NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article
Functions of the Windows Key
Lowell Shatraw, January 2001
lmshatraw@uswest.net
(click to email author)


Q. What are the functions of the Windows key?

A. The WINDOWS key, an additional key found on certain keyboards allows the user to select functions without having to use the normal, sometimes multiple keystrokes to accomplish a task. The functionality of the keyboard WINDOWS key is implemented either by installing the special drivers that came with the system, or when the OS was installed it recognized the special keyboard and then it installed the drivers.

Here is a list of the functions assigned to the WINDOWS key.

PressingProduces this function
WINDOWS KEYThe START menu will be displayed
WINDOWS K+ PAUSEOpens the SYSTEM PROPERTIES dialog (Key may be ID'd as PAUSE/BREAK)
WINDOWS KEY + TABToggles the selection of the applications on the TASKBAR with each press of TAB
WINDOWS KEY + eOpens WINDOWS EXPLORER
WINDOWS KEY + F1Displays the HELP screen
WINDOWS KEY + fDisplays the FIND ALL screen
WINDOWS K+ CTRL + fOpens the FIND COMPUTER dialog box
WINDOWS KEY + mCauses all applications to MINIMIZE
WINDOWS K+ m + SHIFTCauses all MINIMIZED applications to be restored to being open on desktop (opposite of m above)
WINDOWS KEY + rOpens the RUN window

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