Ctrl+W

Updated: 06/06/2021 by Computer Hope

Alternatively referred to as Control+W and C-w, ^w, Ctrl+W is a keyboard shortcut most often used to close a program, window, tab, or document.

How to use the Ctrl+W keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold either Ctrl key, and while continuing to hold, press W.

Ctrl+W in an Internet browser

In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Ctrl+W closes the current tab. If there aren't multiple tabs open, pressing Ctrl+W closes the browser.

Tip

To restore or undo a closed tab use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Tab

Ctrl+W in Excel

In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+W closes the current workbook.

Note

If you're editing the contents of a cell and press Ctrl+W, nothing will happen.

Full list of Excel shortcuts.

Ctrl+W in Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, the Ctrl+W keyboard shortcut closes the current presentation.

Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.

Ctrl+W in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word and other word processors, pressing Ctrl+W closes the current document. If there are any unsaved changes in the document, you are prompted to save the document before closing it.

Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

Close, Ctrl, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, W