Alternatively called Control+S, ^s, and C-s, Ctrl+S is a keyboard shortcut often used to save changes to a file.

How to use the Ctrl+S keyboard shortcut

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

On Apple computers, the keyboard shortcut used to save is Command+S.

  • How to use the Ctrl+S keyboard shortcut.
  • Ctrl+S in an Internet browser.
  • Ctrl+S in Excel and other spreadsheet programs.
  • Ctrl+S in Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Ctrl+S in Word and other word processors.
  • Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
  • Related information.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.

Ctrl+S in an Internet browser

In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, Opera), pressing Ctrl+S opens a window that allows users to save the page being viewed as an HTML file.

  • Firefox shortcuts
  • Google Chrome shortcuts
  • Internet Explorer shortcuts

Ctrl+S in Excel and other spreadsheet programs

In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+S saves the current worksheet. If it has never been saved, the Save As window opens, allowing you to choose a name and file extension for your worksheet.

  • Full list of Excel shortcuts.
  • Google Sheets shortcuts.

Ctrl+S in Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, Ctrl+S saves the current presentation.

  • Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.

Ctrl+S in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word and other word processors, pressing Ctrl+S saves the current document. If it has never been saved, the Save As window opens, allowing you to choose a name and file extension for your document.

The Shift+F12 keyboard shortcut also saves the current presentation.

  • Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.
  • How to highlight or select text.

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

  • Alt+S
  • Ctrl

Ctrl, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, S, Save

  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.
  • Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know.
  • Keyboard help and support.