From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Windows key (also known as win, start, logo, flag or super[1] key) is a keyboard key which was originally introduced on Microsoft’s Natural Keyboard in 1994. Windows 95 used it to bring up the start menu and it then became a standard key on PC keyboards. On computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, Ctrl+Esc performs the same function, in case the keyboard lacks this key.
Historically, the addition of two Windows keys and a menu key marked the change from the 101/102-key to 104/105-key layout for PC keyboards.[2] Compared to the former layout, a Windows key was placed between the left Ctrl and the left Alt and another Windows key and the menu key were placed between the right Alt (or AltGr) and the right Ctrl key. The Windows key was introduced with Microsoft’s Natural Keyboard in 1994.[3] The key is predated by the ⌘ Command key on Apple computers in the 1980s, and before that by the Super (or Meta) key on Lisp/Unix workstation computers in the 1970s.
Windows 95 required the key to be on a keyboard to get the «Designed for Windows» logo, and used it to bring up the Start menu. It was quickly added by virtually all desktop keyboard manufacturers. The first laptop to bear Windows keys on its keyboard was the Gateway Solo.[4]
In laptops and other compact keyboards, it is common to have just one Windows key (usually located on the left side of the keyboard). On Microsoft’s Entertainment Desktop sets (designed for Windows Vista), the Windows key is in the middle of the keyboard, below all other keys (where the user’s thumbs rest).
Some keyboards during the Windows Vista and 7 era feature a circular bump surrounding the logo which distinguishes its feeling from the other buttons.
On Windows 8 tablet computers, hardware certification requirements initially mandated that the Windows key be centered on the bezel below the screen, except on a convertible laptop, where the button is allowed to be off-center in a tablet configuration. This requirement was relaxed in Windows 8.1, allowing the Windows key to be placed on any bezel or edge of the unit, though a centered location along the bottom bezel is still preferred.[5]
Microsoft regulates the appearance of the Windows key logo picture with a specially crafted license for keyboard manufacturers («Microsoft Windows Logo Key Logo License Agreement for Keyboard Manufacturers»). With the introduction of a new Microsoft Windows logo, first used with Windows XP, the agreement was updated to require that the new design be adopted for all keyboards manufactured after 1 September 2003.[6] However, with the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft published guidelines for a new Windows Logo key that incorporates the Windows logo recessed in a chamfered lowered circle with a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 with respect to background that the key is applied to.[7]
In Common Building Block Keyboard Specification, all CBB compliant keyboards were to comply with the Windows Vista Hardware Start Button specification beginning on 1 June 2007.[citation needed]
The Unicode character U+229E ⊞ SQUARED PLUS resembles the look of the key, as of Windows 11.
Use with Microsoft Windows
[edit]
From the Windows 95 to Windows 7 releases of the operating system, tapping the Windows key by itself traditionally revealed Windows Taskbar (if not visible) and opened the Start menu. In Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, this key launches the Start screen but does not show the taskbar. However, this feature was added back into Windows 10.
Pressing the key in combination with other keys allows invoking many common functions through the keyboard. Holding down Ctrl+Esc will not substitute for the Windows key in these combinations. Which Windows key combinations («shortcuts») are available and active in a given Windows session depends on many factors, such as accessibility options, the type of the session (regular or Terminal Services), the Windows version, the presence of specific software such as IntelliType and Group Policy if applicable.
Below is a list of notable shortcuts which work natively. Unless otherwise noted, they are valid in the next version of Windows. Using aftermarket scripts, users can also make custom shortcuts.
Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0
[edit]
The following shortcuts are valid in Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0.[8][9]
- ⊞ Win opens the Start menu
- ⊞ Win+D shows the desktop (hiding even non-minimizable windows), or restores hidden windows when pressed a second time.
- ⊞ Win+E opens Windows Explorer with folder pane on left side of window.
- ⊞ Win+F opens Find files and folders.
- ⊞ Win+M minimizes all windows.
- ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+M restores windows that were minimized with ⊞ Win+M.
- ⊞ Win+R opens the «Run Program Or File» Window.
- ⊞ Win+U runs Utility Manager.
- ⊞ Win+Pause or ⊞ Win+Break opens properties of My Computer.
- ⊞ Win+F1 opens Windows Help.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+F opens Find computers.
- ⊞ Win+Tab ↹ cycles through taskbar buttons. This key combination is reassigned in Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Windows 2000 adds the following:
- ⊞ Win+L locks the desktop.
Windows XP adds the following:
- ⊞ Win+B selects the first icon in the Notification Area.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+F opens Search for Computers. Requires Active Directory Domain Services.
- ⊞ Win+L locks the desktop and (if Fast User Switching is enabled) shows the user selection screen.
