Menu key
Encyclopedia
In computing, the Menu key or Application key is a key found on Microsoft Windows
-oriented computer keyboard
s. Its symbol is a small icon depicting a cursor
hovering above a menu. It is typically found on the right side of the keyboard between the right Windows logo key
and the right Control key
(or between the right Alt key
and the right Control key).
The key's primary function is to launch a context menu
with the keyboard rather than with the usual right-mouse button. This key was created at the same time as the Windows logo key
. The Menu key can be used when the right-mouse button is not present on a mouse
.
Some Windows public terminals do not have a Menu key on their keyboard to prevent users from right clicking; however, in many Windows applications, a similar functionality can be invoked with the Shift+F10 keyboard shortcut
, or sometimes Ctrl+Shift+F10.
Some laptop computers include a "Menu" function on the "Fn" key (usually operated by typing Shift+Fn), however, this generally invokes functions built into the vendor's software and is not the same as the key described above. The Logitech Illuminated Keyboard has an FN key where the Menu key is usually found, pressing which together with its Print screen key (above Home), produces the Menu key function.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
-oriented computer keyboard
Keyboard (computing)
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
s. Its symbol is a small icon depicting a cursor
Cursor (computers)
In computing, a cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. The flashing text cursor may be referred to as a caret in some cases...
hovering above a menu. It is typically found on the right side of the keyboard between the right Windows logo key
Windows key
The Windows logo key—also known as the Windows key, the home key, the meta key, the start key, MOD4, or the flag key —is a keyboard 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...
and the right Control key
Control key
In computing, a Control key is a modifier key which, when pressed in conjunction with another key, will perform a special operation ; similar to the Shift key, the Control key rarely performs any function when pressed by itself...
(or between the right Alt key
Alt key
The Alt key on a computer keyboard is used to change the function of other pressed keys. Thus, the Alt key is a modifier key, used in a similar fashion to the Shift key. For example, simply pressing "A" will type the letter a, but if you hold down either Alt key while pressing A, the computer...
and the right Control key).
The key's primary function is to launch a context menu
Context menu
A context menu is a menu in a graphical user interface that appears upon user interaction, such as a right mouse click or middle click mouse operation...
with the keyboard rather than with the usual right-mouse button. This key was created at the same time as the Windows logo key
Windows key
The Windows logo key—also known as the Windows key, the home key, the meta key, the start key, MOD4, or the flag key —is a keyboard 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...
. The Menu key can be used when the right-mouse button is not present on a mouse
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
.
Some Windows public terminals do not have a Menu key on their keyboard to prevent users from right clicking; however, in many Windows applications, a similar functionality can be invoked with the Shift+F10 keyboard shortcut
Keyboard shortcut
In computing, a keyboard shortcut is a finite set of one or more keys that invoke a software or operating system operation when triggered by the user. A meaning of term "keyboard shortcut" can vary depending on software manufacturer...
, or sometimes Ctrl+Shift+F10.
Some laptop computers include a "Menu" function on the "Fn" key (usually operated by typing Shift+Fn), however, this generally invokes functions built into the vendor's software and is not the same as the key described above. The Logitech Illuminated Keyboard has an FN key where the Menu key is usually found, pressing which together with its Print screen key (above Home), produces the Menu key function.
See also
- Context menuContext menuA context menu is a menu in a graphical user interface that appears upon user interaction, such as a right mouse click or middle click mouse operation...
- KeyboardComputer keyboardIn computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...