Computer and Software Support


Pressing CTRL ALT Delete 

When someone tells you to press CTRL ALT DEL, they say press Control Alternate Delete, or read instructions that say press CTRL-ALT-DEL, they are talking about three keys on the keyboard

The three keys are as follows

  • CTRL - Control key
   
  • ALT - Alternate key
   
  • DEL - Delete key
   

Some keyboards have the the three letter designations for the words. Others may spell the word out. To do the command, you press all three keys at the same time. This usually requires using both hands.

   

The layout of the keyboard above is only an example of where the keys are located. The layout will match most keyboards but there are a few that has the delete key located in a different location. Also when you are told to press the ALT key, the CTRL key or the Delete key, you do not have to press both ALT keys, or both CTRL keys, or both Delete keys. Only press one of them.

When all three keys are pressed at the same time, the keys will perform an action. The action depends on if you are in windows or in DOS. Below is the action the keys will cause if they are pressed

  • In windows, CTRL-ALT-DEL will bring up Task Manager
  • In DOS, CTRL-ALT-DEL will reboot the computer