Here is a list of some cool Windows 8 hotkeys which can help you speed u your tasks and also make it more fun to use the new Metro UI. These include some keyboard shortcuts that can be used with both the Metro interface and classic Windows 7 desktop interface. In case you would like to remove Metro UI and keep the Windows 7 style user interface by default, then check out my post: How To Partially Or Completely Disable Windows 8 Metro UI.
WIN + Z
To flip open application options. For example, the below image shows the Login options for Tweet@rama application which popped up after hitting this hotkey. You can use this hotkey to also bring forward the tabs in Windows Internet Explorer 10.
Win + Spacebar
Changes the language of the keyboard layout. This can be useful for toggling between different language layouts (e.g. French, Dutch, English, etc).
Win+X
Opens “System Utility Settings” Menu at the bottom left corner
Win + Y
Shows desktop view. Using this hotkey you can temporarily hide maximized windows to see the underlying desktop.
WIN + Q
Opens Search Appsmenu so that you can search for application.
WIN + W
Opens search for Settings menu so that you can search for Windows Settings.
WIN + F
Opens search for Filesmenu so that you can search for Files.
Win + H
Provides access to “Share Settings Pane”, which lists sharing options relative to the currently running app
WIN + O
Disables screen rotation. Can be used for turning off the Gyro reaction to the tablets.
WIN + C
Opens the Windows 8 "Start Menu” (Charms Bar).
WIN + I
To quickly open Windows 8 "Start Menu Settings".
Win + K
Opens “Device Settings Pane”, which lists your currently connected devices
WIN + V
Allows switching between notifications.
WIN + Shift + V
Allows switching between notifications in reverse order.
WIN + Enter
Runs the utilities Narrator, which reads the titles and contents of active windows.
WIN + Page Up
Moves the Metro tiles to left side.
WIN + Page Down
Moves the Metro tiles to right side.
WIN + Shift +
Opens magnifier for maximizing screen.
Win + Shift +Minus –
Opens magnifier for minimizing the screen.
Win + B
Go Back to Desktop
WIN + D
Activates the Desktop
Win + J
Switches focus between snapped Metro applications
Win + M
Minimize All Applications
WIN + R
Opens “Run”
Likewise, WIN+L locks the computer screen and so on.
Win + Print Screen
Take Screenshot (Saves as PNG in Your Windows 8 Pictures Library)
Win + Pause
Opens System Properties Window
Win + E
Opens Windows Explorer
Win + U
Opens Ease of Access Center
Win + T
Preview Opened Windows in the Taskbar. This hotkey brings up a thumbnail Window from the taskbar
Win+P
Opens dual monitor settings and secondary projector.
Win + Tab
Opens the Switch List. This is the list of open Metro Apps
Win + .
Snap Application to Left Side
Win + ,
(Aero Peek) Peek at Desktop
Win + Shift +
Snap an Application to the Right Side. This enables Toggling between the Right/Left side and Full Screen.
Ctrl + Mouse Scroll
Toggle Zoom in the start screen.
Ctrl + Mouse Scroll
Change your Desktop Icon Size
Ctrl + Shift+ N
Create a “New Folder” in the current directory
