycle through notifications |
| +W | Open the Search charm and search for settings |
| +X | Open the Quick Link menu |
| +Z | Show the commands available in the app |
Thanks for the above list Microsoft!!
Now remember, to change a habit takes time and is painful. The more you try these shortcuts, the faster you’ll get at it. Hang in there cupcakes, it’s worth it!!
Overview of my challenge: As an absolute lover of all things Microsoft, I’ve decided to undertake the challenge, of writing a blog every single day, for the next 365 days. Crazy, I know. And I’ll try my best, but if I cannot find something good to say about Office 365 and the Tools it includes for 365 days, I’m changing my profession. So let’s write this epic tale of “Around the Office in 365 Days”. My ode to Microsoft Office 365.
Keep in mind that these tips and tricks do not only apply to Office 365 – but where applicable, to the overall Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.
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