---
id: apps.what-keyboard-shortcuts-work-in-the-apps-window
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/what-keyboard-shortcuts-work-in-the-apps-window
category: "Apps"
subcategory: "The Apps window and launcher"
question: "What keyboard shortcuts work in the Apps window?"
alt_questions:
  - "Keyboard navigation in the Apps grid"
  - "Can I use arrow keys in All Apps?"
  - "How do I close the Apps window with the keyboard?"
  - "Apps window hotkeys"
  - "Tab into the app grid"
short_answer: "Type to search, Tab to jump into the grid, arrow keys to move, Return to open the highlighted app, and Esc to close the Apps window."
tags: ["keyboard", "all apps"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/how-do-i-search-for-an-app-in-the-apps-window", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/how-do-i-open-the-apps-grid-with-a-keyboard-shortcut"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What keyboard shortcuts work in the Apps window?

The Apps window is built to be used from the keyboard:

- **Type** to search — the box is focused when the window opens.
- **Tab** jumps from the search box into the grid.
- **Arrow keys** move the selection around the grid.
- **Return** opens the highlighted app.
- **Esc** closes the window.

To open the grid itself from anywhere, use the [global shortcut](https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/how-do-i-open-the-apps-grid-with-a-keyboard-shortcut).