Windows key

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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 key with the logo offset to the top left, also features the word "start"
Original Windows key used with Windows 95 & 98, with the logo offset to the top left

The Windows key (also known as the win, start, logo, flag or super[1] key) is a computer keyboard key originally introduced on Microsoft's Natural Keyboard in 1994. On Windows 95, it was used to open the start menu, and subsequently became standard on PC keyboards. In Microsoft Windows, Script error: No such module "key". performs the same function, for keyboards which lack the key.

History and usage

The Windows key was introduced with Microsoft's Natural Keyboard in 1994.[2] The key was predated by the ⌘ Command key on Apple computers in the 1980s, and before that by the Script error: No such module "key". (or Script error: No such module "key".) key on Lisp/Unix workstation computers in the 1970s.

The addition of two Windows keys and a menu key marked a change from the traditional 101 or 102-key keyboard to a 104- or 105-key layout for PC keyboards.[3] One Windows key was placed between the left Script error: No such module "key". and the left Script error: No such module "key". and another, along with a menu key, was placed between the right Script error: No such module "key". (or Script error: No such module "key".) and the right Script error: No such module "key". key.

Windows 95 required the key to be on a keyboard to qualify for the addition of the "Designed for Windows" logo, and used it to open the Start menu. The key was soon added by virtually all desktop keyboard manufacturers. The first laptop to bear the Windows key was the Gateway Solo.[4]

In laptops and other compact keyboards, it is common to have just one Windows key (usually on the left side). 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 rests. Some keyboards during the Windows Vista and Windows 7 eras featured a circular bump surrounding the logo, distinguishing it tactility.

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 was 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 central location along the bottom bezel was still preferred.[5]

Use within Windows

From Windows 95 to Windows 7, tapping the Windows key by itself traditionally revealed the Windows Taskbar (if hidden) and opened the Start menu. In Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, the key launches the Start screen but does not show the taskbar. However, this feature was added back in Windows 10.

Pressing the key in combination with other keys (i.e., as a modifier key) allows the invocation of many common functions. Holding down Script error: No such module "key". is not a substitute for the Windows key itself in these combinations. Which Windows key combinations ("shortcuts") are available and active in a given session depends on many factors, such as active accessibility options, the type of the session (regular or Terminal Services), the Windows version and the presence of specific software, such as IntelliType, and Group Policy, if applicable.

Below is a list of native shortcuts. The list is cumulative: unless otherwise noted, they were carried through to subsequent version of the operating system.

Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0

The following shortcuts are valid in Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0.[6][7]

  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the Start menu
  • Script error: No such module "key". shows the desktop (hiding even non-minimizable windows), or restores hidden windows when pressed a second time
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Windows Explorer with folder pane on left side of window
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Find files and folders
  • Script error: No such module "key". minimizes all windows
  • Script error: No such module "key". restores windows that were minimized with Script error: No such module "key".
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the "Run Program Or File" Window
  • Script error: No such module "key". runs Utility Manager
  • Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". opens properties of My Computer
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Windows Help
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Find computers
  • Script error: No such module "key". cycles through taskbar buttons (this key combination is reassigned in Windows Vista and Windows 7)

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". locks the desktop

Windows XP

Windows XP introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". selects the first icon in the Notification Area
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Search for Computers (requires Active Directory Domain Services)
  • Script error: No such module "key". locks the desktop and (if Fast User Switching is enabled) shows the user selection screen

Windows XP Media Center Edition

Windows XP Media Center Edition introduced:

Windows Vista

Windows Vista introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". brings the Windows Sidebar to the front
  • Script error: No such module "key". 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.
  • Script error: No such module "key". invokes Windows Mobility Center. Works only if portable computer features are installed. This key combination is reassigned in Windows 8.
  • Script error: No such module "key". 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.
  • Script error: No such module "key". 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.
  • Script error: No such module "key". through Script error: No such module "key". starts the corresponding Quick Launch Bar program. Script error: No such module "key". runs the tenth item. Quick Launch is removed in Windows 7 and this key is reassigned.

