Windows 11 vs Ubuntu Linux Keyboard Shortcuts — Side-by-Side
Developers and sysadmins often work on both Windows and Linux. The core Ctrl shortcuts are the same, but window management, search, and system shortcuts differ significantly. This comparison maps them all.
Action
Windows 11
Ubuntu Linux
Copy
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+C
Cut
Ctrl+X
Ctrl+X
Paste
Ctrl+V
Ctrl+V
Undo
Ctrl+Z
Ctrl+Z
Redo
Ctrl+Y
Ctrl+Shift+Z
Select All
Ctrl+A
Ctrl+A
Find
Ctrl+F
Ctrl+F
Save
Ctrl+S
Ctrl+S
Bold / Italic / Underline
Ctrl+B / I / U
Ctrl+B / I / U
Frequently Asked Questions
Are keyboard shortcuts the same on Windows and Linux?+
Most universal shortcuts (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+Z, Alt+Tab) work the same on both. The biggest differences are in system shortcuts: Linux uses Super+D (show desktop) vs Win+D, Ctrl+Alt+L (lock) vs Win+L, and Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal — something Windows doesn't have as a direct shortcut.
How do I open a terminal on Linux vs Windows?+
On Ubuntu Linux, press Ctrl+Alt+T to instantly open a GNOME terminal. On Windows 11, you can press Win+X and select Terminal, or pin Windows Terminal to your taskbar. There is no single universal shortcut on Windows — it depends on your terminal setup.
How do I switch virtual desktops on Linux vs Windows?+
On Ubuntu, press Ctrl+Alt+→ or Ctrl+Alt+← to move between workspaces. On Windows 11, press Ctrl+Win+→ or Ctrl+Win+←. Both support creating new desktops — Linux via the Activities overview, Windows via the Task View (Win+Tab).