What the Control key does
Ctrl is the main shortcut modifier on Windows and Linux: Ctrl+C copies, Ctrl+Z undoes, Ctrl+S saves, Ctrl+Alt+Delete opens the security screen. In terminals Ctrl+C interrupts a program.
On a Mac
The Mac control key (⌃, U+2303) is a secondary modifier. Command takes over the copy, paste and save shortcuts; control is used for right-click (control+click), Spaces (control+arrows), and Unix-style shortcuts in Terminal and text fields.
On a laptop
Lenovo ThinkPads traditionally place Fn in the bottom-left corner with Ctrl next to it; the BIOS lets you swap them. Otherwise Ctrl is bottom-left.
Shortcuts that use the Control key
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+C / V / X | Copy, paste, cut |
| Ctrl+Z / Y | Undo, redo |
| Ctrl+Alt+Delete | Security screen and Task Manager |
| Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Open Task Manager directly |
| Ctrl+Shift+T | Reopen the last closed browser tab |
| Control+click (Mac) | Right-click |
If the Control key is missing or not working
If Ctrl shortcuts stop working, Sticky Keys or a stuck Ctrl key is the usual cause. Press both Ctrl keys once, then test them below.
Test it here: click the tester, press the key, and it should light up green. A red key is stuck; a key that never lights up is dead or intercepted by the system. The full keyboard tester has the press log and more detail.
Click the tester, then press any key. Browser shortcuts are blocked while it has focus.
—
- key
- —
- code
- —
- keyCode
- —
none
Max at once: 0 (rollover)
None detected. A key held for more than 2 seconds is flagged.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Control key on a Mac? +
Bottom row, labelled control, between fn and option. It is not the main shortcut key on a Mac; Command is.
Is Ctrl the same as Command? +
For copy, paste, save and most app shortcuts, Command on a Mac equals Ctrl on Windows. The Mac also keeps a separate control key for right-click and terminal shortcuts.
Why does my laptop have Fn where Ctrl should be? +
Some Lenovo and older HP models put Fn in the corner. The BIOS or vendor utility usually has a "swap Fn and Ctrl" option.
What is Ctrl+Alt+Delete for? +
It opens the Windows security screen with lock, sign out and Task Manager. On a Mac, Command+Option+Esc is the closest equivalent.