Continuum for phones is a fantastic new feature that Microsoft is including in Windows 10 Mobile. The feature allows you to transform your phone easily into a computer-like experience by using the Microsoft Display Dock (opens in new tab) or Miracast to connect the handset to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Once you have set up Continuum, you can easily go to the Start screen to open and work on any Universal Windows app. Although, Continuum isn't exactly the same experience like working with the desktop version of Windows 10, it's very similar, and you can get a lot of work done when you're not near to your main computer.
In addition to the familiar user interface and being able to work on the same Universal Windows apps, you can use on the desktop version of the operating system using Continuum, you can also get a lot of work done faster using keyboard shortcuts to navigate and perform different tasks.
As you probably already know, Continuum in Windows 10 Mobile supports many of the keyboard shortcuts you can use in Windows 10 for PC, but not every shortcut is supported. Here's what is supported in the Continuum experience:
| Keyboard shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Keyboard shortcut | Action |
| Windows Key | Open/Close Start screen |
| Windows Key + A | Open Action Center |
| Windows Key + C | Open Cortana in listening mode |
| Windows Key + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows Key + I | Open Settings |
| Windows Key + K | Open the Connect quick action |
| Windows Key + L | Lock your handset |
| Windows Key + O | Lock device orientation |
| Windows Key + P | Open display settings |
| Windows Key + S | Open search (Cortana in search mode) |
| Windows Key + U | Open Ease of Access Center |
| Windows Key + Tab | Open Task view |
| Windows Key + Backspace | Go back |
| Windows Key + Spacebar | Switch input language and keyboard layout |
| Windows Key + Print Screen | Take a screenshot. However, you need a keyboard that includes the Print Screen key. If not, you can't take screenshots on the external display |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
It's worth pointing out that a few other Windows shortcuts may work as well, but we're listing only the shortcuts officially supported in Windows 10 Mobile using Continuum. For example, Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V shortcuts to cut and paste content work inside of apps, but they are not fully supported across Continuum in places like File Explorer (you cannot cut and paste files with these shortcuts, for example).
Also, note that in order to use Continuum for phones, you need a new handset, such as Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. Older Windows phones do not support the feature due to hardware limitations, even once they're updated to Windows 10 Mobile
Do you have any specific shortcut you like to use with Continuum for phones? Tell us in the comments below.
More resources
If you want to read more about Windows phones, make sure you check these resources:
- Windows 10 Mobile on Windows Central – All you need to know
- Continuum news, tips, and tricks
- Microsoft Lumia 950 on Windows Central
- Microsoft Lumia 950 XL on Windows Central
Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.
