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Visual Studio shortcuts

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Debug is the section to learn first: Start Debugging runs the program under the debugger, Start Without Debugging runs it without, and Stop Debugging ends the session. When the program is paused, Step Over, Step Into and Step Out move through the code.

Start with these

  • Start Debugging
  • Stop Debugging
  • Toggle Breakpoint
  • Step Over
  • Find in Files
  • Go to Declaration

Tips for Visual Studio

  • Toggle Breakpoint F9 marks the line where the debugger should pause.
  • Find CtrlF and Replace CtrlH work in the open file. Find in Files CtrlShiftF searches across files.
  • Rename CtrlR R renames a symbol.
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Build2

ActionShortcut
Build Solution
Compile

Debug10

ActionShortcut
Start Debugging
Start Without Debugging
Stop Debugging
Restart
Toggle Breakpoint
Delete All Breakpoints
Step Over
Step Into
Step Out
Run to Cursor

Edit9

ActionShortcut
Find
Replace
Find in Files
Replace in Files
Go to Line
Go to All
Find All References
Toggle Comment
Cut Line

Refactor2

ActionShortcut
Quick Actions
Rename

Window6

ActionShortcut
Solution Explorer
Properties
Close Document
Next Document
Quick Launch
Go to All
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many keyboard shortcuts does Visual Studio have on Windows?

Visual Studio has 34 keyboard shortcuts on Windows, organized into 6 sections: Build, Debug, Edit, Navigate, and more. This page lists all of them with searchable, organized shortcut tables.

Which Visual Studio shortcuts should I learn first?

Start with Start Debugging (F5), Stop Debugging (Shift+F5), Toggle Breakpoint (F9), Step Over (F10), Find in Files (Ctrl+Shift+F), Go to Declaration (Ctrl+F12). The sections on this page list the rest.

Can I download Visual Studio shortcuts as a PDF?

Yes. Click the download button at the top of this page to generate a printable PDF cheat sheet with all 34 Visual Studio shortcuts. The PDF includes organized sections, keycap-style key labels, and space for your own notes.

Where is the official Visual Studio keyboard shortcuts documentation?

The official Visual Studio keyboard shortcuts documentation is available on their website. Every shortcut on this page is sourced from and verified against the official documentation to ensure accuracy.

Do these Visual Studio shortcuts work on all Windows keyboards?

Yes. These shortcuts work on standard Windows keyboards. The modifier keys are Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and the Windows key (⊞). Some laptop keyboards may have compact layouts where certain keys require an Fn modifier to access.

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