Windows XP Media Center Edition
[edit]
Windows XP Media Center Edition adds the following:
- ⊞ Win+Alt+↵ Enter starts Windows Media Center.
Windows Vista adds the following shortcuts:
- ⊞ Win+Space bar brings the Windows Sidebar to the front.
- ⊞ Win+G selects next Windows Sidebar gadget item, bringing all gadgets to the foreground in process. Gadgets were removed in Windows 8. It shows up the Xbox game bar in Windows 10 and 11.
- ⊞ Win+X invokes Windows Mobility Center. Works only if portable computer features are installed. This key combination is reassigned in Windows 8.
- ⊞ Win+Tab ↹ switches active app using Aero Flip 3D. Requires desktop composition, a feature of Windows Aero. Aero Flip 3D is removed in Windows 8 and this key is reassigned.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+Tab ↹ is same as above, but Aero Flip 3D remains even when this key combination is released. Arrow keys or mouse may be used to navigate between windows.
- ⊞ Win+1 through ⊞ Win+9, ⊞ Win+0 starts the corresponding Quick Launch Bar program. ⊞ Win+0 runs the tenth item. Quick Launch is removed in Windows 7 and this key is reassigned.
- ⊞ Win+L locks the computer.
Windows 7 adds the following shortcuts:
- ⊞ Win+Space bar activates Aero Peek. Reassigned in Windows 8.
- ⊞ Win+P toggles between the devices that receive video card’s output. The default is computer monitor only. Other options are video projector only, both showing the same image and both showing a portion of a larger desktop.
- ⊞ Win+↑ maximizes the active window.
- ⊞ Win+↓ restores the default window size and state of the active window, if maximized. Otherwise, minimizes the active window.
- ⊞ Win+← or → to align the window to the corresponding side of the screen, tiled vertically.
- ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+← or → to move the window to the next or previous monitor, if multiple monitors are used.
- ⊞ Win+T to iterate through items on the taskbar from left to right.
- ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+T to iterate through items on the taskbar from right to left.
- ⊞ Win++ to zoom into the screen at the mouse cursor position using the Magnifier Utility.
- ⊞ Win+- to zoom out if the Magnifier Utility is running.
- ⊞ Win+Esc to exit zoom.
- ⊞ Win+1 through ⊞ Win+9, ⊞ Win+0 to either start or switch to the corresponding program pinned to taskbar. ⊞ Win+0 runs the tenth item. Press multiple times to cycle through the application’s open windows. Press and release quickly to keep the taskbar’s preview open (which allows you to cycle using arrow keys).
- ⊞ Win+Home minimizes all windows other than the active window. Pressing this combination a second time restores them.
- ⊞ Win+D minimizes all windows. Pressing the combination a second time restores them.
Windows 8 introduces the following:
- ⊞ Win Opens the Start Screen.
- ⊞ Win+C opens the charms. Reassigned in Windows 10.
- ⊞ Win+F opens Search charm in file mode to search for computer files. If the Search charm is already open, switches to file search mode.
- ⊞ Win+W opens Search charm in settings mode to search for Control Panel applets. If the Search charm is already open, switches to settings search mode.
- ⊞ Win+Q opens Search charm in app mode to search for app shortcuts and executable files. If the search charm is already open, it has no effects.
- ⊞ Win+H opens the Share charm.
- ⊞ Win+K opens the Devices charm for printing, connecting to a second screen/projector, or pushing multimedia content via Play To.
- ⊞ Win+I opens Settings charm, where app-specific settings, network options and shutdown button is located.
- ⊞ Win+X opens Quick Links menu[10] and grants access to several frequently used features of Windows, such as accessing desktop or File Explorer.[11] With Windows 8.1 update, it includes a shortcut to shut down or restart the computer.
- ⊞ Win+Z or right click opens the command bar for Metro-style apps. This bar appears at the bottom of the screen and replaces both context menu and toolbar in Metro-style apps.
- ⊞ Win+Tab ↹ invokes the app switcher and changes between Metro-style apps. Unlike Alt+Tab ↹, the app switcher does not include windows that appear on desktop.
- ⊞ Win+Space bar changes input method. Unlike Alt+⇧ Shift, this combination also causes a pop-up notification to appear.
- ⊞ Win+PrtScr or ⊞ Win+Volume up instantly saves a screenshot to the «Screenshots» folder in «Pictures» library. All screenshots are saved as PNG files.[12]
Windows 8.1 introduces the following:
- ⊞ Win+O locks device orientation[13]
- ⊞ Win+S activates the Search Everywhere charm, opening a sidebar at the side of the screen.
- ⊞ Win+U activates the Ease of Access Center control panel applet.
- ⊞ Win+V cycles through notifications.
