Taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts – Quick Launch Shortcuts

Why Use Taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts?

The Windows taskbar is a powerful tool for quick access to frequently used apps. Instead of manually clicking icons, you can use taskbar keyboard shortcuts to launch, switch, and manage applications instantly.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best taskbar shortcuts to help you boost productivity and navigate faster.

Essential Taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

Action	Keyboard Shortcut
Open Taskbar App (Position 1-9)	`Win + 1-9` (e.g., `Win + 1` opens the first pinned app)
Open a New Instance of a Taskbar App	`Shift + Win + 1-9`
Switch Between Open Instances of an App	`Ctrl + Win + 1-9`
Open Taskbar Context Menu	`Shift + Right-click` on a taskbar icon
Show Desktop (Minimize All Windows)	`Win + D`
Restore Minimized Windows	`Win + Shift + M`
Open Task Manager	`Ctrl + Shift + Esc`
Open Quick Link Menu	`Win + X`
Cycle Through Open Apps on the Taskbar	`Win + T`, then use `Enter` or `Arrow Keys`

📌 Tip: Use Win + 1-9 to launch apps faster than clicking, especially for frequently used programs.

How to Use Quick Launch Shortcuts Effectively

1. Quickly Open Pinned Apps

Press Win + 1 to launch the first pinned app, Win + 2 for the second, and so on.
If the app is already open, this shortcut switches to it.

2. Open Multiple Windows of the Same App

Use Shift + Win + 1-9 to open a new instance of an app (e.g., open another File Explorer window).

3. Navigate the Taskbar Without a Mouse

Press Win + T to highlight the first app, then use the Arrow Keys to cycle through apps.
Press Enter to open the selected app.

4. Manage Windows Efficiently

Use Win + D to show the desktop instantly.
Press Win + Shift + M to restore minimized windows.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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