Ctrl+W
Alternatively referred to as Control W and C-w, Ctrl+W is a shortcut key most often used to close a program, window, tab, or document.
How to use the Ctrl+W shortcut key
To use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+W, press and hold either Ctrl key on the keyboard and while continuing to hold, press the "W" key with either hand.
On Apple computer keyboards, the Ctrl key is labeled as "control."
Ctrl+W in an Internet browser
In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Ctrl+W closes the current open tab. If there is only one tab open in the browser, pressing Ctrl+W will close the browser.
Ctrl+W in Excel
In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+W closes the open workbook.
If you're editing the contents of a cell and press Ctrl+W, nothing will happen.
Ctrl+W in Microsoft PowerPoint
In Microsoft PowerPoint, the Ctrl+W shortcut key closes the currently open slide deck.
Ctrl+W in Word and other word processors
In Microsoft Word and other word processor programs, pressing Ctrl+W closes the open document.
Related keyboard shortcuts
Below are links to related keyboard key and keyboard shortcut pages.