Windows 10 introduces the following:[14]
- ⊞ Win+A opens Action Center.
- ⊞ Win+V or ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+V cycles through notifications.
- ⊞ Win+V opens the clipboard history (after October 2018 update).[15]
- ⊞ Win+C activates Cortana listening mode. Reassigned in Windows 11.
- ⊞ Win+G opens the Game DVR bar (Xbox Game Bar).
- ⊞ Win+Alt+R starts or stops recording. All recordings are saved in the «Captures» folder in the «Videos» library as an MP4 file.
- ⊞ Win+Alt+G records the last 30 seconds when background recording is turned on for the game.
- ⊞ Win+Alt+T shows or hides the recording timer.
- ⊞ Win+Alt+PrtScr instantly saves a screenshot to the «Captures» folder in the «Images» library. All screenshots are saved as PNG files.
- ⊞ Win+I opens Settings.
- ⊞ Win+F opens the Feedback Hub.
- ⊞ Win+W opens the Widget panel.
- ⊞ Win+Tab ↹ opens task view (opens timeline and remains after April 2018 Update).[16]
- ⊞ Win+↑+← through ⊞ Win+↓+→ to align a window snapped to the right or left to the corresponding quadrant of the screen.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+D creates a new virtual desktop.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+B refreshes display in case of screen lockup.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+F4 closes the active virtual desktop.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+← or → switches between virtual desktops.
- ⊞ Win+. or ; opens the emoji panel while typing (this was changed on the «May 2019 update»).[17]
- ⊞ Win+H opens the dictation toolbar (after Fall Creators Update).[18]
- ⊞ Win+P brings up projection settings: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only and Connect to a wireless display.
- ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+S Opens Snip & Sketch tool to capture screen selection and puts into clipboard.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt Opens website https://www.office.com/?from=OfficeKey, [19]
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+D Opens OneDrive.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+L Opens website LinkedIn.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+Y Opens website Yammer.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+N Opens OneNote.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+O Opens Outlook.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+P Opens PowerPoint.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+T Opens Teams.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+W Opens Word.
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Alt+X Opens Excel.
- ⊞ Win+, Opens the Workspace (temporality) (ends when you release the key ,).
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+C Enables or disables the color filters.
Windows 11 introduce the following:
- ⊞ Win+C Opens Copilot. [20] This was however retired a year later [21]
- ⊞ Win+Z brings up snapping options that normally appear when hovering over the maximize/restore button with the mouse.
- ⊞ Win+N opens the notification center and calendar.
Additional installed software may introduce other shortcuts using the Windows key. For example, various Microsoft Office applications add shortcuts of their own:
- ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+S to take a screenshot for OneNote; conflicts with ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+S on Windows 8.1.
- ⊞ Win+E to open a new side note in OneNote.
- ⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+N to open OneNote.
- ⊞ Win+Y to open Skype for Business. This shortcut also places the cursor directly on the search bar. (Disabled in Skype for Business 2016)
Use with other operating systems
[edit]
The Windows key can also be used on other operating systems, though it usually carries a different name in them. Some cross-platform applications refer to the key as the OS key.
X/Wayland (used on Linux and similar) use the keysym «Super»[22] for the Windows key(s), and toggles the MOD4 shift bit. Most Unix desktop environments use it much like Windows, with Super activating a primary menu similar to the Windows Start menu, and in combination with character keys performing actions such as run-command, often with the shortcuts and actions the same as Windows for familiarity. A common action that is not shared with Windows is for the Super key to allow dragging a window around from any location without raising it.
If one plugs a Windows keyboard into a macOS computer, the Windows key acts as the ⌘ Command. As Alt or AltGr acts as ⌥ Option, the physical locations of the keys that act as Command and Alt are swapped. Plugging a Macintosh keyboard into a Windows (or Linux) machine does the reverse mapping and thus also swaps the locations.
If one plugs a Windows keyboard into a computer running ChromeOS, the Windows key acts as the Search key. A standard ChromeOS keyboard has this key in the location where Caps Lock usually is.
If one plugs a Windows keyboard into an Xbox 360, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the Guide button on Xbox 360 Controller or remote controls, opening the Xbox Guide. Holding down the Windows key and pressing M opens a pop up conversation window over gameplay, if an instant message conversation is in progress. On an Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as pressing the Xbox button on the controller.
On a PlayStation 3 console, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the PS Button on the Sixaxis and DualShock 3, opening the XrossMediaBar.
- ^ «Ubuntu using Windows key(Super key) to Launch Gnome Main Menu — Ubuntu Sharing». Retrieved 8 March 2019.
- ^ Initially, 104-key keyboards were frequently called «Windows keyboards» but this denomination has become less and less used with time.
