Windows key
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Windows_key.jpg
Windows_key.jpg
A Windows key on a black laptop keyboard
The Windows key is the key with the Microsoft Windows logo on 104 and 107 key keyboards, located between the Ctrl and Alt keys. The key is generally used as an accelerator key, in order to make certain repetitive tasks in the Windows shell environment accessible by keystroke.
Its use is not limited to the Windows operating system, however, any operating system with suitable drivers to detect keypresses of the "Windows key" can use the key to automate tasks in software.
Many find this key to be a nuisance, and as such certain software programs exist that can disable the key.
Standard Windows key functions
- Windows key - activate start menu
- Windows key+R - open run dialog
- Windows key+E - open Explorer
- Windows key+Pause/Break - open System Properties
- Windows key+F - find file
- Windows key+M - minimize all
- Windows key+L - lock desktop, hide all windows
- Windows key+Shift+M - unminimize all
- Windows key+D - show Desktop (effectively the same as minimize all)
NT systems only
- Windows key+F1 - open Windows Help
- Windows key+F3 - find file
- Windows key+L - lock workstation (NT & 2K & XP when in domain) / log off or switch users (XP when not in domain)
- Windows key+U - open Utility Manager (accessibility functions)
See also: IBM PC keyboard