Current Windows key (center) with four equal squares, reflecting the Windows 11 and modern Microsoft logos in use since 2021.Windows 8 & 10 key with an isosceles trapezoid version of the Windows logo.Windows Vista & 7 key with a centered logo within an orb.Windows XP used a similar logo without the orb and offset to the top left.Original Windows key used with Windows 95 & 98, with the logo offset to the top left.
The Windows key (also known as win,start, logo, flag or super[1]key) is a keyboard key 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/Unixworkstation 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]
Licensing
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]
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.
⊞ 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+0 through ⊞ Win+9 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+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.
⊞ 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]
⊞ 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.
Microsoft Office
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
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 MOD4shift 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 Option are swapped. Plugging a Macintosh keyboard into a Windows (or Linux) machine does the reverse mapping and thus also swaps the Windows and Alt key 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.
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