File Management Shortcuts
Compare File Management keyboard shortcuts across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, with actions, key combinations, and usage notes.
How to use this reference
Use this category reference to compare the same kind of task across your devices. Start with the section for your operating system, read the action and description, and try the shortcut in an appropriate application. Keys joined with a plus sign are held together; alternatives let you choose the combination that works on your keyboard. A gesture requires a compatible touchpad or touch screen rather than a physical keyboard.
Before practicing, check which window has focus. Text fields, browser tabs, terminal sessions, and system dialogs can interpret the same keys differently. Save any open work before testing commands that close a window, delete content, or change system settings. Accessibility commands may need to be enabled in settings first, and a laptop may require the Fn key for function keys. If a combination is intercepted by an application or a custom keymap, consult its built-in help and your operating system settings. Follow the full platform guide for related commands and additional context.
Windows 11
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Save | Ctrl + S | Save the current file or document |
| Save As | Ctrl + Shift + S | Save the current file with a new name or location |
| Open File | Ctrl + O | Open an existing file |
| New File / Window | Ctrl + N | Create a new file or open a new window |
| Close Window / Tab | Ctrl + W | Close the current window or tab |
| Close Application | Alt + F4 | Close the active application |
| Ctrl + P | Print the current document or page | |
| Rename | F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
| Delete to Recycle Bin | Delete | Move selected file(s) to the Recycle Bin |
| Permanently Delete | Shift + Delete | Permanently delete selected file(s), bypassing Recycle Bin |
| New Folder | Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder in File Explorer |
| Open Properties | Alt + Enter | Open the properties dialog for the selected item |
macOS
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Save | Cmd + S | Save the current document |
| Save As | Cmd + Shift + S | Save the document with a new name or location |
| Open File | Cmd + O | Open an existing file |
| New File / Window | Cmd + N | Create a new file or open a new window |
| Close Window | Cmd + W | Close the current window |
| Close All Windows | Cmd + Option + W | Close all windows of the current app |
| Quit Application | Cmd + Q | Quit the active application |
| Force Quit | Cmd + Option + Esc | Open the Force Quit dialog to close unresponsive apps |
| Cmd + P | Print the current document or page | |
| Move to Trash | Cmd + Delete | Move the selected file or folder to the Trash |
| Empty Trash | Cmd + Shift + Delete | Empty the Trash (requires confirmation) |
| New Folder | Cmd + Shift + N | Create a new folder in Finder |
| Get Info | Cmd + I | Open the Get Info panel for the selected item |
| Duplicate | Cmd + D | Duplicate the selected item in Finder |
Ubuntu Linux
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Save | Ctrl + S | Save the current file or document |
| Save As | Ctrl + Shift + S | Save with a new name or location |
| Open File | Ctrl + O | Open an existing file |
| New Window | Ctrl + N | Open a new window or document |
| Close Window | Ctrl + W | Close the current window or tab |
| Quit | Ctrl + Q | Quit the active application |
| Ctrl + P | Print the current document | |
| Move to Trash | Delete | Move selected file(s) to Trash in Files app |
| Permanently Delete | Shift + Delete | Permanently delete files without moving to Trash |
| Rename (Files app) | F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
| New Folder | Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder in the Files app |
| Open Properties | Alt + Enter | Open the Properties panel for the selected item |
| Show Hidden Files | Ctrl + H | Toggle visibility of hidden files in Files app |
ChromeOS
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Save | Ctrl + S | Save the current document or webpage |
| Open File | Ctrl + O | Open an existing file |
| New Tab | Ctrl + T | Open a new browser tab |
| New Window | Ctrl + N | Open a new browser window |
| Close Tab | Ctrl + W | Close the current browser tab |
| Reopen Closed Tab | Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen the most recently closed tab |
| Ctrl + P | Print the current page or document | |
| Open Files App | Shift + Alt + M | Open the ChromeOS Files app |
| Open Downloads | Ctrl + J | Open the Downloads manager in Chrome |
| Delete File | Alt + Backspace | Delete the selected file in the Files app |
Windows 10
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Save | Ctrl + S | Save the current file or document |
| Save As | Ctrl + Shift + S | Save the file with a new name or in a new location |
| Open File | Ctrl + O | Open an existing file |
| New File / Window | Ctrl + N | Create a new file or window |
| Close Window / Tab | Ctrl + W | Close the current window or tab |
| Close Application | Alt + F4 | Close the active application |
| Ctrl + P | Print the current document or page | |
| Rename | F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
| Delete to Recycle Bin | Delete | Move selected file(s) to the Recycle Bin |
| Permanently Delete | Shift + Delete | Permanently delete files, bypassing Recycle Bin |
| New Folder | Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder in File Explorer |