Windows 7

Windows 7 introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". activates Aero Peek. Reassigned in Windows 8.
  • Script error: No such module "key". 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.
  • Script error: No such module "key". maximizes the active window
  • Script error: No such module "key". restores the default window size and state of the active window, if maximized. Otherwise, minimizes the active window.
  • Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". to align the window to the corresponding side of the screen, tiled vertically
  • Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". to move the window to the next or previous monitor, if multiple monitors are used
  • Script error: No such module "key". to iterate through items on the taskbar from left to right
  • Script error: No such module "key". to iterate through items on the taskbar from right to left
  • Script error: No such module "key". to zoom into the screen at the mouse cursor position using the Magnifier Utility
  • Script error: No such module "key". to zoom out if the Magnifier Utility is running
  • Script error: No such module "key". to exit zoom
  • Script error: No such module "key". through Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key". to either start or switch to the corresponding program pinned to taskbar. Script error: No such module "key". 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).
  • Script error: No such module "key". minimizes all windows other than the active window. Pressing this combination a second time restores them.
  • Script error: No such module "key". minimizes all windows. Pressing the combination a second time restores them.

Windows 8

Windows 8 introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens the Start Screen
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the charms. Reassigned in Windows 10.
    • Script error: No such module "key". opens Search charm in file mode to search for computer files. If the Search charm is already open, switches to file search mode.
    • Script error: No such module "key". opens Search charm in settings mode to search for Control Panel applets. If the Search charm is already open, switches to settings search mode.
    • Script error: No such module "key". 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.
    • Script error: No such module "key". opens the Share charm.
    • Script error: No such module "key". opens the Devices charm for printing, connecting to a second screen/projector, or pushing multimedia content via Play To.
    • Script error: No such module "key". opens Settings charm, where app-specific settings, network options and shutdown button is located.
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Quick Links menu[8] and grants access to several frequently used features of Windows, such as accessing desktop or File Explorer.[9] With Windows 8.1 update, it includes a shortcut to shut down or restart the computer.
  • Script error: No such module "key". 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.
  • Script error: No such module "key". invokes the app switcher and changes between Metro-style apps. Unlike Script error: No such module "key"., the app switcher does not include windows that appear on desktop.
  • Script error: No such module "key". changes input method. Unlike Script error: No such module "key"., this combination also causes a pop-up notification to appear.
  • Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". instantly saves a screenshot to the "Screenshots" folder in "Pictures" library. All screenshots are saved as PNG files.[10]

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". locks device orientation[11]
  • Script error: No such module "key". activates the Search Everywhere charm, opening a sidebar at the side of the screen.
  • Script error: No such module "key". activates the Ease of Access Center control panel applet.
  • Script error: No such module "key". cycles through notifications

Windows 10

Windows 10 introduced the following:[12]

  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Action Center
    • Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". cycles through notifications
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the clipboard history (after October 2018 update)[13]
  • Script error: No such module "key". activates Cortana listening mode. Reassigned in Windows 11.
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the Game DVR bar (Xbox Game Bar)
    • Script error: No such module "key". starts or stops recording. All recordings are saved in the "Captures" folder in the "Videos" library as an MP4 file.
    • Script error: No such module "key". records the last 30 seconds when background recording is turned on for the game
    • Script error: No such module "key". shows or hides the recording timer
    • Script error: No such module "key". instantly saves a screenshot to the "Captures" folder in the "Images" library. All screenshots are saved as PNG files.
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens Settings
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the Feedback Hub
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the Widget panel
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens task view (opens timeline and remains after April 2018 Update)[14]
  • Script error: No such module "key". through Script error: No such module "key". to align a window snapped to the right or left to the corresponding quadrant of the screen
  • Script error: No such module "key". creates a new virtual desktop
  • Script error: No such module "key". refreshes display in case of screen lockup
  • Script error: No such module "key". closes the active virtual desktop
  • Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". switches between virtual desktops
  • Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". opens the emoji panel while typing (this was changed on the "May 2019 update")[15]
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the dictation toolbar (after Fall Creators Update)[16]
  • Script error: No such module "key". brings up projection settings: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only and Connect to a wireless display
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens Snip & Sketch tool to capture screen selection and puts into clipboard
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens website https://www.office.com/?from=OfficeKey,[17]
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens OneDrive
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens website LinkedIn
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens website Yammer
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens OneNote
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens Outlook
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens PowerPoint
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens Teams
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens Word
  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens Excel
  • Script error: No such module "key". Shows Desktop (ends when you release the key Script error: No such module "key".)
  • Script error: No such module "key". Enables or disables the color filters

