Alternatively called Control+W and C-w, ^w, Ctrl+W is a keyboard shortcut often used to close a program, window, tab, or document.
How to use the Ctrl+W keyboard shortcut
To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold either Ctrl key, and while continuing to hold, press W.
- How to use the Ctrl+W keyboard shortcut.
- Ctrl+W in an Internet browser.
- Ctrl+W in Excel.
- Ctrl+W in Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Ctrl+W in Word and other word processors.
- Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
- Related information.
- Computer keyboard shortcuts.
Ctrl+W in an Internet browser
In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Ctrl+W closes the current tab. If there aren’t multiple tabs open, pressing Ctrl+W closes the browser.
- Firefox shortcuts
- Google Chrome shortcuts
- Internet Explorer shortcuts
Ctrl+W in Excel
In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+W closes the current workbook.
To restore or undo a closed tab use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Tab
- Full list of Excel shortcuts.
Ctrl+W in Microsoft PowerPoint
In Microsoft PowerPoint, Ctrl+W closes the current presentation.
If you’re editing the contents of a cell and press Ctrl+W, nothing will happen.
- Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.
Ctrl+W in Word and other word processors
In Microsoft Word and other word processors, pressing Ctrl+W closes the current document. If there are any unsaved changes in the document, you are prompted to save the document before closing it.
- Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.
Related keyboard shortcuts and keys
Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.
- Alt+W
- Ctrl+F4
- Ctrl
Close, Ctrl, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, W
Related information
- Computer keyboard shortcuts.
- Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know.
- Keyboard help and support.