Windows Keyboard Shortcuts and Basics for Computer Tests
The Windows shortcuts and operating system basics asked in clerk and operator tests: Task Manager, Alt+Tab, Windows key shortcuts, Recycle Bin, booting and files.
By the World MCQ Forum Editorial Team · 27 October 2026 · 2 min read
Windows questions in computer tests are mostly about keyboard shortcuts and everyday operating system concepts. If you use Windows daily you already know some of them. The rest take only a few minutes to learn, especially if you try each shortcut as you read.
The shortcuts below apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Working with windows and apps
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open windows |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active window or program |
| Windows + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows + L | Lock the computer |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager directly |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open the security screen (lock, sign out, Task Manager) |
Files and folders
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
| Delete | Move the selected item to the Recycle Bin |
| Shift + Delete | Delete permanently, bypassing the Recycle Bin |
| Ctrl + C / X / V | Copy / cut / paste |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + A | Select all |
Screenshots
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| PrtSc (Print Screen) | Capture the screen |
| Windows + Shift + S | Capture a selected part of the screen |
Key concepts
Recycle Bin. Deleted files go here first, so they can be restored. Emptying the Recycle Bin, or using Shift + Delete, removes them for good.
Clipboard. Temporary storage for copied or cut items until you paste them.
Taskbar. The bar at the bottom of the screen with the Start button, pinned and open apps, and the clock.
Booting. Starting the computer and loading the operating system. A cold boot starts a computer that was off; a warm boot restarts one that is already on.
Safe Mode. Starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, used for troubleshooting.
Device driver. Software that lets the operating system work with a hardware device, such as a printer.
File system. Windows uses NTFS for its main drive.
Shortcut icons. A desktop shortcut is a link to a file or program; deleting the shortcut does not delete the original.
Common file extensions
| Extension | Type |
|---|---|
| .exe | Executable program |
| .zip | Compressed archive |
| .txt | Plain text |
| .docx / .xlsx / .pptx | Word / Excel / PowerPoint files |
| Portable Document Format | |
| .jpg / .png | Images |
Operating systems in general
Windows (Microsoft), macOS (Apple) and Linux are desktop operating systems. Android, developed by Google, is based on the Linux kernel. Application programs such as MS Excel or a web browser run on an operating system; they are not operating systems themselves.
Practise
Spend five minutes trying each shortcut in the tables above. Then test yourself with our Windows and Operating System Basics MCQs. For Office-specific shortcuts, see our MS Word and Excel guides.