What does Ctrl+W do?
On ChromeOS, Ctrl+W closes the active tab. Use it when you want to close tab in that application; other apps may assign the same keys differently.
Recorded actions and binding evidence
Windows
Google Chrome · Browser Controls
Close Tab — Close the current tab
Ctrl + W
Google Chrome · Tabs & Windows
Close Tab — Close the current tab
Ctrl + W
Linux
Google Chrome · Browser Controls
Close Tab — Close the current tab
Ctrl + W
Google Chrome · Tabs & Windows
Close Tab — Close the current tab
Ctrl + W
ChromeOS
ChromeOS · File Management
Close Tab — Close the current browser tab
Ctrl + W
· Source: Google Chromebook Help — Keyboard shortcuts (US QWERTY)
Also works in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, ChromeOS, macOS, Ubuntu Linux, Cursor, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Windows, Google Meet, IntelliJ IDEA, Notepad++, Obsidian, Photoshop.
Context
A browser tab is not an entire application. The documented Chrome binding closes the current tab. Other recorded uses may close a document or editor. Closing the final browser tab can affect the window, so save unsaved material before testing.
Use the binding for your application and platform. Custom keymaps, keyboard layouts and intercepted system keys can change the behavior you observe.
Practical checks
- Focus the application whose recorded action you intend to use.
- Check whether a custom keymap, keyboard language, browser extension or remote session intercepts these keys.
- Consult the application's shortcut settings and source links before choosing a platform equivalent.
Continue your task
- Close Tab Keyboard Shortcut
- Google Chrome shortcuts
- Cursor shortcuts
- Microsoft Edge shortcuts
- Google Chrome: Windows to Mac
- ChromeOS shortcuts
- macOS shortcuts
Build a shortcut list for the apps you actually use.
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