- ^ Fisher, Lawrence M. (6 September 1994). «Microsoft Is Bringing Out Its First Computer Keyboard». The New York Times.
- ^ DiCarlo, Lisa (14 August 1995). «Gateway aims to fly solo; high-end line optimized for Win 95, comes with extra cache». PC Week. 12 (32). Ziff-Davis: 6 – via Gale.
- ^ «Windows Hardware Certification Requirements for Client and Server Systems». MSDN. Microsoft. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
- ^ Microsoft Corporation. «Microsoft Windows Logo Key Logo License Agreement Amendment». Archived from the original on 23 March 2006.
- ^ «Windows Vista Hardware Start Button». Microsoft. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2010.
- ^ «Windows 95 Tips.txt File Contents». Support.microsoft.com. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ «Microsoft Windows shortcut keys». Computerhope.com. 1 April 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ «Keyboard shortcuts — Windows 8, Windows RT». Windows 8, RT Help. Microsoft. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
- ^ Thurrot, Paul (26 June 2013). «Hands-On with Windows 8.1: Power User Menu». Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows. Penton. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ^ Chen, Raymond (14 January 2014). «How do I hit the Win+PrintScreen hotkey if my tablet doesn’t have a PrtSc key?». The Old New Thing. Microsoft. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ^ «Keyboard shortcuts Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1». Microsoft. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ^ Morris, Paul (31 July 2015). «New Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts [List]». Redmond Pie. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
- ^ «Windows 10 October 2018 Update: the 10 best new features». The Verge. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
- ^ «Make the most of your time with the new Windows 10 update». Microsoft. 27 April 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ Lopez, Napier (10 June 2017). «Windows 10 now has an emoji shortcut (it’s about time)». The Next Web. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
- ^ «Use dictation to talk instead of type on your PC». Microsoft. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ microsoft365.com or Microsoft 365 (app for Windows).
- ^ «Announcing Microsoft Copilot, your everyday AI companion». Microsoft. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- ^ «Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26227 (Canary Channel)». 30 May 2024.
- ^ on earlier versions of Linux «Meta» was often used
- How to enable or disable the keyboard Windows key
|
IBM PC keyboard (Windows, ANSI US layout)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esc | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 | F7 | F8 | F9 | F10 | F11 | F12 | PrtScn/ SysRq |
Scroll Lock |
Pause/ Break |
|||||||||
|
Insert | Home | PgUp | Num Lock |
∕ | ∗ | − | |||||||||||||||||
| Delete | End | PgDn | 7 | 8 | 9 | + | ||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ↑ | 1 | 2 | 3 | Enter | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ← | ↓ | → | 0 Ins |
. Del |
Если вы давно используете компьютер, вы бы знали, что клавиатура ПК прошла радикальный переход более 15 лет назад и с тех пор осталась прежней. Примерно в 1995 году он получил три новых ключа: пару клавиш Windows и клавишу меню. (На некоторых ноутбуках лишний ключ отсутствует.) Мы поговорим о первом, Windows Key. Откуда он появился, что он делает, и как вы можете использовать его, чтобы легко обойти Windows.
Так выглядит Windows Key.
История ключа Windows
Windows Key впервые появился перед выпуском Windows 95 на Microsoft Natural Keyboard. Помните, что клавиатура с раздельным уровнем, предназначенная для снижения стрессовых травм, на которые было почти невозможно набрать? Вскоре после выхода Win 95 этот ключ начал появляться на клавиатурах и ноутбуках повсюду. Логотип на ключе даже несколько раз менялся, чтобы соответствовать логотипу, найденному в текущей версии Windows. Даже планшет Microsoft Surface имеет аппаратную кнопку главного экрана Windows, которая имитирует функциональные возможности Windows Key.
Естественная клавиатура – это то, где впервые появился Windows Key.
Что делает Windows Key?
Во всех версиях Windows от Windows 95 до Windows 7 нажатие этой клавиши вызывает меню «Пуск». Это действительно полезный способ войти в это меню, не переместив мышь в левый нижний угол и не нажмем «Пуск».
В Windows 8 нажатие клавиши Windows с рабочего стола приведет вас к экрану запуска. Нажатие одной и той же клавиши с экрана «Запуск» возвращает вас на рабочий стол.
Логотип Windows Key теперь соответствует Windows 8.
Что такое ярлыки клавиш Windows?
Вот несколько действительно удобных сочетаний клавиш, которые включают Windows Key.
Windows XP или более поздняя версия
Windows Key + D : очистить все окна и показать рабочий стол Windows. Тем не менее, если нажать на экран запуска Windows 8, он имеет тот же эффект, что и нажатие клавиши Windows.