Windows 11

Windows 11 introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". Opens Copilot;[18] now retired[19]
  • Script error: No such module "key". brings up snapping options that normally appear when hovering over the maximize/restore button with the mouse
  • Script error: No such module "key". opens the notification center and calendar

Microsoft Office

Various Microsoft Office applications introduced the following:

  • Script error: No such module "key". to take a screenshot for OneNote; conflicts with Script error: No such module "key". on Windows 8.1
  • Script error: No such module "key". to open a new side note in OneNote
  • Script error: No such module "key". to open OneNote
  • Script error: No such module "key". to open Skype for Business. This shortcut also places the cursor directly on the search bar (disabled in Skype for Business 2016)

Using aftermarket scripts, users can also create custom shortcuts.

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"[20] for the Windows key(s), and toggles the MOD4 shift bit. Most Unix desktop environments use it much like Windows, with Script error: No such module "key". 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 Script error: No such module "key".. As Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key". acts as Script error: No such module "key"., 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 Script error: No such module "key". 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.

On a PlayStation 3 console, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the PS Button on the Sixaxis and DualShock 3, opening the XrossMediaBar.

Licensing

Microsoft regulates the appearance of the Windows key logo with a specially crafted license for keyboard manufacturers. With the introduction of a new Windows logo with Windows XP, the agreement was updated to require that the new design be adopted for all keyboards manufactured after 1 September 2003.[21] With the introduction of Windows Vista, Microsoft published guidelines for a new Windows Logo key that incorporated the Windows logo recessed in a chamfered lowered circle with a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 with respect to its background.[22]

In the 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]

Unicode

The Unicode character Page Template:Mono/styles.css has no content.U+229E ⊞ Script error: No such module "Unicode data". resembles the look of the key on many keyboards.

See also

References

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  1. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Ubuntu using Windows key(Super key) to Launch Gnome Main Menu - Ubuntu Sharing". Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  2. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Fisher, Lawrence M. (6 September 1994). "Microsoft Is Bringing Out Its First Computer Keyboard". The New York Times.
  3. ^ Initially, 104-key keyboards were frequently called "Windows keyboards" but this denomination has become less and less used with time.
  4. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.DiCarlo, Lisa (14 August 1995). "Gateway aims to fly solo; high-end line optimized for Win 95, comes with extra cache". PC Week. 12 (32). Ziff-Davis: 6 – via Gale.
  5. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Windows Hardware Certification Requirements for Client and Server Systems". MSDN. Microsoft. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  6. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Windows 95 Tips.txt File Contents". Support.microsoft.com. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  7. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Microsoft Windows shortcut keys". Computerhope.com. 1 April 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  8. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Keyboard shortcuts - Windows 8, Windows RT". Windows 8, RT Help. Microsoft. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  9. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Thurrot, Paul (26 June 2013). "Hands-On with Windows 8.1: Power User Menu". Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows. Penton. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  10. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Chen, Raymond (14 January 2014). "How do I hit the Win+PrintScreen hotkey if my tablet doesn't have a PrtSc key?". The Old New Thing. Microsoft. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  11. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Keyboard shortcuts Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1". Microsoft. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  12. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Morris, Paul (31 July 2015). "New Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts [List]". Redmond Pie. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
  13. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Windows 10 October 2018 Update: the 10 best new features". The Verge. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  14. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Make the most of your time with the new Windows 10 update". Microsoft. 27 April 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  15. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lopez, Napier (10 June 2017). "Windows 10 now has an emoji shortcut (it's about time)". The Next Web. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  16. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Use dictation to talk instead of type on your PC". Microsoft. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  17. ^ microsoft365.com or Microsoft 365 (app for Windows).
  18. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Announcing Microsoft Copilot, your everyday AI companion". Microsoft. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  19. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26227 (Canary Channel)". 30 May 2024.
  20. ^ on earlier versions of Linux "Meta" was often used
  21. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Microsoft Corporation. "Microsoft Windows Logo Key Logo License Agreement Amendment". Archived from the original on 23 March 2006.
  22. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Windows Vista Hardware Start Button". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2010.

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