What is the use of the shortcut Ctrl + Z on Windows? Probably more than you think

Ctrl + Z is an extremely popular key combination on Windows. However, not many people really know the full uses of this versatile shortcut. Let's learn about the great uses of the Ctrl + Z shortcut right after this.

If you are a regular Windows computer user, chances are you have never really taken full advantage of keyboard shortcuts. This is not a big problem. Even without using keyboard shortcuts, you can still use Windows as usual. However, taking advantage of keyboard shortcuts will help you use Windows more simply, productively and effectively.

Undo input or editing errors

Ctrl + Z basically lets you undo actions in all areas of Windows . A common use for this shortcut is to undo an action in tasks like typing, video editing, image editing, and many other types of software. Whether you're working in Word, email, a coding tool, a browser input field, or any other program on your Windows PC, simply press Ctrl + Z if you want to undo an action you just performed.

The same goes for third-party software that runs on Windows, like PhotoShop and InDesign. Just press Ctrl + Z to undo an action you just did.

Note that depending on the software, you may be able to repeatedly press Ctrl + Z to undo multiple actions. Each program has its own limits, but many will cap it at 20 undos. You will not be able to “go back further in time.”

Recover files and folders

Have you ever accidentally deleted a file or folder in Windows 10? In this situation, many people will have the habit of accessing the Recycle Bin and restoring it. But if you want to save time, just press Ctrl + Z to bring back the file you just deleted.

What is the use of the shortcut Ctrl + Z on Windows? Probably more than you think

Redo everything with Ctrl + Y

It would be a big mistake to talk about Ctrl + Z without mentioning the Redo command. Anything you undo with Ctrl + Z can be redone with Ctrl + Y (or Ctrl + Shift + Z in some applications).

Sometimes you may have pressed Ctrl + Z too many times, or decided after some thought that you really wanted to delete that file. Just press Ctrl + Y to reverse the undo command.

Try deleting a bunch of text by pressing Ctrl + Z five times and you can get it all back by pressing Ctrl + Y five times.

Create file in command line

In the Windows command line, the Ctrl + Z shortcut has a very different use. One of the ways it works here is with the copy con command, which is used to create files via the command line.

To try, enter:

copy con testfile.txt
[Dòng này chứa văn bản bạn muốn xuất hiện trong tệp bạn đang tạo]

Once you have entered the text you want to appear in your newly created file, press Ctrl + Z (it will appear as ^Z in the command line). When you are finished, press Enter.

What is the use of the shortcut Ctrl + Z on Windows? Probably more than you think

You can now browse to the directory in the command line and find the newly created file there.

Pause processes in command line

Another function of Ctrl + Z in the command line is to immediately pause the process you are running in the command line. This can be useful in case it is a long process, containing a specific part that you want to immediately check without having to wait for the whole process to finish.

Basically, when you press Ctrl + Z, a SIGTSTP signal  is sent. To resume the process, just press Ctrl + Z again.

That’s all you need to know about the Ctrl + Z shortcut. Remember, it works in any program – from word processors to Photoshop and video editing tools on Windows. Make good use of the shortcut and you’ll see a marked improvement in your productivity.

Tags: #System
Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Do not click on any shortened link until you are sure it is safe!

Do not click on any shortened link until you are sure it is safe!

Shortened URLs are convenient for cleaning up long links, but they also hide the real destination. If you want to avoid malware or phishing, blindly clicking on that link is not a wise choice.

14 Windows Apps and Software You Need on Your New Computer

14 Windows Apps and Software You Need on Your New Computer

Below is a list of recommended software when installing a new computer, so you can choose the most necessary and best applications on your computer!

How to know if a link is safe or not?

How to know if a link is safe or not?

Nowadays, malicious links appear more and more and are shared through social networks at a dizzying speed. Just clicking on a malicious link can bring potential dangers to you.

How to clone Windows settings to take your workflow anywhere

How to clone Windows settings to take your workflow anywhere

Carrying an entire operating system on a flash drive can be very useful, especially if you don't have a laptop. But don't think this feature is limited to Linux distributions - it's time to try cloning your Windows installation.

How to change the Windows 11 Recycle Bin icon

How to change the Windows 11 Recycle Bin icon

Switching the Recycle Bin icon in Windows 11 simplifies wallpaper customization, giving you the look and feel that suits your taste or theme.

4 Ways to Change File Extensions in Windows 11

4 Ways to Change File Extensions in Windows 11

This article explains how to change file extensions in Windows 11, as well as discusses the difference between file extensions and file types.

3 Ways to Enable and Disable Windows 11 AutoPlay

3 Ways to Enable and Disable Windows 11 AutoPlay

Although it is quite convenient, many people do not like AutoPlay because of security issues. In this guide, you will learn some ways to enable or disable AutoPlay Windows 11.

