Tips, key-codes & practical guides for classic Windows users
🪟 Windows Special Key-Codes
Windows has plenty of handy keyboard shortcuts — but when you’re working over Remote Desktop or juggling multiple sessions, some behave differently.
Here’s the JACSoft quick-reference, formatted the way we like it: practical, precise, and just a little retro.
🖥️ Remote Desktop (RDP) Key Combinations
When you’re connected to another machine using Microsoft’s RDP client, some shortcuts apply to your own computer instead of the remote one.
These alternatives send commands to the right place.
| Action | Normal Shortcut | RDP Shortcut | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Security dialog (Lock, Task Manager, etc.) | Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Ctrl + Alt + End | Sends the command to the remote session. |
| Switch between open apps | Alt + Tab | Alt + Page Up / Alt + Page Down | Alt + Tab affects the local machine; these switch remote apps. |
| Minimise all windows / show desktop | Win + D | Ctrl + Alt + Break | Toggles full-screen mode in RDP. |
| Open Task Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Works the same both locally and remotely. |
| Lock remote session | Win + L | Use Windows Security (Ctrl + Alt + End) | Win + L locks the local PC. |
⌨️ Common Windows Key Combinations
Everyday shortcuts that make Windows behave itself — whether local or remote.
| Action | Shortcut | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Close active window | Alt + F4 | Works both locally and in RDP. |
| Open File Explorer | Win + E | Standard Windows shortcut. |
| Snap window left/right | Win + ← / Win + → | Works in local and remote sessions. |
| Minimise all windows | Win + M | Shows desktop. |
| Restore all minimised windows | Win + Shift + M | Restores previous layout. |
| Open Start menu | Ctrl + Esc or Win | Always works. |
🧠 Function Keys & Miscellaneous Shortcuts
These old-faithful keys still earn their keep.
- F1 – Open Help for the active program
- F2 – Rename selected file or folder
- F5 – Refresh active window or page
- Alt + Enter – View properties of selected file/folder
- Print Screen (PrtScn) – Capture the entire screen
- In RDP, use Ctrl + Alt + Minus (–) on numeric keypad for the remote screen
- Alt + Space – Open window system menu (move, resize, minimise, close)
💡 Tips
- Laptop keyboards without dedicated End, Home, or Page keys often use Fn + Arrow keys.
- Some shortcuts vary between US, NZ, and UK keyboard layouts.
- When in doubt in RDP, try Ctrl + Alt + End to safely reach Windows Security.
Page prepared for JACSoft – practical, precise, and a touch of retro charm.