What you'll learn:

  • File Explorer navigation
  • Taskbar and system tray management
  • Window switching and management
  • Start menu and application launching

Quick Start

Why learn this first? These Windows navigation skills work with all screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, Narrator) and are essential for managing files, switching applications, and controlling your computer. Start here before diving into screen reader-specific commands.

Press Windows key to open the Start menu and begin typing to search for applications. Use Alt+Tab to switch between open applications - hold Alt and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through. Press Windows+E to open File Explorer for file management. Access the system tray with Windows+B (press arrow keys to navigate between icons), then Enter to activate them.

Essential Commands Reference

CommandAction
Windows KeyOpen Start menu
Alt + TabSwitch between applications
Windows + EOpen File Explorer
Windows + BFocus system tray
Windows + TNavigate taskbar
Windows + MMinimize all windows
Alt + F4Close current window
Windows + DShow/hide desktop
F2Rename selected file/folder
DeleteMove to Recycle Bin

Step-by-Step Tutorial Guide

Getting Started with Desktop Navigation

Understanding Windows navigation: These keyboard shortcuts work independently of your screen reader. They're standard Windows commands that let you navigate the desktop, open programs, manage files, and switch between applications.

  1. Ensure your screen reader is running and announcing desktop elements
  2. Press Windows key to open the Start menu
  3. Begin typing to search for applications or files
  4. Use arrow keys to navigate search results
  5. Press Enter to open selected item
  6. Press Windows+D to show desktop, then arrow through desktop icons

File Explorer Navigation

  1. Press Windows+E to open File Explorer
  2. Use Tab to move between different panes (address bar, navigation pane, main area)
  3. Use Arrow keys to navigate through files and folders
  4. Press Enter to open folders or files
  5. Use Backspace or Alt+Up Arrow to go up one folder level
  6. Press F2 to rename the selected file or folder
  7. Use Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+X to cut, Ctrl+V to paste
  8. Press Delete to move items to Recycle Bin

Taskbar Navigation

About the taskbar: The taskbar at the bottom of your screen shows running applications and pinned programs. You can quickly access any application or system function from here.

  1. Press Windows+T to focus the taskbar
  2. Use Left/Right Arrow keys to move between taskbar items
  3. Press Enter to open or switch to the selected application
  4. Use Shift+F10 or Applications key for context menu
  5. Press Windows+B to move to the system tray area
  6. Use arrow keys to navigate system tray icons, then Enter to activate

Application Switching

  1. Press Alt+Tab to open the application switcher
  2. Hold Alt and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through applications
  3. Release both keys when you reach the desired application
  4. Use Alt+Shift+Tab to cycle in reverse order
  5. Use Ctrl+Tab to switch between tabs within applications (browsers, File Explorer)
  6. Press Windows+Number (1-9) to jump to taskbar applications by position

Window Management

  1. Press Alt+Space to open the window system menu
  2. Use Windows+Up Arrow to maximize current window
  3. Use Windows+Down Arrow to minimize or restore
  4. Press Windows+Left/Right Arrow to snap windows to sides
  5. Use Alt+F4 to close the current window
  6. Press Windows+M to minimize all windows
  7. Use Windows+D to show/hide desktop

System Navigation

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Use Windows+I to open Windows Settings
  3. Press Windows+X for the Power User menu
  4. Use Windows+R to open Run dialog
  5. Press Windows+L to lock the computer
  6. Use Alt+F4 from desktop to access shutdown options

Context Menus and Properties

  1. Right-click items or press Shift+F10 for context menus
  2. Use Applications key (between Alt and Ctrl) for context menus
  3. Press Alt+Enter for Properties dialog of selected item
  4. Navigate context menus with arrow keys
  5. Press Esc to close menus without selection

Quick Tips

  • Learn Windows key shortcuts - they're consistent across all screen readers
  • Use Tab and Shift+Tab to navigate between different areas of windows
  • The Applications key (menu key) provides context menus without using the mouse
  • Practice with File Explorer - it's the gateway to all file management
  • System tray (Windows+B) gives access to many system functions

Pro tip:

Master the Windows+T (taskbar) and Windows+B (system tray) shortcuts - they give you quick access to all your running applications and system functions without needing to navigate complex menus.

Practice & Learning Resources

Free Online Resources:

Practice Websites:

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