Windows key
Template:Short description Template:For
The Windows key (also known as win, start, logo, flag or super<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> key) is a keyboard key which was 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, Template:Keypress performs the same function, in case the keyboard lacks this key.
History and usageEdit
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.<ref>Initially, 104-key keyboards were frequently called "Windows keyboards" but this denomination has become less and less used with time.</ref> Compared to the former layout, a Windows key was placed between the left Template:Keypress and the left Template:Keypress and another Windows key and the menu key were placed between the right Template:Keypress (or Template:Keypress) and the right Template:Keypress key. The Windows key was introduced with Microsoft's Natural Keyboard in 1994.<ref name="MNK NYT">Template:Cite news</ref> The key is predated by the Template:Key top key on Apple computers in the 1980s, and before that by the Template:Key (or Template:Key) key on Lisp/Unix workstation 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.<ref name=pcweek>Template:Cite journal</ref>
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.<ref name="ms-whcr2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
LicensingEdit
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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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.Template:Citation needed
The Unicode character Template:Unichar resembles the look of the key, Template:As of.
Use with Microsoft WindowsEdit
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 Template:Keypress 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.
Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0Edit
The following shortcuts are valid in Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Template:Keypress opens the Start menu
- Template:Keypress shows the desktop (hiding even non-minimizable windows), or restores hidden windows when pressed a second time.
- Template:Keypress opens Windows Explorer with folder pane on left side of window.
- Template:Keypress opens Find files and folders.
- Template:Keypress minimizes all windows.
- Template:Keypress restores windows that were minimized with Template:Keypress.
- Template:Keypress opens the "Run Program Or File" Window.
- Template:Keypress runs Utility Manager.
- Template:Keypress or Template:Keypress opens properties of My Computer.
- Template:Keypress opens Windows Help.
- Template:Keypress opens Find computers.
- Template:Keypress cycles through taskbar buttons. This key combination is reassigned in Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Windows 2000Edit
Windows 2000 adds the following:
- Template:Keypress locks the desktop.
Windows XPEdit
Windows XP adds the following:
- Template:Keypress selects the first icon in the Notification Area.
- Template:Keypress opens Search for Computers. Requires Active Directory Domain Services.
- Template:Keypress locks the desktop and (if Fast User Switching is enabled) shows the user selection screen.
Windows XP Media Center EditionEdit
Windows XP Media Center Edition adds the following:
Windows VistaEdit
Windows Vista adds the following shortcuts:
- Template:Keypress brings the Windows Sidebar to the front.
- Template:Keypress 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.
- Template:Keypress invokes Windows Mobility Center. Works only if portable computer features are installed. This key combination is reassigned in Windows 8.
- Template:Keypress 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.
- Template:Keypress 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.
- Template:Keypress through Template:Keypress starts the corresponding Quick Launch Bar program. Template:Keypress runs the tenth item. Quick Launch is removed in Windows 7 and this key is reassigned.
- Template:Keypress locks the computer.
Windows 7Edit
Windows 7 adds the following shortcuts:
- Template:Keypress activates Aero Peek. Reassigned in Windows 8.
- Template:Keypress 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.
- Template:Keypress maximizes the active window.
- Template:Keypress restores the default window size and state of the active window, if maximized. Otherwise, minimizes the active window.
- Template:Keypress or Template:Keypress to align the window to the corresponding side of the screen, tiled vertically.
- Template:Keypress or Template:Keypress to move the window to the next or previous monitor, if multiple monitors are used.
- Template:Keypress to iterate through items on the taskbar from left to right.
- Template:Keypress to iterate through items on the taskbar from right to left.
- Template:Keypress to zoom into the screen at the mouse cursor position using the Magnifier Utility.
- Template:Keypress to zoom out if the Magnifier Utility is running.
- Template:Keypress to exit zoom.
- Template:Keypress through Template:Keypress, Template:Keypress to either start or switch to the corresponding program pinned to taskbar. Template:Keypress 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).
- Template:Keypress minimizes all windows other than the active window. Pressing this combination a second time restores them.
- Template:Keypress minimizes all windows. Pressing the combination a second time restores them.
Windows 8Edit
Windows 8 introduces the following:
- Template:Keypress Opens the Start Screen.
- Template:Keypress opens the charms. Reassigned in Windows 10.
- Template:Keypress opens Search charm in file mode to search for computer files. If the Search charm is already open, switches to file search mode.
- Template:Keypress opens Search charm in settings mode to search for Control Panel applets. If the Search charm is already open, switches to settings search mode.
- Template:Keypress 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.
- Template:Keypress opens the Share charm.
- Template:Keypress opens the Devices charm for printing, connecting to a second screen/projector, or pushing multimedia content via Play To.
- Template:Keypress opens Settings charm, where app-specific settings, network options and shutdown button is located.
- Template:Keypress opens Quick Links menu<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> and grants access to several frequently used features of Windows, such as accessing desktop or File Explorer.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> With Windows 8.1 update, it includes a shortcut to shut down or restart the computer.