Windows Key + F : поиск файлов. Более поздние версии Windows выполняют поиск гораздо быстрее, чем более ранние версии.
Windows Key + L : заблокируйте рабочий стол. Если Windows защищена паролем, он попросит пароль выйти из экрана блокировки.
Windows Vista или более поздняя версия
Windows Key + Tab : Aero Flip. (Не работает в Windows 8.) Это инструмент для переключения приложений в 3D, который намного ярче, но не намного полезнее, чем Alt + Tab.
Windows Key + a Number : запуск программы с панели задач. Windows Key + 1 запускает самую левую программу, а Windows Key + 0 запускает десятую слева. Если приложение уже открыто, этот ярлык переключится на него.
Windows 7 или более поздняя версия
Windows Key + T для циклического перемещения элементов на панели задач слева направо.
Windows Key + Arrow Key для выполнения Aero Snap. Стрелка вверх увеличивает окно. Стрелка влево перемещает его в левую половину экрана, стрелка вправо – в правой части экрана, а стрелка вниз – имитирует.
Только Windows 8
Windows Key + C, чтобы открыть панель Charms в правой части экрана.
Windows Key + X, чтобы вызвать меню Power User, предоставляя вам многие функции, потерянные с отсутствующим меню «Пуск», например, доступ к панели управления, «Запуск диалога» и «Командная строка».
Что делать, если у меня нет ключа Windows?
Могут быть случаи, когда у вас установлена старая клавиатура – скорее всего, это последовательная, а не клавиатура USB, или вы используете беспроводную клавиатуру, предназначенную для другой операционной системы. В этом случае нажатие Ctrl + Esc даст вам некоторые функции, такие как нажатие клавиши Windows. Однако вы не можете комбинировать Ctrl + Esc и любые другие клавиши для активации ярлыков клавиш Windows. Ctrl + Esc подходит только для входа в меню «Пуск» или «Пуск».
Используйте ключ Windows
Как и я, вы можете найти нажатие кнопки «Пуск» более естественным, чем нажатие клавиши на клавиатуре, к которой вы еще не привыкли. Тем не менее, неплохо ознакомиться с Windows Key и всеми его применениями. Если вы когда-либо обновлялись до Windows 8 , например, этот ключ абсолютно необходим для обойти. Даже если вы этого не сделаете, клавиши быстрого доступа помогут вам сэкономить много времени.
What is the Windows key (winkey)?
The Windows key (winkey) is a button on a Windows computer keyboard. It has the Microsoft Windows logo on it, distinguishing it from all other keys. It is also known as the WK. On Mac systems, the winkey becomes the Command key.
Pressing the winkey enables users to speed up commonly used functions and tasks on the keyboard. The key works by itself and in conjunction with other keys on the keyboard. Pressing it by itself displays the Start menu. Pressing it with other keys provides numerous shortcuts and a rich set of macros for basic Windows functions. For example, pressing the winkey with the F key launches Feedback Hub, while pressing it with the R key opens the Run dialog box. The winkey also provides more advanced macros, including access to System Properties and Windows Mobility Center.
Where is the Windows key on the keyboard?
On most Windows-enabled computer keyboards, the Windows key can be found a couple of keys to the left of the space bar. It is also near the Ctrl and Fn keys. On some keyboards, the winkey is next to or near the Menu or Application key, which functions as a right-click key. Many keyboards, especially on desktop systems, include two Windows keys, one on either side of the space bar.
Common and popular Winkey macros and shortcuts
Windows users can identify all the available winkey shortcuts and macros by reviewing the Help resources provided with their specific version of the Windows operating system (OS). Some of the most popular shortcuts for Windows systems that can be accessed with the winkey are given here.
| Press this key | To do this |
| Winkey | Open or close the Windows Start menu |
| Winkey + D | Display the desktop |
| Winkey + M | Minimize all windows |
| Winkey + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows to the desktop |
| Winkey + F | Open Feedback Hub |
| Winkey + L | Lock the computer or switch users |
| Winkey + R | Open the Run dialog box |
| Winkey + Space bar | Preview the desktop |
| Winkey + Up arrow | Maximize the window |
| Winkey + Down arrow | Minimize the window |
| Winkey + U | Open Windows Ease of Access Center |
| Winkey + X | Open Quick Link menu |
| Winkey and + button | Zoom in |
| Winkey and — button | Zoom out |
Windows key not working: Troubleshooting strategies
There are many reasons the winkey may stop working. The most common reason is that either the key or its connection to the keyboard’s underlying electronics is broken. Dirt under the key may also cause it to stop working. Another possible issue could be that the key itself has been disabled by software, such as a device driver; malware; or a human, either inadvertently or on purpose.
