Windows 7 – Using the Windows Logo Key

In this article we’ll be looking at more keyboard shortcuts for Windows. This time we’ll be looking key combinations that use the Windows logo key .

Most Windows-compatible keyboards include a Windows logo key that can be used to open the Start menu, or can be used in combination with other keys to start certain Windows functions.

The Windows Logo key is generally located left-hand between the "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys and duplicated right-hand of spacebar and right "Alt". key which was originally introduced on the Microsoft Natural keyboard before the release of Windows 95. This key became a standard key on PC keyboards. On keyboards lacking a Windows key, Ctrl+Esc can be used instead in Windows, though some functionality is lacking.

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows logo key .

Key Combination	Action
	Open or close the Start menu.
+ Pause	Display the System Properties dialog box.
+ D	Display the desktop.
+ M	Minimize all windows.
+ Shift + M	Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
+ E	Open Computer (Windows Explorer).
+ F	Search for a file or folder.
+ Ctrl + F	Search for computers (if you’re on a network).
+ L	Lock your computer or switch users.
+ R	Open the Run dialog box.
+ T	Cycle through programs on the taskbar.
+ number	Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.
+ Shift + number	Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
+ Ctrl + number	Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
+ Alt + number	Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
+ Tab	Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
+ Ctrl + Tab	Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
+ Ctrl + B	Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
+ Spacebar	Preview the desktop.
+ Up Arrow	Maximise the current window.
+ Left Arrow	Dock the window to the left side of the screen.
+ Right Arrow	Dock the window to the right side of the screen.
+ Down Arrow	Restore down the current maximised window, or minimize the window.
+ Home	Minimise all but the active window.
+ Shift + Up Arrow	Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
+ Shift + Left Arrow or + Shift +Right Arrow	Move a window from one monitor to another (where multiple monitors are connected).
+ P	Choose a presentation display mode(where multiple monitors are connected).
+ G	Cycle through gadgets.
+ U	Open Ease of Access Centre.
+ X	Open Windows Mobility Centre.

Back with more useful shortcuts soon.