- Use the Win + Shift + ? combination to display the Shortcut Guide for the active app.
- Ability to pin frequently used commands and customize the panel's location and response time.
- Native compatibility with Microsoft 365 software, browsers, design and development tools.
- Ability to expand the application list by creating manifests in YAML files.
Have you ever been in the middle of an important project and suddenly drawn a blank, trying to remember that one key combination that would save you ten clicks? It's a super common frustration, especially when we're constantly switching between programs. To solve this headache, Microsoft has integrated a tool called Shortcut Guide into its PowerToys suite, which essentially acts as an interactive command map for your applications.
This utility is a real gift for those looking to get the most out of Windows 10 and 11, as it lets you see the shortcuts of the app you currently have open without having to close the window or go to Google to search. If you don't have PowerToys yet, don't worry, it's a free and open-source suite of tools that you can download directly from its GitHub repository or the Microsoft Store, ideal for advanced users or anyone who wants to boost their productivity.
How to set up the Shortcuts Guide
To open this help panel, the quickest way is to press Win + Shift + ? (although remember that this is the default shortcut and you can change it if you find it inconvenient). Doing so will display a sidebar, usually on the left, with all the available commands for the application currently in the foreground. If you don't have any windows selected, the system will show you the global Windows shortcuts.
In addition to the quick shortcut, there's a very interesting feature: if you hold down the Windows key for about 900 milliseconds , indicators will start popping up over the taskbar icons. As soon as you release the key, these notifications disappear. To close the complete guide, you have three options: press the X, press the Esc key, or, if you configured the Windows key to open it, simply release it.
Customization and usage tips
The tool isn't just a static list; you can customize it to your liking from the PowerToys settings menu. For example, you can choose whether you prefer the window to appear on the right or left side of your screen, or adjust the Windows key timeout (from 100 to 5000 ms). There's also an option to exclude specific applications if there's a program where the guide bothers you.
One of the most useful features is the ability to pin shortcuts . If there's a command you use all the time but always forget, right-click on it and select "Pin." This will move the shortcut to the top of the list, keeping it readily visible. Furthermore, to avoid getting lost among so much data, you can use the search box (by pressing Ctrl + F) to filter commands by name, description, or key.
Compatible programs and support
The list of pre-installed applications is quite extensive and covers almost any professional workflow. For office applications, it includes everything from Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), as well as basic tools like Notepad, Paint, and File Explorer. If you're an internet user, it's compatible with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Brave.
- Communication: Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Telegram Desktop.
- Development and Technical: Visual Studio Code, Windows Terminal, Postman and IntelliJ IDEA.
- Creativity: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Figma, Blender and GIMP.
- Productivity: 1. Password and Obsidian.
How to add your own applications (YAML manifests)
If you use software that isn't on the official list, you don't have to sit idly by. PowerToys allows you to add custom manifestos using YAML files. To do this, you must save the file in the path %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\WinGet\KeyboardShortcutsIt's important to understand that this doesn't create new features in the program, but simply It records existing shortcuts. so that the guide can show them.
A basic manifest requires defining the package name, the application name, and a window filter (such as "Notepad.exe"). If you want the shortcuts to be visible even when the application is not in the foreground, you must select the BackgroundProcess: true option . This is the same technique that PowerToys itself uses to ensure its own commands are always available in the list.
Additional new features at PowerToys
Beyond the shortcut guide, recent versions (like 0.101) have introduced gems such as Window Hopper . Unlike the traditional Alt+Tab, this feature only switches between the windows of the currently active application, which is a blessing if you're working with five Word documents open at once. A compact Command Palette has also been included for performing quick actions without the interface taking up half your screen.
Having a tool that centralizes all your computer's muscle memory makes your workflow much smoother. By combining the ease of custom manifests, the ability to pin frequently used commands, and integration with the most popular apps on the market, Microsoft has created an ecosystem where productivity depends not on memory , but on having the right information at the right time.