On Windows 10 and later systems, large OS updates may cause the key — and even the machine itself — to malfunction or slow down. Turning on the system in Game Mode can also cause problems with the winkey. Finally, turning on FilterKeys — an accessibility option to ignore repeated keys and avoid unintentionally repeated characters — can also cause the winkey to stop working.
Here are some ways to troubleshoot the issue of the winkey not working:
- Turn off FilterKeys in Windows Settings.
- Turn off the Fn key.
- Check if using the winkey with another key does not turn on the appropriate shortcut, e.g., Winkey + D.
- Clean the area around the key with a gentle brush or by blowing air to remove accumulated debris.
- Replace the key.
- Check if neighboring keys are also not working.
- Check if the circuit board is damaged.
In the last two cases, the entire keyboard may have to be replaced.
Sometimes, restarting the computer fixes a stalled winkey. If restarting doesn’t help, starting the computer in Safe Mode may resolve the problem. If the key works in Safe Mode, one or more background programs or device drivers may be causing the problem. Uninstalling these programs and then rebooting the device may get the key to start working again in normal mode.
How to disable the Windows key in Windows 10 and Windows 11
The winkey is useful in many ways. However, it can cause problems when playing games on a Windows 10 or above PC. In these systems, pressing the winkey — even inadvertently — can forcibly exit the player from the game. It may also crash the game. To prevent these issues, the winkey can be disabled.
Some dedicated gaming keyboards include a separate key for manually disabling the winkey. And some keyboards can also automatically disable the key when the gamer switches to Game Mode.
In addition, there are several other ways to disable the winkey in the Home editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11:
- Edit the Windows 10 registry from the Registry Editor app.
- Remap the key — change its function so it can be used in other ways — with Microsoft PowerToys.
- Use third-party tools, like WinKill, SharpKeys or KeyTweak.
In the Pro, Enterprise and Education versions of Windows 10 and 11, the winkey can be disabled by an administrator by updating the Group Policy. This can be done via the Group Policy Editor application.
Get to know Windows 11 here, and explore its features. Read about the Ctrl-Alt-Delete hotkey combination in Windows and how it works. See how keyloggers, which monitor and record each keystroke on a specific computer or mobile device, are used as a spyware tool and how to protect from them. Learn how to fix keyboard connection issues on a remote desktop.
This was last updated in October 2023
Continue Reading About Windows key (winkey)
- How to perform a factory reset on a Windows 11 desktop
- Fixing issues with a computer mouse on a remote desktop
- Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: What are the differences?
- Tips to improve Windows 10 performance
Dig Deeper on Windows OS and management
-
How to fix keyboard connection issues on a remote desktop
By: Brien Posey
-
A road-warrior kit: Dell Pro keyboard, mouse, briefcase & backpack
By: Adrian Bridgwater
-
How to change the password of an RDP session
By: Chris Twiest
-
My 2 months switching from Mac to Windows
By: Gabe Knuth
Quick Links
-
The Origin of the Windows Key
-
What Does the Windows Key Do Today?
If you use Windows, you might have wondered about the small key with the Windows logo on your keyboard. It opens the Start menu and performs useful shortcuts, but where did it come from? Why is it there? Let’s take a look.
The Origin of the Windows Key
It might seem like the Windows key has always been with us, but it hasn’t. It first appeared in September 1994 on the Microsoft Natural Keyboard. This ergonomic keyboard was in the same vein as the earlier Apple Adjustable Keyboard, which split the standard QWERTY keyboard in half. Unlike Apple’s keyboard, though, Microsoft’s tilted each half at gentle angles to reduce wrist strain.
By this point, Microsoft had already created other hardware products, including its widely acclaimed mice. When it was time to create its first keyboard, someone at Microsoft had the brilliant idea of including a permanent piece of Windows branding on it. This resulted in two Windows keys, located between the Control and Alt keys to the left and right of the space bar.
These new keys would justify themselves by becoming the new meta-keys for enhanced Windows shortcuts, similar to the Command key on the Mac. When pressed once, the Windows key opened the Start menu in Microsoft Windows 95 (released almost a year after the keyboard).
When used in combination with other keys, the Windows key could perform other Windows-related tasks, like opening File Explorer (Windows+E).
In addition to the Windows keys, the Natural Keyboard also had a Menu key designed to open the right-click context menu on Windows 95.
Soon after its release, the Natural Keyboard became a runaway success, selling 600,000 units a month at the height of its popularity. (In February 1996, Byte Magazine reported «nearly 1 million» units had been sold during its first year on the market). This success spawned a long-running ergonomic keyboard series at Microsoft that continues to this day.
