To make it easier for users to work on the computer, there are so many shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts on Windows are combinations of keyboard keys that perform specific actions or functions. They allow you to perform everyday tasks quickly and efficiently without using the mouse or other input device.

One of the most popular shortcuts is Alt + F4. Alt+F4 is a keyboard shortcut usually used to close an active window in Windows. There are many such shortcuts. Below I will describe how to use Alt+F4 and other most-used shortcuts to help make the experience more accessible.

What is Alt + F4?

Alt + F4 is a keyboard shortcut in Windows that is used to close the currently active window or app.

When you press Alt and F4 keys together, it sends a signal to the operating system to close the active window, which could be a software app, a folder, a document, or a web browser window. The operating system then performs the necessary tasks to close the window, such as saving any unsaved data and releasing any resources used by the window.

Alt + F4 is available for all Windows editions.

Sometimes, you may encounter a program or app that is not responding and cannot be closed using normal methods. In such cases, you can use Alt+F4 as a last resort to force-close the unresponsive program.

How to use Alt+F4?

To use the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut:

• Ensure the window or app you want to close is active and selected.
• Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
• While holding down the Alt key, press the F4 key.
• Release both keys.

The active window should close immediately. If you have unsaved changes in the window, you may be prompted to save your changes before the window is closed.

It is important to note that Alt + F4 only closes the active window, not the entire computer. To shut down the computer, you need to use the Windows Start menu or press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then click on the “Shut down” option.

What to do if Alt + F4 doesn’t work?

If the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut does not work, there are several things you can try:

Try again

Sometimes, the keyboard shortcut may not work on the first try. Try pressing the keys again to see if it works.

Make sure the window is active

Ensure that the window you want to close is selected and active. If not, click on the window to make it active, and then try using the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut.

Check for other open programs

Some programs, such as certain games, may override the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut. Check if any other programs are running and try closing them first.

Use the Task Manager

If you can’t activate Alt + F4, an active app can be closed using Task Manager. You should click on Ctrl + Alt + Delete and tap Task Manager to do that. You may also click on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager or right-click on the program that you want to close and press on “End task” instead.

Users often face the issue that the command doesn’t work on laptops or multifunction keyboards. It may be caused by the types of keyboards, as the function keys may also be used to adjust the brightness of your screen or playback volume. To use the Alt + F4 shortcut on these types of keyboards, you should click on the Fn key at the same time (Alt + Fn + F4).

What is Ctrl + F4?

Ctrl + F4 is a keyboard shortcut in Windows that is used to close the current tab or document in a multi-tabbed app, such as a web browser or text editor.

Pressing the Ctrl and F4 keys together signals the app to close the current tab or document. The app then performs the necessary tasks to close the tab or document, such as saving unsaved data.

What is Ctrl+F4 in an Internet browser?

If you click on Ctrl + F4 in all popular web browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera, it will close the active window or the whole browser if only one tab is open.

What is Ctrl+F4 in Excel and other spreadsheet programs?

You can use this command to close the active workbook in some spreadsheet programs and, of course, Excel.

What is Ctrl+F4 in Microsoft Windows?

In Microsoft Windows, if you click on Ctrl + F4, the command will close the active tab or window in a program in multiple tabs, or windows are supported.

What is Ctrl + W?

Ctrl + W is a keyboard shortcut commonly used to close the current tab or document in a multi-tabbed app such as a web browser, text editor, or image editor.

Pressing the Ctrl and W keys together sends a signal to the app to close the current tab or document. The app then performs the necessary tasks to close the tab or document, such as saving unsaved data.

What is Ctrl+W in an Internet browser?

To close the particular tab, in the most popular web browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera, you should click on Ctrl + W. If only one tab is opened, the browser will be closed by clicking on Ctrl + W.

To restore or undo a closed tab, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Tab.

What is Ctrl+W in Excel?

The particular workbook will be closed by activating this command in Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs.

Nothing will be cleared if you click on Ctrl + W while editing the cell’s contents.

What is Ctrl+W in Microsoft PowerPoint?

If you want to close the particular presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, you should activate the command by clicking on the Ctrl + W keyboard.

What are the commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Windows?

Here are some commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Windows:

• Ctrl + C: Copy the selected text or item.
• Ctrl + V: Paste the copied text or item.
• Ctrl + X: Cut the selected text or item.
• Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
• Ctrl + A: Select all text or items.
• Ctrl + F: Open the search function in most apps.
• Ctrl + P: Print the current page or document.
• Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps or windows.
• Windows key + D: Show the desktop.
• Windows key + L: Lock your computer.
• Windows key + S: Open the Windows search bar.
• Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Open the Task Manager or Windows Security screen.
• Alt + F4: Close the active window.
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open the Task Manager.

These are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Windows, and they can help you work more efficiently and save time when using your computer.