Most people know the basics: Ctrl + C to copy, Ctrl + V to paste. But the real productivity wins come from the shortcuts you didn’t know existed.
At S3, we help teams get more done with the tools they already use. One of the fastest ways to level up? Mastering keyboard shortcuts in Windows and Microsoft 365.
Here are our favorite underused shortcuts
Less-Known Shortcuts That Make a Big Impact
Windows + V — Clipboard History
Access your clipboard history and paste older items. Great for reusing links or text.
Windows + Shift + S — Snip & Sketch
Take a custom screenshot of part of your screen and paste it into an email, doc, or chat.
Ctrl + Shift + V — Paste Plain Text
Removes formatting when pasting content. Say goodbye to weird fonts and colors.
Ctrl + Y — Redo an Action
Everyone knows Ctrl + Z to undo, but Ctrl + Y redoes what you just undid.
Windows + Number (1-9) — Launch Taskbar Apps
If Outlook is the first pinned app, Windows + 1 opens it instantly.
Ctrl + F1 — Show/Hide the Ribbon
Clean up your workspace in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint by hiding the ribbon.
Windows + H — Voice Typing
Open voice typing and dictate into any text field. Perfect for notes or hands-free replies.
Ctrl + Shift + N — New Folder (in File Explorer)
Create a new folder instantly without reaching for the mouse.
Make Shortcuts a Daily Habit
Learning shortcuts takes a few minutes. But using them daily can save hours every month. Try picking one new shortcut each week to master. Your future self will thank you.
Work smarter, one keystroke at a time!
