Editing Windows key

{{Short description|Keyboard key}}
{{For|the Windows product key|Microsoft Product Activation}}
[[File:Windows_11_key.jpg|thumb|[[Windows 11]] features a design reflecting the current Windows and Microsoft logos, using four equally sized squares.|244x244px]] [[File:Touche Windows 8 10.jpg|thumb|The previous Windows key (center) shipping with [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 8.1]], and [[Windows 10]]|245x245px]] [[File:CtrlWindowsAlt.jpg|thumb|The Windows key (center) with an orb surrounding the center-anchored Windows logo used for [[Windows Vista]] and [[Windows 7]]. For [[Windows XP]], the logo had no orb surrounding it and was off-center to the left.|246x246px]] [[File:Ctl wndws alt.jpg|thumb|The first Windows key (center) used by [[Windows 95]]|247x247px]]

The '''Windows key''' (also known as '''win,''' '''start''', '''logo''', '''flag''' or [[Super key (keyboard button)|'''super''']]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ubuntuguide.net/ubuntu-using-windows-keysuper-key-to-launch-gnome-main-menu|title=Ubuntu using Windows key(Super key) to Launch Gnome Main Menu - Ubuntu Sharing|access-date=2019-03-08}}</ref> '''key''') is a [[computer keyboard|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 keyboard]]s. On computers running the [[Microsoft Windows]] operating system, {{keypress|Ctrl|Esc}} performs the same function, in case the keyboard lacks this key.

==History and usage==
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 {{keypress|Ctrl}} and the left {{keypress|Alt}} and another Windows key and the menu key were placed between the right {{keypress|Alt}} (or {{keypress|[[AltGr key|AltGr]]}}) and the right {{keypress|Ctrl}} key. The Windows key was introduced with Microsoft's [[Natural Keyboard]] in 1994.<ref name="MNK NYT">{{cite news|title=Microsoft Is Bringing Out Its First Computer Keyboard|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/06/business/microsoft-is-bringing-out-its-first-computer-keyboard.html|date=6 September 1994|website=[[The New York Times]]|first=Lawrence M.|last=Fisher}}</ref> The key is predated by the {{key top|Command}} key on [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] computers in the 1980s, and before that by the {{key|[[Super key (keyboard button)|Super]]}} (or {{key|[[Meta key|Meta]]}}) key on [[Lisp machine|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>{{cite journal | last=DiCarlo | first=Lisa | date=August 14, 1995 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A17183895/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=Gateway aims to fly solo; high-end line optimized for Win 95, comes with extra cache | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=12 | issue=32 | page=6 | via=Gale}}</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 (screen)|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">{{cite web|title=Windows Hardware Certification Requirements for Client and Server Systems|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj128256.aspx|work=[[MSDN]]|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=12 January 2013}}</ref>

== 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.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://winqual.microsoft.com/members/legal_agreements.asp?agreement=LOGO_KEY_LLA_AMENDMENT |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060323091501/https://winqual.microsoft.com/members/legal_agreements.asp?agreement=LOGO_KEY_LLA_AMENDMENT |archive-date= 2006-03-23 |title= Microsoft Windows Logo Key Logo License Agreement Amendment |author= Microsoft Corporation |author-link= Microsoft Corporation }}</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 [[chamfer]]ed lowered circle with a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 with respect to background that the key is applied to.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winlogo/hwrequirements.mspx |title=Windows Vista Hardware Start Button |website=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=12 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210172154/http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winlogo/hwrequirements.mspx |archive-date=10 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</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.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}

The [[Unicode]] character <!--⊞-->{{unichar|229E|SQUARED PLUS|nlink=Mathematical operators and symbols in Unicode}} resembles the look of the key, {{As of|2023|alt=as of [[Windows 11]]}}.

== Use with Microsoft Windows ==
From the [[Windows 95]] to [[Windows 7]] releases of the operating system, tapping the Windows key by itself traditionally revealed [[Taskbar#Microsoft Windows|Windows Taskbar]] (if not visible) and opened the [[Start menu]]. In [[Windows Server 2012]] and [[Windows 8]], this key launches the [[Start screen (Windows)|Start screen]] but does not show the taskbar. However, this feature was added back into Windows 10.

Pressing the key in [[modifier key|combination with other keys]] allows invoking many common functions through the keyboard. Holding down {{keypress|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.

===Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0===
The following shortcuts are valid in [[Windows 95]] and [[Windows NT 4.0]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/135893 |title=Windows 95 Tips.txt File Contents |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=2018-08-30 |access-date=2018-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut/windows.htm |title=Microsoft Windows shortcut keys |publisher=Computerhope.com |date=2018-04-01 |access-date=2018-09-04}}</ref>
* {{keypress|Win}} opens the [[Start menu]]
* {{keypress|Win|D}} shows the [[desktop metaphor|desktop]] (hiding even non-minimizable windows), or restores hidden windows when pressed a second time.
* {{keypress|Win|E}} opens [[Windows Explorer]] with folder pane on left side of window.
* {{keypress|Win|F}} opens ''Find files and folders''.
* {{keypress|Win|M}} minimizes all windows.
* {{keypress|Win|Shift|M}} restores windows that were minimized with {{keypress|Win|M}}.
* {{keypress|Win|R}} opens the [[Run command|"Run Program Or File" Window]].
* {{keypress|Win|U}} runs [[Ease of Access|Utility Manager]].
* {{keypress|Win|Pause}} or {{keypress|Win|Break}} opens properties of My Computer.
* {{keypress|Win|F1}} opens [[Windows Help]].
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|F}} opens ''Find computers''.
* {{keypress|Win|Tab}} cycles through taskbar buttons. This key combination is reassigned in Windows Vista and Windows 7.

===Windows 2000===
[[Windows 2000]] adds the following:
* {{keypress|Win|L}} locks the [[desktop environment|desktop]].

===Windows XP===
[[Windows XP]] adds the following:
* {{keypress|Win|B}} selects the first icon in the [[Notification Area]].
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|F}} opens ''Search for Computers''. Requires [[Active Directory Domain Services]].
* {{keypress|Win|L}} locks the [[desktop environment|desktop]] and (if Fast User Switching is enabled) shows the user selection screen.

===Windows XP Media Center Edition===
[[Windows XP Media Center Edition]] adds the following:
* {{keypress|Win|Alt|Enter}} starts [[Windows Media Center]].

===Windows Vista===
[[Windows Vista]] adds the following shortcuts:
* {{keypress|Win|Space bar}} brings the Windows Sidebar to the front.
* {{keypress|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.
* {{keypress|Win|X}} invokes [[Windows Mobility Center]].  Works only if portable computer features are installed. This key combination is reassigned in Windows 8.
* {{keypress|Win|Tab}} switches active app using [[Aero Flip 3D]].  Requires [[desktop window manager|desktop composition]], a feature of [[Windows Aero]]. Aero Flip 3D is removed in Windows 8 and this key is reassigned.
* {{keypress|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.
* {{keypress|Win|0}} through {{keypress|Win|9}} starts the corresponding [[Taskbar#Taskbar elements|Quick Launch Bar]] program. {{keypress|Win|0}} runs the tenth item. Quick Launch is removed in Windows 7 and this key is reassigned.
*{{keypress|Win|L}} locks the computer.

===Windows 7===
[[Windows 7]] adds the following shortcuts:
* {{keypress|Win|Space bar}} activates [[Aero Peek]]. Reassigned in Windows 8.
* {{keypress|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.
* {{keypress|Win|↑}} maximizes the active window.
* {{keypress|Win|↓}} restores the default window size and state of the active window, if maximized. Otherwise, minimizes the active window.
* {{keypress|Win|←}} or {{keypress|→}} to align the window to the corresponding side of the screen, tiled vertically.
* {{keypress|Win|Shift|←}} or {{keypress|→}} to move the window to the next or previous monitor, if multiple monitors are used.
* {{keypress|Win|T}} to iterate through items on the taskbar from left to right.
* {{keypress|Win|Shift|T}} to iterate through items on the taskbar from right to left.
* {{keypress|Win|+}} to zoom into the screen at the mouse cursor position using the Magnifier Utility.
* {{keypress|Win|-}} to zoom out if the Magnifier Utility is running.
* {{keypress|Win|Esc}} to exit zoom.
* {{keypress|Win|1}} through {{keypress|Win|9}}, {{keypress|Win|0}} to either start or switch to the corresponding program pinned to taskbar. {{keypress|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).
* {{keypress|Win|Home}} minimizes all windows other than the active window. Pressing this combination a second time restores them.
* {{keypress|Win|D}} minimizes all windows. Pressing the combination a second time restores them.

