The first time you saw that Windows Key on a keyboard, did you ask yourself, “What does this key do?” Well, it does plenty, and once you’re familiar with all the commands it can control, you’ll find yourself using it daily!
The Windows Key, also called the Start key, is the key with the Microsoft Windows logo.
However, if you have an older standard keyboard, a gaming keyboard, or a specialty custom keyboard layout, it might not be included or may be labeled “Menu” or “Start”. Additionally, some standard keyboards may have two Windows keys, one located to the left and one to the right of the space bar.
Pressing the Windows key opens the Start menu, which shows many Windows applications and system functions. Seems logical, right?
But wait, there’s more! The true power of the Windows key lies in its combination with other keys, called “Hotkeys”.
With these Windows hotkey combinations, you can quickly control many Windows functions without using the mouse.
There are a few exceptions, one of which we mention below; however, all of these are supported in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Some of these Windows key combinations also work in previous versions, such as Windows 95, Windows Vista, and even Windows 8, but we’re not even going to get into the disaster of an operating system that version was
Commonly Used Windows Logo Key Shortcuts
Here are the most frequently used Windows Key combinations. While some refer to it as the Menu Key, it does so much more.
We’ll start by showing you how pressing the Windows key opens the Start menu, which lets you quickly access many built-in features and apps.
One of my favorite Windows Key commands is “Windows Key + Shift + M”. This hotkey combination will restore all minimized windows.
However, if you want to minimize all open windows, the key combination is “Windows Key + M”. This is a quick way to clear everything open on your desktop.
The Windows keys are found on most computer keyboards nowadays, and you’ll find them very helpful and much more efficient in many ways.
Next are some other helpful hotkey combinations.
Windows Key
Opens the Start menu
The Windows key is located on the left side of the keyboard, between the “Ctrl key” and “Alt key” keys. Press the Start button to open the Start menu.
Windows Key + E
Opens Windows File Explorer.
Windows Key + D
Hides Open App windows to show or hide the Windows Desktop.
Windows Key + R
Opens the Windows Run dialog box (to launch programs or open specific files/folders).
Windows Key + S
Opens the Search window (to find files or programs).
Many of us are already familiar with these commonly used Windows Key shortcuts. However, there are more hotkey combinations available.
Windows Key for Navigation and Start Menu Controls
Here are some additional hotkey commands to know. Also, the Windows key is usually located next to the Ctrl and Alt keys, making it easy to use for shortcuts and menus.
Another favorite of mine is the “Windows Key + Ctrl + F4” key combination for closing the active virtual desktop.
While not everyone uses or even knows about the multiple desktop option, this is a handy hotkey if you do.
Windows Key + i
Opens the Windows Settings menu. However, if you’re looking for the Control Panel from a previous version of the Windows operating system, you can use “Search” to find these settings.
Windows Key + L
Manually locks the computer if you need to step away from it.
Windows Key + M
Minimizes all open windows.
Windows Key + X
Opens the SECRET Power User shortcut menu (includes options like Search, Shut down, Sign out, System Settings, etc.).
Windows Key + (left or right arrow keys)
Lets you instantly snap two windows, side by side.
Control Windows Tasks and Views
Quickly launch taskbar apps and switch between open window views.
As I mentioned before, I use several virtual desktops, and the Windows Key makes creating them quick and easy.
The key combination to create a new virtual desktop is “Windows Key + Ctrl + D”. If you want to switch between your desktops quickly, just hit “Windows Key + Ctrl + Left or Right Arrow,” depending on which way you want to scroll.
Here are some additional key combinations worth trying.
Windows Key + Tab
Opens Task View (see all open windows and desktops).
Windows Key + T
Cycles forward through the Taskbar apps.
Windows Key + Shift + T
Cycles backward through Taskbar apps.
Windows Key + (Up Arrow or Down Arrow)
Up Arrow Maximizes or Down Arrow Minimizes the active window.
Windows Key – Special Features
Quickly access Windows Special Features.
Windows Key + A
Opens the Action Center (notifications).
Windows Key + G
Opens the Xbox Game Bar, a feature first introduced in the Windows 10 Creators Update. This gamer’s app lets users record gameplay and capture screenshots.
Windows Key + Print Screen
Takes a screenshot and saves it to your Pictures folder.
Windows Key + W
Opens the Windows 11 Widgets.
Note: In Windows 10 this shortcut opens the Ink Workspace (for pen and touch input).
What Do Those Underlined Letters Mean?
You’ll notice that some Windows Key shortcuts open a menu with items that have an underlined letter.
This underlined letter indicates that it can be opened quickly with a keyboard shortcut (hotkey) without using the mouse.
Let’s try it. Follow the steps below to open the “System” menu.
- Press and hold the “Windows Key”, then type “X” to open the Power User menu
- Then press the underlined “Y” next to the “System” menu item to open the system settings window.
These PC keyboard shortcuts are a big time-saver, especially for Windows commands you use often.
However, here are some things to know about hotkey shortcuts:
- Not all menu items will have an underlined letter. If there is no underlined letter, the command does not support a keyboard shortcut.
- Some programs may have their own custom keyboard shortcuts that don’t rely on the underlined letters. Microsoft Office is full of these built-in keyboard shortcuts.
- Sometimes, you might need to press additional keys after the underlined letter to access a specific sub-menu item. The “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys are often combined with many Windows and program shortcuts.
Final Thoughts
Did you know the Windows Key was introduced in 1994 and has become a standard key on PC keyboards ever since?
While we focused on what you can do with the Windows key on the keyboard, this is not an exhaustive list of Windows key shortcuts. On a Mac, the Windows key is replaced by the Command key, providing similar functionality.
There are many other Windows Key shortcuts. Additionally, by counting left to right, you can also use the Windows key in combination with the number keys (0-9) to open programs pinned to your Taskbar.
For example, the first icon on the left would be “0,” and each one to the right would be “1, 2, 3…up to 9”. The Windows product key, a 25-character code, is also essential for activating Windows.
Lastly, the “Alt” and “Tab” keys, or a combination of both, support a huge list of commands. Windows offers a hotkey shortcut for almost every action you can perform with the mouse.
And you have yet to upgrade to Windows 11. You’ll notice that most of these hotkey commands remain the same as in previous versions, with a few new ones added to support new features.
Did you know that the Windows Key also provides hotkey shortcuts in operating systems other than Windows?
For a full list of all these hotkey commands, look at Microsoft’s official documentation on Windows keyboard shortcuts.
I’ve been using Windows for years and never really thought about all the things that key can do. Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome! I find the Windows Key and arrow keys to move windows between monitors very useful.
I mostly game on my PC and I just pryed mine off of my keyboard as I’m always hitting it when I’m gaming! LOL!
LOL! That’s one way to do it! Some keyboards let you disable the Windows Key using their software utilities. You can also use Microsoft “PowerToys,” which lets you remap and disable keys.
But I think your way was easiest! 🙂