- Template:Keypress 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.
- Template:Keypress invokes the app switcher and changes between Metro-style apps. Unlike Template:Keypress, the app switcher does not include windows that appear on desktop.
- Template:Keypress changes input method. Unlike Template:Keypress, this combination also causes a pop-up notification to appear.
- Template:Keypress or Template:Keypress instantly saves a screenshot to the "Screenshots" folder in "Pictures" library. All screenshots are saved as PNG files.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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Windows 8.1Edit
Windows 8.1 introduces the following:
- Template:Keypress locks device orientation<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Keypress activates the Search Everywhere charm, opening a sidebar at the side of the screen.
- Template:Keypress activates the Ease of Access Center control panel applet.
- Template:Keypress cycles through notifications.
Windows 10Edit
Windows 10 introduces the following:<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Template:Keypress opens Action Center.
- Template:Keypress or Template:Keypress cycles through notifications.
- Template:Keypress opens the clipboard history (after October 2018 update).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Keypress activates Cortana listening mode. Reassigned in Windows 11.
- Template:Keypress opens the Game DVR bar (Xbox Game Bar).
- Template:Keypress starts or stops recording. All recordings are saved in the "Captures" folder in the "Videos" library as an MP4 file.
- Template:Keypress records the last 30 seconds when background recording is turned on for the game.
- Template:Keypress shows or hides the recording timer.
- Template:Keypress instantly saves a screenshot to the "Captures" folder in the "Images" library. All screenshots are saved as PNG files.
- Template:Keypress opens Settings.
- Template:Keypress opens the Feedback Hub.
- Template:Keypress opens the Widget panel.
- Template:Keypress opens task view (opens timeline and remains after April 2018 Update).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Keypress through Template:Keypress to align a window snapped to the right or left to the corresponding quadrant of the screen.
- Template:Keypress creates a new virtual desktop.
- Template:Keypress refreshes display in case of screen lockup.
- Template:Keypress closes the active virtual desktop.
- Template:Keypress or Template:Keypress switches between virtual desktops.
- Template:Keypress or Template:Keypress opens the emoji panel while typing (this was changed on the "May 2019 update").<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Keypress opens the dictation toolbar (after Fall Creators Update).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Template:Keypress brings up projection settings: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only and Connect to a wireless display.
- Template:Keypress Opens Snip & Sketch tool to capture screen selection and puts into clipboard.
- Template:Keypress Opens website https://www.office.com/?from=OfficeKey, <ref>microsoft365.com or Microsoft 365 (app for Windows). </ref>
- Template:Keypress Opens OneDrive.
- Template:Keypress Opens website LinkedIn.
- Template:Keypress Opens website Yammer.
- Template:Keypress Opens OneNote.
- Template:Keypress Opens Outlook.
- Template:Keypress Opens PowerPoint.
- Template:Keypress Opens Teams.
- Template:Keypress Opens Word.
- Template:Keypress Opens Excel.
- Template:Keypress Opens the Workspace (temporality) (ends when you release the key Template:Keypress).
- Template:Keypress Enables or disables the color filters.
Windows 11Edit
Windows 11 introduce the following:
- Template:Keypress Opens Copilot. <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> This was however retired a year later <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Template:Keypress brings up snapping options that normally appear when hovering over the maximize/restore button with the mouse.
- Template:Keypress opens the notification center and calendar.
Microsoft OfficeEdit
Additional installed software may introduce other shortcuts using the Windows key. For example, various Microsoft Office applications add shortcuts of their own:
- Template:Keypress to take a screenshot for OneNote; conflicts with Template:Keypress on Windows 8.1.
- Template:Keypress to open a new side note in OneNote.
- Template:Keypress to open OneNote.
- Template:Keypress 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 systemsEdit
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"<ref>on earlier versions of Linux "Meta" was often used</ref> for the Windows key(s), and toggles the MOD4 shift bit. Most Unix desktop environments use it much like Windows, with Template:Keypress 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 key|Template:Keypress]]. As [[Alt key|Template:Keypress]] or Template:Keypress acts as [[Option key|Template:Keypress]], the physical locations of the keys that act as Command and Alt are swapped. Plugging a Macintosh keyboard into a Windows (or Linux) machine does the reverse mapping and thus also swaps the locations.
If one plugs a Windows keyboard into a computer running ChromeOS, the Windows key acts as the [[Search key|Template:Keypress]] 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.
Issues and TroubleshootingEdit
The Windows key may occasionally stop functioning due to a variety of software-related reasons. Common causes include corrupted system files, disabled registry entries, third-party software conflicts, or changes made by gaming or customization tools. In such cases, users can follow several troubleshooting steps,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> such as checking hardware functionality, modifying Group Policy settings, or using Windows troubleshooting utilities.
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
Template:Keyboard Template:Keyboard keys Template:Microsoft Windows components Template:Use dmy dates