What Is The "Windows key" Good For?
Have you ever wondered about that keyboard key (in the lower left) that has the Microsoft logo on it? Maybe wondered what it does?
That is called the “Windows key”, and it is useful for launching several ‘keyboard shortcuts‘. Keyboard shortcuts expedite common operations by reducing input sequences to a few keystrokes, hence the term “shortcut”. Not only do keyboard shortcuts save you time and motion, they make you look savvy.
Here is a list of some Windows key shortcuts. Try them out yourself, and see if you don’t agree.
- Windows Key + “E” – Opens a new Explorer Window. (explorer is the file manager you use to view and manage drives, folders, and files.)
- Windows Key – Displays the Start Menu.
- Windows Key + “D“ – Minimizes all windows and shows the Desktop. Hitting it again opens all windows and takes you right back to where you were.
- Windows Key + “F“ – Displays the Find (aka Search) all files dialog box.
- Windows Key + “L“ – Locks your computer, so the next person to sit at it needs to enter the User password (prevent snoops).
- Windows Key + “M” – Minimizes all open windows. Windows Key + Shift + “M” – Restores all previously open windows to how they were before you Minimized them.
- Windows Key + “R” – Displays the Run command.
- Windows Key + F1 – Displays the Windows Help menu.
- Windows Key + Pause/Break – Displays the Systems Properties dialog box.
- Windows Key + Tab – Cycles through the tabs (open programs) on the Task Bar.
- Windows Key + “U” – Displays the Utility Manager with accessibility options; Magnifier, Narrator and On-Screen Keyboard.
- Windows Key + “X” – Opens the Mobility Center on laptops, where you can manage your settings for conserving battery, etc. (see, Travelers’ Tips for Maximum Laptop Battery Life)
I use the “R” and “E” shortcuts all the time. And, if I was in an office environment, or had kids in my house, I would use “L” religiously! Which will you use most?
Folks, a holiday weekend is again upon us. Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. I hope you all have a great, safe, weekend.
Let’s kick things off..
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Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. 
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• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
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