The Windows key wasn’t limited to only ergonomic keyboards, though. Microsoft created a new 104-key standard (an extension of the 101-key Model M layout) that other keyboard manufacturers soon licensed. With the marketing blitz of Windows 95, hardware manufacturers didn’t want to be left out of any new features promised by the much-hyped OS. So, suddenly, the Windows Key was everywhere.
More recently, as part of the Windows hardware compatibility program, all keyboards with more than 50 keys must include a Windows key (also called the «Hardware Start Button» in some Microsoft documents) to be certified as Windows compatible. The certification allows vendors to use the Windows logo as part of their marketing.
Through these initiatives, Microsoft found a clever way to put its branding on every PC keyboard, further cementing its dominance in the PC market. Even if you run Linux on generic PC hardware, chances are you’ll see a tiny Windows logo on your keyboard.
Windows Key Pushback
Not everyone was a fan of the new Windows and Menu keys, however. Gamers, in particular, soon discovered the Windows key got in the way when playing many of the thousands of MS-DOS games that used the Control and Alt keys as action buttons, like Doom.
Additionally, if you played an MS-DOS game on Windows, or even just a full-screen Windows game, pressing the Windows key often launched the Start menu. This not only jolted players out of their game, but, in some cases, it also crashed the game.
Remedies included physically removing the Windows key from a keyboard with a screwdriver or running a utility like WinKey Killer that disabled the key via software. Today, you can disable the Windows key with a utility like Microsoft PowerToys.
Beyond gaming, not everyone needed or appreciated having to use an extra modifier key. Even Brad Silverberg, former senior vice president of Microsoft’s Personal Systems Division and one of Windows 95’s main architects, doesn’t use it.
«I just never got in the habit of using the Windows key,» Silverberg told How-To Geek. «I don’t use many keyboard shortcuts in general. It’s just how my brain and fingers work.»
Still, Silverberg understands why people enjoy the Windows key and chalks it up to personal taste.
«Some people are keyboard shortcut diehards,» Silverberg said. «They know them all and use them extensively. I use a few; they just don’t stick in my brain.»
Silverberg also noted, though, that the ability to use powerful keyboard shortcuts in addition to the more obvious, mouse-based menus was a key design aspect of Windows 95. It was important to him that keyboard shortcuts would be «accelerators, not the only way to do something.»
And so it remains to this day.
Of course, some diehards (including those who prefer the classic IBM Model M keyboard) have never upgraded to a keyboard with a Windows key. If that’s you, and you’ve found that you occasionally need a Windows key, you can simulate it via PowerToys or just press Ctrl+Esc to open the Start menu.
What Does the Windows Key Do Today?
As we mentioned above, a single press of the Windows key opens the Start Menu. (It’s no coincidence the Start button is also the Windows logo.)
When used in combination with other keys, the Windows key can launch dozens of tasks in Windows 10, including the following:
- Windows+I: Opens Settings.
- Windows+E: Opens File Explorer.
- Windows+D: Shows/hides the desktop.
- Windows+F: Opens the Search box.
- Windows+M: Minimizes all open Windows.
- Windows+Tab: Shows Task View.
- Windows+L: Locks the screen.
- Windows+A: Opens Action Center.
- Windows+Period: Opens the Emoji panel.
There are dozens more. If you memorize them, they come in handy to quickly do all kinds of things in Windows, including managing virtual desktops or rearranging windows.
The Windows key was—and is still—a monumental marketing victory for Microsoft. But even so, 26 years after its introduction, the Windows key remains incredibly useful in the Windows ecosystem.
With the exception of Apple devices, almost every keyboard is equipped with a Windows logo key. But not everyone realizes just how many functions this little button can perform. By familiarizing yourself with the Windows button combinations available, you can save time and simplify your work. We explain the most important functions of the Windows button and present some related keyboard combinations.
Where is the Windows button?
The Windows logo key looks like a little advertising sticker for Microsoft and has been part of every Windows keyboard since the launch of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard in 1994. The original computer keyboard with 101 or 102 keys were not yet equipped with a Windows button. But since the release of Windows 95 and the switch to keyboards with 104 or 105 keys, the Windows button has become the licensed standard.
It was originally placed to the left and right of the space bar, between the Alt key and the Ctrl key. However, the Windows button is now usually found to the left of the space bar. Irrespective of where it is located, little has changed about its central role in Windows shortcuts for performing important functions.
What functions does the Windows key perform?
The Windows button doesn’t just work in combination with other keys. Its function is to open the start menu when pressed. Instead of clicking on the Windows symbol in the bottom left of the screen, simply press the Windows button. You can hit the key again to close the start menu.
Windows key combinations: differences between Windows operating systems
The Windows button was introduced with Windows 95 and offered new shortcut options with every system upgrade. Because of the wide variety of operating systems now on the market, shortcuts for the Windows key are not universally standardized. Below, you find an overview of the main system-specific Windows combinations, starting with the current operating system Windows 10.
