If you're used to Windows, you probably know your way around it with its keyboard shortcuts and other functions. However, when you switch to macOS for the first time, you'll find that your Windows keyboard shortcut muscle memory no longer applies.

So, if you're new to using Apple's computers, here are some essential keyboard tips to help you get up and running on your new Mac.

Windows' Ctrl Key Is (Mostly) Mac's Command Key

Command Key on the M1 MacBook Air

In Windows, the Ctrl key is one of the most used modifiers. You use it for several basic keyboard shortcuts, like Copy (Ctrl + C), Cut (Ctrl + X), Paste (Ctrl + V), Save (Ctrl + S), Italicize (Ctrl + I), and Bold (Ctrl + B).

So, if you're moving over to macOS, you'll be happy to find that you just need to use the Command key instead of the Ctrl key to execute these basic commands.

However, the Command key is more than just a replacement for the Ctrl key. You can also use it to launch various features or access many other functions. For example, the Command + Space bar shortcut launches Spotlight Search, while Command + Shift + 3 takes a screenshot.

If you're a Windows power user and want to translate your shortcut skills to your Mac, check out this list of keyboard shortcuts converted between Windows and macOS.

The Power of the Option Key

Option Key on the M1 MacBook Air

Alt is another frequently used modifier key on Windows. But you won't find this particular key on keyboards designed for the Mac. Instead, you'll see the Option (⌥) key.

While the Alt key is usually secondary to the Ctrl key on Windows in its functionality, the opposite is true in macOS. Although the Command key is still more frequently used (because it activates the most common shortcuts), the Option key reveals more advanced features.

For example, you can hold the Option key and press the Left or Right Arrow keys to move your cursor by one word. You can also use the Option key to insert special characters­, like ç (Option + c), ø (Option + o), ß (Option + s), and – (Option + -).

The Option key is a powerful modifier, so much so that we have a complete guide on Mac's version of the Alt key.

Screenshot of Finder on macOS Ventura

You can easily navigate the Windows File Explorer, even if you don't have a mouse. You use your arrow keys to move your selection within a folder. And if you want to select a menu bar or navigation entry, press Tab until you get the selection to the correct window pane.

To move one directory or folder up, you press Backspace, and to open a file or folder, you just need to press Enter. However, if you're opening an app, file, or folder on Finder in macOS, hitting Return (Enter) won't do anything for you.

These are the shortcuts you need to know to master navigating Finder with your keyboard.

  • Shift + Command + C: Go to the Computer folder
  • Shift + Command + F: Open the Recents folder
  • Shift + Command + H: Open the User folder
  • Option + Command + L: Open the Downloads folder
  • Shift + Command + R: Open the AirDrop folder
  • Command + (1 / 2 / 3 / 4): Change the View to Icons, List, Columns, or Gallery
  • Command + [: Go to the previous folder
  • Command + ]: Go to the next folder
  • Command + Up Arrow: Go up one folder
  • Command + Down Arrow: Open the selected file or folder
  • Command + Delete: Move the selected item to the Trash

These are the most basic commands that'll get you started working on Finder. But if you want far more advanced shortcuts, check out our Finder keyboard shortcuts cheat sheet.

Where's Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down?

Arrow Keys on the M1 MacBook Air

Whether you're reading a webpage, a spreadsheet, or a lengthy document, these navigation keys make you more efficient when scrolling through data. However, space constraints on MacBooks and the Magic Keyboard meant Apple had to let go of them.

But fret not; you can still navigate with ease by using the following shortcuts:

  • Fn + Up Arrow: Page Up
  • Fn + Down Arrow: Page Down
  • Fn + Left Arrow: Home
  • Fn + Right Arrow: End

With these shortcut keys, you get the best of both worlds: a smaller, space-saving keyboard and easy navigation.

Finding the Delete Key

Delete Key on the M1 MacBook Air

Although the Insert key isn't as useful in both Windows and macOS, the Delete key is something many would miss. On the MacBook and the Magic Keyboard, you only get a Delete key, which is also the equivalent of Windows' Backspace key.

So, to recreate Windows' Delete key, you need to press Fn + Delete. You can also use Control + D for pretty much the same functionality.

Switch Windows With Command + Tab

Command + Tab on macOS Ventura

Computers are designed for multitasking, so having multiple apps and windows open while working makes sense. If you want to switch between apps and windows on a Windows PC, you use the Alt + Tab command.

Fortunately, the key combination on a Mac is almost similar: Command + Tab. Given this, switching apps on a Mac is easy and intuitive. However, this isn't the only way to switch between open apps.

Other Ways to Manage Your Open Applications

Mission Control Screenshot

If you want to see all your open windows, full-screen apps, and other desktops you have open, you just need to press Control + Up Arrow to launch Mission Control. Alternatively, you can press Fn + F3 or the dedicated Mission Control key to do the same thing.

Control + Left Arrow or Control + Right Arrow lets you switch between desktops and full-screen apps, while Control + Down Arrow lets you preview multiple instances of any open app. You can also use Command + ` or Command + ~ to switch between app instances quickly.

How to Exit Apps on Your Mac

Closing apps on Apple silicon Macs doesn't work the same way as on Windows. For most Windows apps, when you press the close button, the app's process is terminated. However, when you do the same on macOS, it only closes the current session but keeps the app running in the background.

So, if you want to quit an app fully, you need to press (or hold) Command + Q to end it. There are several other alternatives to this process, so you should check out our short guide on closing apps on a Mac to find all the ways to exit an app properly.

Capturing Your Mac's Screen

Screenshot shortcut on macOS

As much of our work is increasingly going online, it is more critical for you to capture and share your screen. On Windows, you can do this with either PrtScn (to copy your display) or Alt + PrtScn (to save your display to your photos).

To get a screenshot on macOS, press Command + Shift + 3 to screenshot your entire monitor or Command + Shift + 4 to select an area you wish to capture. The images you've captured are then saved to your desktop.

Bring Up Task Manager (Force Quit Applications) on macOS

Force Quit Applications

While Apple silicon Macs are generally fast and efficient, you may still encounter occasional errors. So, to end a task forcibly, you must bring up the Force Quit Applications window. Unlike Task Manager in Windows, Force Quit only lets you end misbehaving apps; nothing more, nothing less.

So, to open the app, you should press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit window. Then, select the app you want to end, and click Force Quit at the bottom-right of the window.

Know Your Way Around macOS

macOS can be pretty daunting, especially if you've been using Windows all your life. But, as with any new technology, once you've got the hang of it, your life will be much faster, easier, and more efficient.

Fortunately, with the tips we discussed above, you can quickly learn Mac's equivalent of certain Windows keys and learn your way around macOS in no time.