Microsoft – Introduction to using keyboard shortcuts for Windows

Microsoft – Introduction to using keyboard shortcuts for Windows

Problem

A JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion using is in need of essential hotkeys to use in Window due to their vision loss.

Applies to

  1. Windows 10/11

Resolution

A frequent problem for thos  individuals who experience sudden vision loss is no longer being able to practically use and navigate Windows and applications using the mouse even with large pointers or magnification software.  An alternative way to become efficient in this situation is by familiarity and use of the keyboard and associated hotkey shortcuts to operate the computer.  Fortunately most standard applications usually have for many more available that any one user will need.  An Additional problem for those familiar with the keyboard by sight may struggle which brings additional challenges.  However such problems can be overcome by use  of touch typing skill and use of large print keyboards for those that may benefit from them.  

Some hotkey shortcuts

Below are some basic keys and their use that can help you navigate Windows and associated applications.

Key:  Windows logo key
Label: Windows or 
Position:  Usually between control on the left and ALT on the right
Function:  Opens the Windows Start menu and allows you to type to search programs and documents

Key:  TAB
Label:  TAB or 
Position:  TAB key is usually fourth up from the bottom row of the keyboard and is usually positioned above the CAPSLOCK key.
Function:  Moves forward through controls on screen or insert a tab stop in a document.  To reverse direction hold SHIFT and tap TAB.

Key:  ENTER
Label: ENTER or 
Position:  Usually above SHIFT on the right side of the QWERTY keyboard layout.
Function:  Execute an item as if clicking on it, if it doesn’t work press SPACEBAR instead.  

Key:  SPACEBAR
Label:  Space or  
Position:  Typically to the right of ALT on the left side of the keyboard on the bottom row
Function:  Adds a space in a text field or execute a button that his highlighted by TAB key.

Key:  Direction Arrow keys
Label:  Shows direction  arrows for intended direction
Position:  Typically sits to the right of the CONTROL key on the QWERTY cluster in an upside down T shape.  The stem of the T shape usually are formed of UP ARTOW and DOWN ARROW with LEFT ARROW and RIGHT ARROW sitting respectively either side of the DOWN ARROW key.

Key:  Shift
Label:  SHIFT or 
Position:  Second up from bottom on extreme left side, a right hand counterpart may exist on the same row.
Function:  a modifier key that when used with others changes case of letters or produces shifted symbols for a key pressed.

Key:  CONTROL
Label:  CTRL
Position:  Usually on extreme left bottom row of QWERTY cluster, often there is its right hand counterpart on the extreme right a second CTRL key.
Function:  A special modifier key used with other keys to access functions within Windows and other applications.

Key:  ALT
Label:  ALT
Position:  usually immediately to the left of SPACEBAR on the bottom of QWERTY cluster.
Function:  Another special modifier similar to CONTROL, when pressed also highlights the menu bar in applications.

Key:  Cap slock
Label:  Caps lock or 
Position:  Typically third up from the bottom (just above SHIFT key)
Function:  To lock the keyboard in shifted mode so you only need a single keypress thereafter to produce shifted symbols until caps lock is disabled.


Notation conventions

As users come across lists of keyboard keystrokes it may be helpful to know what is generally meant.  If for example you wished to type an uppercase letter A you typically would hold down SHIFT and then then tap letter A on the keyboard whilst the shift keys is held down.  This can be thought of similar to playing a chord on a piano keyboard.  One way that this is often shown is the example below:

SHIFT+A or SHIFT-A

The plus or minus between the keys indicating that the keys are to be used together, Similarly when you wish to operate an application you will use the CONTROL or ALT or WINDOWS keys as a chord with a letter to perform a function for example CONTROL+S can be used to save a document in an application rather than having you click File > Save in a menu bar to do the same job.


Beyond the basic navigational techniques of using TAB/SHIFT+TAB and WINDOW key you will find a list of links for common applications with their hotkeys.  This list though far from exhaustive may prove useful.

Windows 10/11

  1. Windows File Explorer (Microsoft)
  2. Edge browser (Microsoft)

Applications

  1. Chrome browser (Google)
  2. Word (Microsoft)
  3. Outlook (Microsoft)
  4. Excel (Microsoft)

Freedom Scientific hotkeys for JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion

  1. JAWS – General hotkeys
  2. ZoomText - General hotkeys
  3. Fusion - General hotkeys

Supported hotkeys in applications

  1. JAWS hotkeys for Microsoft Word
  2. JAWS hotkeys for Microsoft Outlook
  3. JAWS hotkeys for Microsoft Excel

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