How do you navigate in a touch world without a touch device? I am glad you asked. This post will address that question in great detail but we will also look at all the other great things you can do with keyboard and mouse shortcuts. Read It, to understand what you have been missing. Bookmark it, to use as a reference while you get accustomed to the incredible power you still have at your finger tips without ever leaving home row! We will start off with what is new with Windows 8.1 but keep reading because there are probably plenty of other shortcuts that have been around for years and you simply were not aware of them. Lastly, if there are other shortcuts that you know about, please add a comment to share with the world.
Most of what you know about using a mouse and keyboard with Windows has stayed the same, especially in the desktop. Here are some ways to use both new and familiar Windows features with a mouse and with keyboard shortcuts. Please also note that there are often multiple ways to perform the same action. I will be giving you more than one method to perform an action in some cases but in many cases there are more more ways to perform the same action…
Mouse and keyboard: What’s new in Windows
Applies to Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1
| To do this | With a mouse | With a keyboard |
|---|---|---|
|
To do this
Get back to the Start screen. |
With a mouse
Point to the lower-left corner and click it. |
With a keyboard
Windows logo key
 |
|
To do this
Open the charms (Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings). |
With a mouse
Point to the upper-right or lower-right corner to see the charms (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the charms appear, move up or down the edge and click the one you want.  |
With a keyboard
All charms:
Windows logo key
+CSearch charm:
Windows logo key
+SShare charm:
Windows logo key
+HStart charm (Start Menu):
Windows logo key
Devices charm:
Windows logo key
+KSettings charm:
Windows logo key
+I |
|
To do this
Search your PC (apps, settings, and files), the web, or within an app. |
With a mouse
Point to the upper-right corner (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the charms appear, move down the edge, click Search, and then enter your search term. If you want to see a list of all the apps on your PC, click the down arrow in the bottom-left corner of the Start screen. |
With a keyboard
If you’re on the Start screen, start typing your search term. Open the Search charm:
Windows logo key +SSearch within the app you’ve got open:
Windows logo key +QSearch settings:
Windows logo key +WSearch files:
Windows logo key +F |
|
To do this
Get to commands and context menus in an app. |
With a mouse
Right-click within the app, then click the command you want. Or, right-click an item to see the options specific to that item. 
|
With a keyboard
Within an app: Windows logo key
+Z |
|
To do this
Switch between open apps. |
With a mouse
To switch to your most recently used app, point to the upper-left corner (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the previous app appears, click the corner. To switch to a different app, point to the upper-left corner and then move down the edge. When the other apps appear, click the one you want. 
|
With a keyboard
Windows logo key
+Tab: Switches between apps and the desktopAlt+Tab: Switches between all apps, including desktop apps |
|
To do this
Use up to four apps side by side. Notes:
|
With a mouse
Drag your app from the top of the screen and place it on the left or right side. Then, go to the Start screen and click another app. If you already have two apps open side by side, you can insert the app on the left, right, or middle, or replace one of the currently open apps. You can also point to the upper-left corner and then move the pointer down to see a list of apps you’ve used recently. Click and drag the app to insert it. 
|
With a keyboard
Windows logo key
+Period , then Left or Right Arrow |
|
To do this
Open the desktop. |
With a mouse
Go to the Start screen, and then click the Desktop tile. |
With a keyboard
Windows logo key
+Dor type Desktop press enter on Start screen
|
|
To do this
Zoom in or out on Start. |
With a mouse
On Start, click the icon
 in the lower-right corner or Ctrl+mouse wheel to zoom out. Click anywhere to zoom back in. |
With a keyboard
Ctrl+Plus sign to zoom in Ctrl+Minus sign to zoom out |
|
To do this
Close an app. |
With a mouse
Point to the top edge of the screen, and then drag the app to the bottom of the screen. You can also close apps you’ve used recently by pointing to the upper-left corner and then moving down the edge. Right-click the one you want, and then click Close. |
With a keyboard
Windows logo key
+Down Arrow |
|
To do this
Shut down your PC. |
With a mouse
Point to the lower-right corner (try moving the mouse pointer so far into the corner that it disappears). When the charms appear, move up the edge, and then click Settings. Click Power, and then choose a shutdown option. |
With a keyboard
|
|
To do this
Move an app to a different monitor |
Click the Title bar (or the top of the app for Windows 8 apps) and drag the app to the desired monitor. Works for the start screen too! |
With a keyboard
Windows logo key
+Left or Right Arrow |
Now, Let’s drive this whole keyboard thing home.
Shortcut Keys That Use The Windows Logo Key:
General Shortcuts:
More Shortcuts:
For even more tips check out http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts#keyboard-shortcuts=windows-8
- Calendar keyboard shortcuts
- Mail keyboard shortcuts
- People keyboard shortcuts
- Messaging keyboard shortcuts
- Paint keyboard shortcuts
- Reader keyboard shortcuts
- OneDrive keyboard shortcuts
- Windows Journal keyboard shortcuts
- WordPad keyboard shortcuts
- App rearranging shortcuts
- Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcuts
- Narrator touch keyboard shortcuts
- Narrator keyboard shortcuts
- Magnifier keyboard shortcuts
- Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts
See also: Why Windows 8.1 for Business? My users don’t have Touch Screens!