: Press Ctrl + Z to revert a file action (e.g., if you accidentally moved a folder).
The primary keyboard shortcut to an action in Windows 11 is Ctrl + Y .
Windows 11 File Explorer allows you to undo and redo file operations like moving, renaming, or deleting.
| Action | Shortcut | Effect | |--------|----------|--------| | Undo | Ctrl + Z | Reverses last action | | Redo | Ctrl + Y | Reverses the last Undo | | Redo (alt) | Ctrl + Shift + Z | Same as above (app-dependent) | redo shortcut windows 11
: The most common shortcut used in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the updated Windows 11 Notepad.
The most sophisticated use of this feature is the Repeat functionality in Office. Power users often perform a complex formatting action (like changing font, size, and color simultaneously), select a new object, and hit Ctrl + Y to duplicate that complex multi-step action instantly, effectively turning "Redo" into an automation macro.
Example AutoHotkey script to make Ctrl + Shift + Z also act as Redo globally: : Press Ctrl + Z to revert a file action (e
: A legacy shortcut that still functions in some specific environments. Application-Specific Variations
If your redo shortcuts aren't responding as expected, consider these common fixes: Undo or redo typing or design changes - Microsoft Support
| Application | Redo Shortcut | |-------------|----------------| | Notepad | Ctrl + Y | | Microsoft Word | Ctrl + Y | | Microsoft Excel | Ctrl + Y | | File Explorer (rename, move) | Ctrl + Y | | Visual Studio Code | Ctrl + Shift + Z (or Ctrl + Y ) | | Adobe Photoshop | Ctrl + Shift + Z | | Web browsers (text fields) | Ctrl + Y | | PowerShell / Command Prompt | Ctrl + Y (paste from clipboard history – different function) | Example AutoHotkey script to make Ctrl + Shift
Redo functionality can vary significantly depending on the software being used: Application / Environment Primary Shortcut Ctrl + Y Reverses an undone file move or rename. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) Ctrl + Y or F4 F4 is specifically for "Repeating" the last action. Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge) Ctrl + Shift + Z
| Feature | Shortcut | Context | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Ctrl + Y | Office apps, File Explorer, legacy Win32 apps. | | Modern Redo | Ctrl + Shift + Z | Browsers, Modern Windows 11 Apps, Text fields. | | Repeat Action | Ctrl + Y | Office apps (only when "Undo" stack is empty). |
sometimes opens browser history instead of redoing text. Adobe Software Ctrl + Shift + Z Adobe apps standardly use this over Ctrl + Y. How to Use Redo in File Explorer