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Keyboard Shortcuts: Undo, Switch Apps, Search, and Take Screenshots

The essential Windows and Mac shortcuts for undo, switching apps, searching your computer or Chrome, finding tabs, and capturing screenshots.
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For the common commands, use Ctrl+Z, Alt+Tab, Windows key+S, and Windows key+PrtScn on Windows. On Mac, use Command-Z, Command-Tab, Command-Space, and Shift-Command-3. The right search or screenshot shortcut depends on whether you mean the operating system, a web page, a browser tab, or a saved image.

Quick shortcut comparison

Task Windows Mac What it does
Undo Ctrl+Z Command-Z Undo the most recent action in an app that supports it.
Switch apps Alt+Tab Command-Tab Move between open apps, not browser tabs.
Open system search Windows key+S Command-Space Open Windows search or Spotlight, respectively.
Capture the full screen Windows key+PrtScn Shift-Command-3 Windows saves a screenshot file; Mac captures the screen.

Microsoft’s Mac-to-Windows shortcut crosswalk lists the Windows and Mac equivalents for undo, app switching, search, and screenshots. Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts guide gives additional screenshot options and their macOS qualification.

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How do I undo?

Press Ctrl+Z on Windows or Command-Z on Mac. This is a common editing shortcut, but what it reverses depends on the app and the action. If it does not work, check the app’s Edit menu for Undo and its displayed shortcut.

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How do I switch between apps?

On Windows, hold Alt and press Tab to move through open apps. On Mac, hold Command and press Tab. These are app switchers: they do not search for or select a particular browser tab.

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Logitech MK270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black
  • Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
  • Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
  • Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
  • Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
  • Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites

Which search shortcut should I use?

Choose the shortcut based on what you want to search. System search, text on the current page, and a web search are different actions.

Search the computer

Find words on the current web page

In Chrome, press Ctrl+F on Windows or Linux, or Command-F on Mac, to open the Find Bar for the page you are viewing. This finds text on that page; it does not search the whole computer or the web. See Google Chrome’s computer keyboard shortcut list.

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Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch TV Keyboard for PC-Connected TV - Black
  • Media-Friendly: The K400 Plus wireless touch TV keyboard gives you integrated, comfortable control of your PC-to-TV entertainment, eliminating the clutter of a separate keyboard and mouse
  • Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port and the wireless touchpad keyboard is ready to go; adjust controls using the Logitech Options Software to save preferred settings
  • Power-Packed: Built with laid-back control in mind, this wireless TV keyboard has a reliable and long battery life of up to 18 months (2), including an on/off button to help it go even longer
  • Wireless Freedom: Designed for seamless comfort and control, this HTPC keyboard boasts a range of up to 33 ft (1) wireless connectivity, with quiet keys and a large touchpad for easy navigation
  • Broad Compatibility: Designed for use with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and later, Android 7 or later, and Chrome OS

Search the web

In Chrome, press Ctrl+L on Windows or Linux, or Command-L on Mac, to focus the address bar. Type a query and press Enter on Windows/Linux or Return on Mac to search using the browser’s configured search engine. These Chrome shortcuts are documented in Google’s shortcut list.

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How do I find a browser tab?

Use Chrome’s tab search rather than the operating system’s app switcher. Google documents Ctrl+Shift+A on Windows or Linux and Command+Shift+A on Mac. You can also type @tabs in Chrome’s address bar, press Tab or Space, then enter a keyword. See Google Chrome’s guide to managing tabs.

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Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard with number pad, 8 multimedia keys, includes USB-A receiver, 2-year battery, compatible with PC, laptop
  • All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
  • Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
  • Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
  • Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How do I take a screenshot?

Screenshot shortcuts can save a file, copy an image to the clipboard, or open capture controls. Pick the command that matches the result you need.

On Windows

  • Press Windows key+PrtScn to capture the full screen and save the image in the PicturesScreenshots folder.
  • Press PrtScn by itself to copy a full-screen capture to the clipboard. Paste it into an app that accepts images.
  • Print Screen behavior can be configured in Windows settings to open screen snipping instead. Microsoft lists these options in its Windows keyboard shortcuts reference.

On Mac

  • Press Shift-Command-3 to capture the screen.
  • Press Shift-Command-4 to capture a selected area.
  • Press Shift-Command-5 to open screenshot and screen-recording controls. Apple specifies that this controls shortcut is available on macOS Mojave or later.

Apple describes these options in its Mac keyboard shortcuts guide.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch TV Keyboard for PC-Connected TV - Black
Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch TV Keyboard for PC-Connected TV - Black
Product carbon footprint: 4.9 kg CO2e Certified carbon neutral
$31.86
SaleBestseller No. 3
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard with number pad, 8 multimedia keys, includes USB-A receiver, 2-year battery, compatible with PC, laptop
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard with number pad, 8 multimedia keys, includes USB-A receiver, 2-year battery, compatible with PC, laptop
Plastic parts in K270 include 38% certified post-consumer recycled plastic; Eight hot keys: For instant access to the Internet, e-mail, music volume and more
$21.48
Bestseller No. 5
Logitech K250 Compact Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Number Pad, Graphite
Logitech K250 Compact Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Number Pad, Graphite
Comfort is key: Deep-profile keys and an adjustable tilt-leg design make typing feel great
$22.99
Best Value
Logitech K250 Compact Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Number Pad, Graphite
  • Connect in seconds: Fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology simply connects without the need for a dongle or USB port
  • Durable and reliable: Built for quality, K250 offers long-lasting keys, a spill-resistant design (2)
  • Comfort is key: Deep-profile keys and an adjustable tilt-leg design make typing feel great
  • Space-saving: with a compact layout that still includes number pad, arrow keys, and handy F-key shortcuts
  • Made responsibly: Designed to last, K250 plastic parts are durably made with minimum 64% recycled plastic (3) to withstand everyday use
Rank #4
Sale
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, Full Size Silent Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse, Long Battery Life, Optical Mouse, 2.4G Lag-Free Cordless Mice Keyboard for Computer, Mac, Laptop, PC, Windows
  • 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
  • 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
  • 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
  • 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
  • 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.

Why might a shortcut not work?

  • The app uses a different command: Shortcuts can vary between apps. Apple Support says, “Every app on your Mac has its own shortcuts, and the quickest way to find them is right in the app’s menus.” Check the app’s menus for the command and its assigned keys in Apple’s shortcut overview.
  • The keyboard layout or settings differ: A key’s character can vary by keyboard, and Apple notes that input-source settings may affect Spotlight’s shortcut. Check the relevant keyboard or input-source settings if the listed combination does not trigger the expected action.
  • You are switching the wrong thing: Use Alt+Tab or Command-Tab for apps; use Chrome’s tab-search command or @tabs workflow to locate a tab.

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