===Windows 8===
[[Windows 8]] introduces the following:
* {{keypress|Win}} Opens the Start Screen.
* {{keypress|Win|C}} opens [[Windows shell#Charms|the charms]]. Reassigned in Windows 10.
<!--First charm from the top-->
** {{keypress|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.
** {{keypress|Win|W}} opens Search charm in settings mode to search for [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]] applets. If the Search charm is already open, switches to settings search mode.
** {{keypress|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.
<!--Second charm from the top-->
** {{keypress|Win|H}} opens the Share charm.
<!--Fourth charm from the top-->
** {{keypress|Win|K}} opens the Devices charm for printing, connecting to a second screen/projector, or pushing multimedia content via Play To.
<!--Fifth charm from the top-->
** {{keypress|Win|I}} opens Settings charm, where app-specific settings, network options and shutdown button is located.
<!--The rest-->
* {{keypress|Win|X}} opens Quick Links menu<ref>{{cite web|title=Keyboard shortcuts - Windows 8, Windows RT|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/keyboard-shortcuts|work=Windows 8, RT Help|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=3 September 2013}}</ref> and grants access to several frequently used features of Windows, such as accessing desktop or [[File Explorer]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul |last=Thurrot |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-power-user-menu |title=Hands-On with Windows 8.1: Power User Menu |work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton Media|Penton]] |date=26 June 2013 |access-date=7 August 2013}}</ref> With Windows 8.1 update, it includes a shortcut to shut down or restart the computer.
* {{keypress|Win|Z}} or [[right click]] opens the command bar for [[Metro (design language)|Metro-style]] apps. This bar appears at the bottom of the screen and replaces both [[context menu]] and [[toolbar]] in Metro-style apps.
* {{keypress|Win|Tab}} invokes the app switcher and changes between Metro-style apps. Unlike {{keypress|Alt|Tab}}, the app switcher does not include windows that appear on desktop.
* {{keypress|Win|Space bar}} changes input method. Unlike {{keypress|Alt|Shift}}, this combination also causes a [[pop-up notification]] to appear.
* {{keypress|Win|PrtScr}} or {{keypress|Win|Volume up}} instantly saves a [[screenshot]] to the "Screenshots" folder in "Pictures" library. All screenshots are saved as [[Portable Network Graphics|PNG]] files.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chen|first=Raymond|title=How do I hit the Win+PrintScreen hotkey if my tablet doesn't have a PrtSc key?|url=https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20140114-00/?p=2083|work=The Old New Thing|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=15 January 2014|date=14 January 2014}}</ref>

===Windows 8.1===
[[Windows 8.1]] introduces the following:
* {{keypress|Win|O}} locks device orientation<ref>{{cite web|title=Keyboard shortcuts Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/keyboard-shortcuts#keyboard-shortcuts=windows-8|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=13 October 2014}}</ref>
* {{keypress|Win|S}} activates the Search Everywhere [[Windows shell#Charms|charm]], opening a sidebar at the side of the screen.
* {{keypress|Win|U}} activates the Ease of Access Center control panel applet.
* {{keypress|Win|V}} cycles through notifications.