Windows button: shortcuts for Windows 10
| Windows + D | Minimizes all open windows and returns to the desktop. Pressing it again maximizes all windows. |
| Windows + M | Minimizes all open windows, without the option to maximize them again after pressing the shortcut a second time. |
| Windows + E | Opens the Windows Explorer. |
| Windows + R | Opens the “Run” dialog. |
| Windows + L | Locks the screen. Simply enter the password to unlock again. |
| Windows + U | Opens the “Simplified Use” (e.g. for text size, screen brightness, magnifier, voice recognition and subtitles for people with hearing impairments). |
| Windows + I | Opens “Windows Settings” |
| Windows + Print | Creates screenshots (automatically saves a picture of the screen). |
| Windows + P | Opens the option for “Duplicate/Extend Screen”. |
| Windows + X | Opens the context menu (list of options such as device manager, network settings, system, and task manager). |
| Windows + Ctrl + D | Opens a virtual desktop. |
| Windows + Ctrl + left or right arrow key | Switches between open virtual desktops. |
| Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Closes the visible virtual desktop. |
| Windows + Tab | Opens an overview of all virtual desktops. |
| Windows + A | Opens the info center. |
| Windows + Pause | Opens the control panel. |
| Windows + up/down arrow key | Maximizes/minimizes windows or app. |
| Windows + left/right arrow key | Moves the open window to the left or right half of the screen. |
| Windows + plus sign | Opens the magnifier (close with Windows + ESC) |
| Windows + Enter | Activates voice output. |
| Windows + . | Opens the emoji window. |
Windows button: shortcuts for Windows 8
| Windows + C | Opens the charms bar. |
| Windows + D | Switches to desktop. |
| Windows + E | Opens Windows Explorer. |
| Windows + F | Opens the search window for files. |
| Windows + H | Opens the sharing menu (e.g. to share desktop screenshots). |
| Windows + I | Opens the settings menu of the charms bar + control panel. |
| Windows + space bar | Changes the keyboard layout (e.g. from English to German). |
| Windows + K | Opens the device menu of the charms bar. |
| Windows + L | Locks the screen. |
| Windows + Q | Opens the search menu. |
| Windows + R | Opens the “Run” dialog. |
| Windows + P | Opens the option for a second screen. |
| Windows + U | Opens “Simplified Use”. |
| Windows + X | Opens the context menu. |
| Windows + Pause | Opens the control panel. |
| Windows + up/down arrow key | Maximizes/minimizes the open window. |
| Windows + left/right arrow key | Moves the open window to the left or right half of the screen. |
| Windows + plus sign | Opens the magnifier. |
| Windows + Print | Creates screenshots. |
| Windows + Tab | Opens an overview of open apps and windows. |
Windows button: shortcuts for Windows 7
| Windows + E | Opens Windows Explorer. |
| Windows + M | Minimizes all windows. |
| Windows + space bar | Makes the current window transparent (aero peak). |
| Windows + Pos1 | Minimizes all windows except for the current open window. |
| Windows + T | Opens a miniature overview of all open windows in the task bar. |
| Windows + F | Opens the file search. |
| Windows + 1 to 9 | Opens the first to ninth pinned program in the task bar. |
| Windows + U | Opens “Simplified Use”. |
| Windows + P | Opens the settings for sharing screen contents on a second monitor or via a projector. |
| Windows + X | Opens the mobility center. |
| Windows + Home | Minimizes all windows except for the current open window. |
| Windows + D | Minimizes all windows. Pressing a second time reverse the action. |
| Windows + G | Displays installed gadgets. |
Many people still use the once popular operating system Windows 7 without realizing that they may be exposed to certain security risks. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7 which means that it no longer provides updates for it. As a result, there will also be no more security updates.
Windows button: shortcuts for Windows Vista
| Windows + space bar | Moves the Windows sidebar to the foreground. |
| Windows + G | Moves all gadgets to the foreground and selects the next one. |
| Windows + Tab | Goes through the task bar with Flip 3D. |
| Windows + Ctrl + F | Searches for devices in the network. |
| Windows + F | Opens the search. |
| Windows + E | Opens Windows Explorer. |
Windows button on a Mac keyboard
If you have added a Windows operating system to your Mac computer and use an Apple keyboard, you won’t find the Windows key. But the solution is quite simple. The command key “Cmd” (often marked by an Apple symbol or looped square) serves as a substitute for the Windows button. So the shortcuts for the Windows system can be performed using the Cmd key.
Was this article helpful?
We use cookies on our website to provide you with the best possible user experience. By continuing to use our website or services, you agree to their use. More Information.
Page top