How to enable/disable Language bar Windows 11

How to enable/disable Language bar Windows 11

Depending on the needs of use, users can quickly enable or disable the Language bar on the computer. Below are instructions to enable or disable the Language bar Windows 11.

How to know if someone has installed surveillance software on your laptop?

How to know if someone has installed surveillance software on your laptop?

Luckily, there are some simple ways to detect hidden surveillance software and regain control of your privacy.

How to update TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0 for Dell laptops, Dell computers

How to update TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0 for Dell laptops, Dell computers

Dell provides users with an update solution from TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0.

How to find the maximum RAM capacity of your computer

How to find the maximum RAM capacity of your computer

When buying a new desktop or laptop, you can save some money by buying a device with basic specifications. You can increase its performance later by upgrading the RAM.

What is Cloudflare WARP? Should I use it?

What is Cloudflare WARP? Should I use it?

WARP is a VPN that helps you connect to the Internet using Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS while optimizing and securing (i.e. encrypting) your connection. 1.1.1.1 is one of the fastest and most secure DNS options.

How to display clock on Windows 11 screen

How to display clock on Windows 11 screen

In addition to displaying the clock on the Taskbar, on Windows 11, you can adjust to display the clock on the computer screen.

How to fix motherboard error showing red light

How to fix motherboard error showing red light

It's scary to see a red light on your motherboard while your system won't boot, especially if your motherboard refuses to tell you why the light is on.

What is the use of the shortcut Ctrl + Z on Windows? Probably more than you think

What is the use of the shortcut Ctrl + Z on Windows? Probably more than you think

Ctrl + Z is an extremely common key combination on Windows. Ctrl + Z basically allows you to undo actions in all areas of Windows.

Do not click on any shortened link until you are sure it is safe!

Do not click on any shortened link until you are sure it is safe!

Shortened URLs are convenient for cleaning up long links, but they also hide the real destination. If you want to avoid malware or phishing, blindly clicking on that link is not a wise choice.

14 Windows Apps and Software You Need on Your New Computer

14 Windows Apps and Software You Need on Your New Computer

Below is a list of recommended software when installing a new computer, so you can choose the most necessary and best applications on your computer!

How to know if a link is safe or not?

How to know if a link is safe or not?

Nowadays, malicious links appear more and more and are shared through social networks at a dizzying speed. Just clicking on a malicious link can bring potential dangers to you.

How to clone Windows settings to take your workflow anywhere

How to clone Windows settings to take your workflow anywhere

Carrying an entire operating system on a flash drive can be very useful, especially if you don't have a laptop. But don't think this feature is limited to Linux distributions - it's time to try cloning your Windows installation.

How to change the Windows 11 Recycle Bin icon

How to change the Windows 11 Recycle Bin icon

Switching the Recycle Bin icon in Windows 11 simplifies wallpaper customization, giving you the look and feel that suits your taste or theme.

4 Ways to Change File Extensions in Windows 11

4 Ways to Change File Extensions in Windows 11

This article explains how to change file extensions in Windows 11, as well as discusses the difference between file extensions and file types.

3 Ways to Enable and Disable Windows 11 AutoPlay

3 Ways to Enable and Disable Windows 11 AutoPlay

Although it is quite convenient, many people do not like AutoPlay because of security issues. In this guide, you will learn some ways to enable or disable AutoPlay Windows 11.

How to enable/disable Language bar Windows 11

How to enable/disable Language bar Windows 11

Depending on the needs of use, users can quickly enable or disable the Language bar on the computer. Below are instructions to enable or disable the Language bar Windows 11.

How to know if someone has installed surveillance software on your laptop?

How to know if someone has installed surveillance software on your laptop?

Luckily, there are some simple ways to detect hidden surveillance software and regain control of your privacy.

How to update TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0 for Dell laptops, Dell computers

How to update TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0 for Dell laptops, Dell computers

Dell provides users with an update solution from TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0.

How to find the maximum RAM capacity of your computer

How to find the maximum RAM capacity of your computer

When buying a new desktop or laptop, you can save some money by buying a device with basic specifications. You can increase its performance later by upgrading the RAM.

What is Cloudflare WARP? Should I use it?

What is Cloudflare WARP? Should I use it?

WARP is a VPN that helps you connect to the Internet using Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS while optimizing and securing (i.e. encrypting) your connection. 1.1.1.1 is one of the fastest and most secure DNS options.

How to display clock on Windows 11 screen

How to display clock on Windows 11 screen

In addition to displaying the clock on the Taskbar, on Windows 11, you can adjust to display the clock on the computer screen.

How to fix motherboard error showing red light

How to fix motherboard error showing red light

It's scary to see a red light on your motherboard while your system won't boot, especially if your motherboard refuses to tell you why the light is on.