Windows Key Shortcuts

November 20, 2008 · Filed Under Keyboard Shortcuts, Tips, Windows 

The Windows key or Windows logo key ("WinKey") is found on most modern keyboards.  Microsoft introduced the key with the Windows 95 operating system.  There are a number of very handy keyboard shortcuts defined using the WinKey.


To execute a WinKey shortcut, for example, WinKey + E:

  1. Press and hold the Windows key
  2. Press and release the E key
  3. Release the Windows key

Following are the standard Windows key shortcuts:

WinKey Shortcut Command
WinKey Windows Start Menu
WinKey + B Focus first System Tray icon
WinKey + D Show Desktop
WinKey + D again Undo Show Desktop
WinKey + E Windows Explorer
WinKey + F Windows Search
WinKey + Ctrl + F Search For Computers
WinKey + F1 Windows Help and Support
WinKey + L Lock desktop
WinKey + M Minimize all windows
WinKey + Shift + M Undo minimize all windows
WinKey + P Switch projection mode (Windows 7)
WinKey + Pause System Properties
WinKey + R Run dialog
WinKey + Tab Switch between open windows
WinKey + U Ease of Access Center
WinKey + X Windows Mobility Center (Vista+ only)
WinKey + Y Yahoo Messenger (if installed)
WinKey + 1 to 9 Quick Launch program

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Comments

2 Responses to “Windows Key Shortcuts”

  1. Allen on February 28th, 2009 7:04 pm

    How does one set a Quick Launch program?

  2. WinWiz on March 1st, 2009 7:58 am

    Drag & drop the program’s icon from Windows Explorer into the Quick Launch area.

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