In one of my previous posts I had posted a list of new keyboard shortcuts available in Microsoft Windows 8.
I now have the official list of keyboard shortcuts from Microsoft, which you can download it here [PDF].
Official keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8 from Microsoft
| Shortcut keys | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows key | Brings up the Metro start screen. You can start typing to search for an app, just like the Windows 7 start menu. |
| Win + D | Brings up the old Windows desktop. |
| Win + C | Brings up the Charms menu, where you can search, share, and change settings. |
| Win + I | Opens the settings panel, where you can change settings for the current app, change volume, wireless networks, shut down, or adjust the brightness. |
| Win + Z | Opens the App Bar for the current Metro application. |
| Win + H | Opens the Metro Share panel. |
| Win + Q | Brings up the Metro App Search screen. |
| Win + W | Brings up the Metro Settings search screen. |
| Win + F | Brings up the Metro File search screen. |
| Win + K | Opens the Devices panel (for connecting to a projector or some other device) |
| Win + , (comma) | Aero Peek at the desktop. |
| Win + . (period) | Snaps the current Metro application to one side of the screen. (Right side) |
| Win + Shift + . (period) | Snaps the current Metro application to the other side of the screen. (Left side) |
| Win + J | Switches focus between snapped Metro applications. |
| Win + Page Up (or) Down | Moves the current app to the other monitor. |
| Win + Tab | Opens the Metro application switcher menu, switches between applications. |
| Win + O | Lock device orientation.. |
PC World has a complete list of keyboard shortcuts available in Windows 8, along with the ones carried forward from Windows 7.
Microsoft has announced the availability of Windows 8 Consumer Preview aka the beta version of Windows 8.
The Windows 8 Consumer Preview is available worldwide for download in English, French, German, Japanese and simplified Chinese languages. More information about Windows 8 and how to download the Consumer Preview is available at http://preview.windows.com. The ISO files can be downloaded directly from here.
The system requirements/recommendations for the Consumer Preview include:
- 1 GHz or faster processor.
- 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit).
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit).
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
- Metro style applications require a minimum of 1024×768 screen resolution, and 1366×768 for the snap feature.
Full details can be found at Building Windows 8 Blog
Microsoft has also released a Product Guide for Windows 8 Consumer preview, which you can download from here [PDF].