Trying out Windows 8 Release Preview? Try these shortcut keys for help getting adjusted!

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Trying out the Windows 8 Release Preview, but getting a little stuck on some aspects of the new UI?  Try these shortcut keys as quick ways to get around …

WINDOWS KEY - Toggles between the Start screen and the foremost running app (Windows 8-style) or the Windows Desktop.

WINDOWS KEY + 1, WINDOWS KEY + 2, etc. - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the nth shortcut in the Windows taskbar. So WINDOWS KEY + 1 would launch whichever application is first in the list, from left to right.

WINDOWS KEY + B - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and select the tray notification area.

WINDOWS KEY + C - Display Charms and time/date/notification overlay. (Note that this shortcut displays the charms in the lower left of the screen and not on the right as would be the case using touch.)

WINDOWS KEY + D - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and toggle Show Desktop (hides/shows any applications and other windows).

WINDOWS KEY + E. Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch Windows Explorer with Computer view displayed.

WINDOWS KEY + F - Search Files using the new Windows Search pane.

WINDOWS KEY + I - Display Settings pane for the Start screen (also provides access to Networks, Volume, Screen Brightness, Notifications, Power, and Language).

WINDOWS KEY + L - Lock PC and return to Lock screen.

WINDOWS KEY + M - Minimize the selected Explorer window.

WINDOWS KEY + O - Toggle orientation switching on slate and tablet PCs.

WINDOWS KEY + P - Display the new Project (for "projection") pane for choosing between available displays.

WINDOWS KEY + Q - Search (within) Apps using the new Windows Search pane.

WINDOWS KEY + R - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Run box.

WINDOWS KEY + U - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center.

WINDOWS KEY + X - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Windows shortcuts pop-up menu.

WINDOWS KEY + Z - Display the App Bar in a Windows 8-style app.

WINDOWS KEY + ARROW KEYS - Aero Snap (on classic Desktop)

My favorite hotkey shortcuts are I, C and X!  What's yours?

Have you found any others?  If so, post them in the Comments below!

HTH,

Keith