Undo Redo Shortcut: Learn How to Undo and Redo on Windows 11, 10 and other PCs

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Let’s face it: We all make mistakes when using computers, whether intentionally or unintentionally. If you know how to use the undo and redo functions, you can quickly correct your mistakes. 

These features allow you to reverse or redo your recent actions, making fixing errors and making changes to your work easy. In this guide, we’ll see how you can use these features on your Windows machine and make your work error-free. Let’s get started.

Use Undo and Redo Shortcuts on Windows 11, Windows 10 PCs and Laptops

Windows has a universal shortcut for the Undo feature: Ctrl + Z. To undo an edit or a text, for example, simply press the Ctrl + Z keys simultaneously on your keyboard.

Ctrl + z

Unfortunately, there is no universal shortcut for Redo on Windows. The good news is that most apps support the Ctrl + Y or Ctrl + Alt + Z shortcut for the Redo action.

Ctrl + y

Some apps allow you to perform multiple undo or redo actions by repeatedly pressing the respective shortcut keys. This can be useful if you must undo or redo several recent actions. 

However, the number of actions you can undo or redo may be limited by the application or system settings. If you need to undo or redo many actions, it’s best to save your work frequently to avoid losing essential changes.

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Use Undo and Redo From the App Toolbar 

You can also use the Undo and Redo actions from the toolbar or the action menu of the app that you are using. For example, most text editing apps, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and web-based Google Docs, have an Undo and a Redo button in the toolbar. 

The same applies to photo and video editing apps like Photoshop, Filmora, Premier Pro, and more. Some apps may require you to right-click on an area and select Undo.

Undo button in Word

Bottom Line 

Next time you need to undo or redo an action, remember the shortcut keys Ctrl + Z for Undo and Ctrl + Y for Redo. These shortcuts can save you time and effort while working on your Windows computer.

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FAQs

1. Can I undo and redo actions in all Windows applications?

Most Windows applications support the undo and redo action. Although the shortcut for the Undo action is universal, the specific shortcut or method for the Redo action may vary. 

2. What if I accidentally closed a document without saving it? Can I undo that?

Unfortunately, the undo function typically does not work for actions like closing a document without saving. It’s a good practice to save your work frequently to avoid losing data.

3. What should I do if the undo or redo shortcuts are not working?

If the shortcuts are not working, check the application’s settings or documentation to ensure they are enabled or available. You can also try restarting the application or your computer.

4. Can I undo a deleted file in File Explorer or the Desktop?

Yes, if a file is deleted in File Explorer or from the Desktop, it can be undone using the undo shortcut (Ctrl + Z). You can also restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin on Windows.

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Mehtab AnsariMehtab Ansari
Mehtab Ansari is the Assistant Editor – Features & Reviews at Smartprix, where he writes about smartphones, laptops, audio gear, and everything in between. A computer science student by degree but a tech nerd by heart, he’s been into consumer tech for years and started reviewing products professionally in February 2024. He’s especially into photography and audio, often spending more time testing a smartphone’s camera than he probably should. For him, tech isn’t just work, it’s what he’s always thinking about.

Expertise 

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, monitors, smartwatches, photography, and audio gear. I’ve reviewed over 60 products across these categories on Smartprix in the past year and a half.

Education - Bachelor of Computer Applications – Nizam College, Hyderabad (2022–2025) | Joined Smartprix -February 2024 | Published Reviews & Stories - 723

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