===Windows 10===

[[Windows 10]] introduces the following:<ref>{{cite web|last=Morris |first=Paul |url=http://www.redmondpie.com/new-windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts-list |title=New Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts [List] |publisher=Redmond Pie |date=31 July 2015 |access-date=31 July 2015}}</ref>
* {{keypress|Win|A}} opens [[Action Center]].
** {{keypress|Win|V}} or {{keypress|Win|Shift|V}} cycles through notifications.
* {{keypress|Win|V}} opens the clipboard history (after October 2018 update).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/3/17924506/microsoft-windows-10-october-2018-update-features-review |title=Windows 10 October 2018 Update: the 10 best new features |publisher=The Verge |date=3 October 2018|access-date=12 November 2018}}</ref>
* {{keypress|Win|C}} activates [[Cortana (virtual assistant)|Cortana]] listening mode. Reassigned in Windows 11.
* {{keypress|Win|G}} opens the Game DVR bar (Xbox Game Bar).
**{{keypress|win|Alt|R}} starts or stops recording. All recordings are saved in the "Captures" folder in the "Videos" library as an MP4 file.
** {{keypress|Win|Alt|G}} records the last 30 seconds when background recording is turned on for the game.
** {{keypress|Win|Alt|T}} shows or hides the recording timer.
** {{keypress|Win|Alt|PrtScr}} instantly saves a screenshot to the "Captures" folder in the "Images" library. All screenshots are saved as PNG files.
* {{keypress|Win|I}} opens Settings.
* {{keypress|Win|F}} opens the Feedback Hub.
* {{keypress|Win|W}} opens the Widget panel.
* {{keypress|Win|Tab}} opens task view (opens timeline and remains after April 2018 Update).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/04/27/make-the-most-of-your-time-with-the-new-windows-10-update/ |title=Make the most of your time with the new Windows 10 update |publisher=Microsoft |date=April 27, 2018 |access-date=12 May 2018}}</ref>
* {{keypress|Win|Up|Left}} through {{keypress|Win|Down|Right}} to align a window snapped to the right or left to the corresponding quadrant of the screen.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|D}} creates a new virtual desktop.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|B}} refreshes display in case of screen lockup.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|F4}} closes the active virtual desktop.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Left}} or {{keypress|Right}} switches between virtual desktops.
* {{keypress|Win|.}} or {{keypress|;}} opens the emoji panel while typing (this was changed on the "May 2019 update").<ref>{{cite web|last=Lopez |first=Napier |url=https://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2017/06/09/windows-10-now-emoji-shorcut-time/ |title=Windows 10 now has an emoji shortcut (it's about time) |publisher=The Next Web |date=10 June 2017 |access-date=12 December 2017}}</ref>
* {{keypress|Win|H}} opens the dictation toolbar (after Fall Creators Update).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4042244/windows-10-use-dictation |title=Use dictation to talk instead of type on your PC |publisher=Microsoft |date=19 October 2017 |access-date=12 May 2018}}</ref>
*{{keypress|Win|P}} brings up projection settings: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only and Connect to a wireless display.
*{{keypress|Win|Shift|S}} Opens Snip & Sketch tool to capture screen selection and puts into clipboard.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt}} Opens website https://www.office.com/?from=OfficeKey, <ref>[http://microsoft365.com microsoft365.com] or [[Microsoft 365]] (app for Windows). </ref>
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|D}} Opens OneDrive.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|L}} Opens website LinkedIn.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|Y}} Opens website Yammer.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|N}} Opens OneNote.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|O}} Opens Outlook.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|P}} Opens PowerPoint.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|T}} Opens Teams.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|W}} Opens Word.
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|Shift|Alt|X}} Opens Excel.
* {{keypress|Win|,}} Opens the Workspace (temporality) (ends when you release the key {{keypress|,}}).
* {{keypress|Win|Ctrl|C}} Enables or disables the color filters.

===Windows 11===

[[Windows 11]] introduce the following:
* {{keypress|Win|C}} Opens [[Windows Copilot|Copilot]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2023/09/21/announcing-microsoft-copilot-your-everyday-ai-companion/ |title=Announcing Microsoft Copilot, your everyday AI companion |publisher=Microsoft |date=21 September 2023 |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref> This was however retired a year later <ref>{{cite web |title=Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26227 (Canary Channel) |date=30 May 2024 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/05/30/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26227-canary-channel/}}</ref>
* {{keypress|Win|Z}} brings up snapping options that normally appear when hovering over the maximize/restore button with the mouse.
* {{Keypress|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:
* {{keypress|Win|Shift|S}} to take a [[screenshot]] for OneNote; conflicts with {{keypress|Win|Shift|S}} on Windows 8.1.
* {{keypress|Win|E}} to open a new side note in OneNote.
* {{keypress|Win|Shift|N}} to open OneNote.
* {{keypress|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 Window System|X]]/[[Wayland (protocol)|Wayland]] (used on Linux and similar) use the [[keysym]] "[[Super key (keyboard button)|Super]]"<ref>on earlier versions of Linux "[[Meta key|Meta]]" was often used</ref> for the Windows key(s), and toggles the <code>MOD4</code> [[Bucky bit|shift bit]]. Most Unix desktop environments use it much like Windows, with {{keypress|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 key|{{keypress|Command}}]]. As [[Alt key|{{keypress|Alt}}]] or {{keypress|AltGr}} acts as [[Option key|{{keypress|Option}}]], 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|{{keypress|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 X and Series S|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 Troubleshooting ==
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>{{Cite web |last=Rashid |first=Haroon |date=2025-04-10 |title=How to Easily Fix Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10/11 |url=https://sumorb.com/windows/solved-windows-key-not-working-on-windows-10-11/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Sumorb |language=en}}</ref> such as checking hardware functionality, modifying Group Policy settings, or using Windows troubleshooting utilities.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Windows key}}

* [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/216893/how-to-enable-or-disable-the-keyboard-windows-key How to enable or disable the keyboard Windows key]

{{Keyboard}}
{{keyboard keys}}
{{Microsoft Windows components}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Windows Key}}
[[Category:Computer keys]]