Alt key: basics and important key com­bin­a­tions

In addition to letters and numbers, keyboards contain keys without symbols assigned to them. These keys have different functions, which you can use by combining them with others. Providing access to special char­ac­ters or commands that otherwise can only be reached via detour, the right key com­bin­a­tions can simplify many computer tasks sig­ni­fic­antly.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the Alt key, which has no function in itself. However, if you press it in com­bin­a­tion with other keys, you can execute a wide range of different commands. The following is an overview of the most common key com­bin­a­tions with the Alt key.

The Alt key itself has no assigned functions. Only if you use Alt in com­bin­a­tion with other keys will you execute a command in the operating system. Ex­cep­tions include special ap­plic­a­tions or computer games. The same applies to the Control key Ctrl and the Alt Gr key, which also only work in com­bin­a­tion with other keys.

To execute commands with the Alt key, press it sim­ul­tan­eously with another key or several other keys at the same time. What happens depends on whether and which program is active or whether you want to execute Windows operating system commands.

The Alt key provides quick access to multiple commands in the Windows operating system. The following table provides an overview of the most common key com­bin­a­tions.

Different key com­bin­a­tions with the Alt key let you easily switch between open programs.

You can also use the Alt key within ap­plic­a­tions installed on your operating system, such as Word. If you use certain functions fre­quently, it is helpful to use the following key com­bin­a­tions to improve your workflow.

There is also a key com­bin­a­tion with the Alt key to access the tabs in your document. After you access a menu section in this way, Word then displays a letter com­bin­a­tion for each function. Type it to select the option you want. Al­tern­at­ively, use the Tab key to navigate to the desired option and press Enter to confirm your selection.