https://hkeys.app
GitHub Desktop on Windows uses Ctrl as its primary modifier. The shortcut set is identical in scope to the Mac version, the same workflow actions for committing, branching, syncing, and navigating repositories. Only the modifier key differs.
Ctrl as primary modifier. All GitHub Desktop shortcuts on Windows use Ctrl in place of Command. Every action available by keyboard on Mac is available by keyboard on Windows.
Confirming a commit. The shortcut to commit staged changes from the commit message field uses Ctrl+Enter on Windows, the equivalent of Cmd+Enter on Mac. Ctrl+Enter as a "confirm" or "submit" action is standard in many Windows applications.
Branch and repository switching. Switching between branches, publishing branches, and switching between repositories all have Ctrl-based shortcuts. These are the same actions as on Mac with the modifier swapped.
Opening in VS Code. If VS Code is configured as the external editor in GitHub Desktop's preferences, the keyboard shortcut to open the repository in VS Code works on Windows as it does on Mac. Ctrl is the modifier.
The GitHub Desktop Windows shortcut list is available as a printable PDF. As on Mac, the commit and branch shortcuts are the highest-value ones to learn, they cover the most-repeated actions in a day of development work.
The actions are identical. The only difference is the modifier key: Windows uses Ctrl where Mac uses Command. If you switch between platforms, every shortcut transfers with a single key substitution.
No. The shortcut set is the same across both platforms. GitHub Desktop doesn't add Windows-specific shortcuts beyond the modifier key change.
Need more than shortcuts?
Visit the GitHub Desktop app page for an overview and helpful links.
Want to suggest a new app, report a bug, or get help? Email us at info@hkeys.app.
For anything else or just a quick hello, write to us at info@hkeys.app.