Keyboards are that fundamental element that we all use on a daily basis. In addition to allowing us to play and write, the keyboard allows quick access to a series of elements or functions. If you wonder One of the most versatile keys is the SHIFT (↑) key. This key in combination with others, allows us to perform a large number of different functions. We are going to explain the most interesting actions we can do with it.
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What is the Shift key and what is it for?
The Shift key is a modifier key on the computer keyboard that is represented by an arrow pointing up. The modifier keys or modifiers, such as SHIFT key, are intended to be pressed in combination with other keys and perform an action.
Symbol printed on the SHIFT key - (↑)Its origin is in old typewriters. This key had to be pressed to enter characters or symbols that were normally associated with numbers or to write a capital letter. The name SHIFT comes from English, which means "cultural, «.
As was the case with typewriters, all keyboards have two SHIFT keys, one on each side of the keyboard so that it is accessible from either hand. The size of the keyboard does not matter, if it is TenKeyLess type or is integrated into the laptop. All keyboards have two SHIFT keys.
If you wonder what is the SHiFT key On your keyboard, it is usually at the beginning and end of the second row of keys, starting at the bottom of the keyboard. The first is on the left side, just below the 'Caps Lock' key. The second is on the right, usually below the 'Enter' and the 'ç' character.
For laptop keyboards and compact keyboards, the right SHIFT key could be just above the arrow keys. If the keyboard is full or TenKeyLess, it is usually between the 'Enter' and the right 'Control' key. The left SHIFT key never changes its position
What is the SHIFT key on the keyboard?
Below we put several examples of the Shift key on different keyboards, so you can see where it is usually placed.
What is the Shift key and what is it for?
Its main function is write in uppercase one or more letters of the alphabet. To do this, we must hold down the SHIFT key and the letter that we want to write in uppercase. We can keep it pressed to write several capital letters continuously, so there is no problem.
Another of its functions is to write the characters that appear silkscreened above the numbers, such as: $ symbol by pressing SHIFT + 4 or% symbol by pressing SHIFT + 5. There are other symbols, like the ; which is obtained by pressing SHIFT +, o los: obtained by pressing SHIFT +. You can explore other characters by pressing the SHIFT key and the accents and so on.
In addition, the SHIFT key is used to perform different keyboard shortcuts that can be very useful. Within computing, some of these shortcuts are highly valued, as they save time. Then we will leave you a list with these tricks.
[irp]Most common uses
The SHIFT key has a series of combinations that allow adding different special or uppercase characters, in office automation. Depending on the combination and the tool we use we can do:
- SHIFT + letter: Capitalize when CAPS LOCK is off
- SHIFT + numbers 1-0: Activate special characters (!, ", $,%, &, /, (,), =,?, ¿) Note: These symbols can be seen silkscreened on each number
- SHIFT + right drag: Expand without maintaining proportions
- SHIFT + mouse wheel: Allows you to 'zoom in' and 'zoom out' in browsers such as Safari and Firefox. This function is being replaced by: Control + mouse wheel
- SHIFT + left click: Allows you to select a piece of text by dragging the cursor while continuing to press
- SHIFT + WIN + Right or Left Arrow: scrolls the window to the monitor on the right or left, respectively (there must be multiple monitors connected to the computer)
- SHIFT + Videogames: This is usually the key used for Sprint or Run by default.
SHIFT key shortcuts
This key allows you to perform different interesting actions that can allow you to navigate or work with more agility. These actions are:
- CTRL+SHIFT+TAB: It allows us to move through windows or browser that we have open
- CTRL+SHIFT+N: Launch a browser window in incognito mode
- ALT+SHIFT+TAB: Shows open and active applications on our computer. If we click on any of them, it will be shown on the screen, being a quick access.
- CTRL+SHIFT+T: Start the last tab or tabs open in our browser
- CTRL + SHIFT + ESC: Open the Windows task manager
- SHIFT + DELETE: Allows you to permanently delete files without going through the trash, CARE they cannot be recovered.
- CTRL+SHIFT+B: Hide the bookmarks bar of our browser
- CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE: Clear all browser data
Other commonly used keys
Along with the SHIFT key, there are several more commonly used keys to which we want to make honorable mention, and which we will explain in their own posts.
- control key: Unlocks other special uses, such as the cut action, the copy action, and the paste action.
- CAPS LOCK CAPS: Caps lock key, allows us to write capital letters without having to press the SHIFT all the time.
- Space bar: This key allows us to add spaces between words and jump in video games.
- ALT key: Allows you to use keyboard shortcuts in different programs, more linked to navigation than to writing. For example, Alt+O is usually the keyboard shortcut to open documents in a program.
How to activate Ctrl Alt and shift keys?
The keyboard may be in a faulty state. Disconnect and reconnect it to check if it is a failed connection. Then, it is possible that the special keys have been activated, as an accessibility mechanism. Press several times in a row the shift key on the keyboard and the message below will appear.
How to activate the Shift key in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11?
You have to activate the special keys. Press the Shift key several times, and you will get a prompt asking if you want to activate them. Then, you will simply have to keep the key pressed.
Why can't I type on my computer?
You may have a bad keyboard connection. Disconnect and reconnect it, and check in settings if it has been disabled by accident. It is possible that there is a malware that prevents you from typing, or that you are simply typing in a field that does not let you type, as can happen if you are going to write a text in Microsoft Office Word if you do not have the license. In this case, you can choose to download LibreOffice free.
If the problem lies in the physical connection, check with another keyboard that the connection does not give problems. If it still gives problems, then it is a connection failure. You can also check it using the on-screen keyboard in the accessibility section.
How to turn sticky keys back on?
If you're wondering this, you're using the keyboard with sticky keys disabled. Press the left or right shift key several times. Once you get a menu asking if you want to activate the special keys, activate it.
How to make Alt key work?
For the Alt key to work, you need to enable sticky keys.
How to remove Shift lock?
You may have configured the keyboard to use the Shift key as an alternative to Caps Lock. To change it, go to the Windows Control Panel, go to the keyboard settings option, and go to the advanced options.
In the subsection of the language bar is the advanced key settings tab. One of the options it gives is to turn the caps lock on or off. Check the option that should be done with the Caps Lock key.
Why doesn't the Shift key work?
If it happens to you, you may have sticky keys disabled. It can also be a failure of the connection, Windows or your own keyboard.
Conclusion
This key has a large number of functions in daily use of our computer. As we can see, it allows to write symbols, capital letters and allows different keyboard shortcuts. It is a versatile key that can be used a lot.
To write correctly the use of the SHIFT key is essential, since in its daily use it is one of the most used keys. And if we play video games, the vast majority also use this key as a sprint or race key.
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