What are the best wireless keyboard shortcuts for multitasking and productivity?

1 Switch between apps

When multitasking, you can use wireless keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between different apps. On Windows, press Alt + Tab to view a list of open apps and cycle through them by pressing Tab repeatedly. Release the keys when you reach the app you want to switch to. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Alt + Tab to keep the app list on the screen even after releasing the keys. On Mac, press Command + Tab or Control + F4 for the same purpose. For Chrome OS, simply press Search + Tab to view a list of open apps and cycle through them using Tab.

2 Switch between windows

If you have multiple windows open for the same app, such as different documents or web pages, you can switch between them without using your mouse or trackpad. On Windows, use Alt + `, while on Mac use Command + `. Additionally, Alt + Esc (Windows) or Command + F3 (Mac) will show you all the windows of the current app in a grid view, allowing you to use the arrow keys to select the window and press Enter to switch to it. For Chrome OS, Alt + - will switch between the windows of the current app.

3 Switch between tabs

If you use a web browser or app that supports tabs, you can switch between them faster and easier with wireless keyboard shortcuts. Pressing Ctrl + Tab (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS) will move to the next tab on the right, and Ctrl + Shift + Tab (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS) will move to the previous tab on the left. You can also press Ctrl + 1-9 (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS) to switch to the tab corresponding to the number you press; for example, Ctrl + 1 will switch to the first tab and Ctrl + 2 will switch to the second tab.

4 Switch between desktops

If you prefer to organize your work into different virtual desktops, you can use these wireless keyboard shortcuts to switch between them without interrupting your flow. For Windows and Mac, press Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right or Control + Left/Right; while for Chrome OS, press Search + Shift + Left/Right. Repeatedly pressing the key combination will take you to the desktop you want. On Windows and Mac, you can also press Windows + Tab or Control + Up to view all your virtual desktops in a thumbnail view, then use the arrow keys to select the one you want and press Enter to switch to it.

5 Manage your files

When managing multiple projects, it is essential to save time and effort by using wireless keyboard shortcuts for common file operations. To copy a file or folder, press Ctrl + C (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS). Ctrl + X (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS) will cut the selected file or folder to the clipboard. To paste a file or folder from the clipboard to the current location, press Ctrl + V (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS). To undo the last action you performed on a file or folder, use Ctrl + Z (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS). To select all files and folders in the current location, press Ctrl + A (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS). Delete (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS) will delete the selected file or folder. Lastly, to rename the selected file or folder press F2 (Windows, Chrome OS) or Enter (Mac).

6 Manage your notifications

Notifications can be both helpful and distracting, but you can manage them more efficiently with wireless keyboard shortcuts. For instance, pressing Windows + A (Windows) or Control + Center (Mac) will open the notification center, where you can view and interact with all your notifications. Additionally, Windows + V (Windows) or Command + Shift + V (Mac) will open the clipboard history, displaying all the items you copied to the clipboard. Lastly, Search + A (Chrome OS) opens the notification center on Chrome OS. This way, you can stay on top of your messages, reminders, updates, and alerts without being overwhelmed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?