Windows 8.1 Tips and Tricks (Surface Pro)
A few tips and tricks for Windows 8.1.
THE BEST SHORTCUT EVER IS Windows logo key + X or Right-Click on the Windows symbol / start non-button which bring up a start like menu with many useful options. See below.
Login:
The Windows symbol on the front of the Surface is the Windows security button. Unlock the screen by pressing the Windows symbol, it will vibrate slightly and pressing the power button once. If a keyboard is attached Ctrl + Alt + Del has the same effect.
Using handwriting
1. Tap where you’d like to enter text.
2. If the handwriting panel doesn’t appear, tap the taskbar’s Keyboard icon.
3. If a keyboard appears instead of the handwriting panel, tap the Switch Keyboard icon and choose the Stylus option.
4. Begin writing in the handwriting panel, either in cursive, block letters, or even a combination
Windows Key Shortcuts:
Windows logo key +start typing
Windows logo key +F1 Open Windows Help and Support
Windows logo key Display or hide the Start screen
Windows logo key +B Set focus in the notification area
Windows logo key +C Open the Charms
Windows logo key +D Display and hide the desktop
Windows logo key +E Open File Explorer
Windows logo key +F Open the Search charm and search for files
Windows logo key +H Open the Share charm
Windows logo key +I Open the Settings charm
Windows logo key +K Open the Devices charm
Windows logo key +L Lock your PC or switch people
Windows logo key +M Minimize all windows
Windows logo key +O Lock device orientation
Windows logo key +P Choose a presentation display mode
Windows logo key +Q Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within the open app
Windows logo key +R Open the Run dialog box
Windows logo key +S Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web
Windows logo key +T Cycle through apps on the taskbar
Windows logo key +U Open Ease of Access Center
Windows logo key +V Cycle through notifications
Windows logo key +Shift+V Cycle through notifications in reverse order
Windows logo key +W Open the Search charm and search for settings
Windows logo key +X Open the Quick Link menu
Windows logo key +Z Show the commands available in the app
Windows logo key +, Temporarily peek at the desktop
Windows logo key +Pause Display the System Properties dialog box
Windows logo key +Ctrl+F Search for PCs (if you're on a network)
Windows logo key +Shift+M Restore minimized windows on the desktop
Windows logo key +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.
Windows logo key +Shift+number Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows logo key +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
Windows logo key +Alt+number Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows logo key +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
Windows logo key +Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)
Windows logo key +Ctrl+Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)
Windows logo key +Shift+Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order
Windows logo key +Ctrl+B Switch to the app that displayed a message in the notification area
Windows logo key +Up arrow Maximize the window
Windows logo key +Down arrow Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window
Windows logo key +Left arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen
Windows logo key +Right arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen
Windows logo key +Home Minimize all but the active desktop window
Windows logo key +Shift+Up arrow Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen
Windows logo key +Shift+Down arrow Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically,
maintaining width
Windows logo key +Shift+Left arrow or Right arrow Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another
Windows logo key +Spacebar Switch input language and keyboard layout
Windows logo key +Ctrl+Spacebar Change to a previously selected input
Windows logo key +Enter Open Narrator
Windows logo key +Shift+period (.) Cycle through open apps
Windows logo key +period (.) Cycle through open apps
Windows logo key +/ Initiate IME reconversion
Windows logo key +Alt+Enter Open Windows Media Center
Windows logo key +plus (+) or minus (-) Zoom in or out using Magnifier
Windows logo key +Esc Exit Magnifier