Windows key
Encyclopedia
Computer keyboard
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...
key which was originally introduced on the Microsoft Natural keyboard
Microsoft Natural keyboard
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard is a computer keyboard that was introduced by Microsoft in 1994. The keyboard was a split keyboard with each half of the keyboard separated and tilted upwards and down from the center of the keyboard...
before the release of Windows 95
Windows 95
Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft, and was a significant progression from the company's previous Windows products...
. This key became a standard key on PC keyboards. On keyboards lacking a Windows key, can be used instead in Windows, though some functionality is lacking.
Historically, the addition of two Windows keys and a menu key
Menu key
In computing, the Menu key or Application key is a key found on Microsoft Windows-oriented computer keyboards. Its symbol is a small icon depicting a cursor hovering above a menu...
marked the change from the 101/102-key to 104/105-key layout for PC keyboard
IBM PC keyboard
The keyboards for IBM PC compatible computers are standardized. However, during the 3-plus decades of PC architecture being constantly updated, multiple types of keyboard layout variations have been developed....
s: compared to the former layout, a Windows key was placed between the left and the left ; another Windows key and—immediately to its right—a menu key were placed between the (or right key on keyboards that lack ) and the right control key. In laptop and other compact keyboards it is common to have just one Windows key (usually on the left). Also, on Microsoft's Entertainment Desktop sets (designed for Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
), the Windows key is in the middle of the keyboard, below all other keys (where the user's thumbs rest).
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 September 1, 2003. However, with the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft published guidelines for a new Windows Logo key that incorporates the Windows logo recessed in a chamferChamfer
A chamfer is a beveled edge connecting two surfaces. If the surfaces are at right angles, the chamfer will typically be symmetrical at 45 degrees. A fillet is the rounding off of an interior corner. A rounding of an exterior corner is called a "round" or a "radius"."Chamfer" is a term commonly...
ed lowered circle with a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 with respect to background that the key is applied to.
In Common Building Block
Common Building Block
Common Building Block is a set of technical standards for laptop components introduced by Intel in 2005, and adopted by some manufacturers.-Creation:...
Keyboard Specification, all CBB compliant keyboards were to comply with the Windows Vista Hardware Start Button specification beginning in 2007-06-01.
Use with Microsoft Windows
Even though Windows 3.1 does not natively support the Windows key, the Windows key on Microsoft keyboards released prior to Windows 95Windows 95
Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft, and was a significant progression from the company's previous Windows products...
will work in Windows 3.1 with special software that accompanies the keyboard. On Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, and all later versions of Windows, the Windows key on keyboards released prior to Windows 95 behaves identically to the Windows key on keyboards released after Windows 95.
Within the standard Windows Shell
Windows Shell
The Windows shell is the main graphical user interface in Microsoft Windows, and since Windows 95 hosted by Windows Explorer. The Windows shell includes well-known Windows components such as the Taskbar and the Start menu...
, pressing and releasing the Windows key by itself opens the Start Menu
Start menu
The Start Menu and Start Button are user interface elements used in the later versions of the Microsoft Windows operating systems and in some X window managers...
(focusing the Quick Search box in Windows Vista and Windows 7) which then enables mnemonic keys to be used.
If one presses the Windows Key, any open PC games, or other similar programs where the taskbar
Taskbar
In computing, a taskbar is a bar displayed on a full edge of a GUI desktop that is used to launch and monitor running applications. Microsoft incorporated a taskbar in Windows 95 and it has been a defining aspect of Microsoft Windows's graphical user interface ever since. Some desktop environments,...
is not shown, will minimize without exiting the program.
Pressing the key in combination with other key
Modifier key
In computing, a modifier key is a special key on a computer keyboard that modifies the normal action of another key when the two are pressed in combination....
s allows invoking many common functions through the keyboard. What Windows key combinations ("shortcuts") are available and active in a given Windows session depends on many factors, including accessibility options, the type of the session (regular or Terminal Services), the Windows version, the presence of specific software such as IntelliType
IntelliType
Microsoft IntelliType is the Microsoft brand driver for Microsoft's series of computer keyboards. Microsoft releases versions for both Windows and Mac OS X....
, and others. The External links section below provides a list of Microsoft articles with more details.
Microsoft Windows shortcuts
Tapping the Windows key without pressing any other keys toggles the Start MenuStart menu
The Start Menu and Start Button are user interface elements used in the later versions of the Microsoft Windows operating systems and in some X window managers...
. duplicates this functionality, but cannot be used in place of the Windows key in other shortcuts.
As of Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
to select the first icon in the Notification Area. to show the desktop
Desktop
Desktop refers to the surface of a desk.The term has been adopted as an adjective to distinguish office appliances which can be fitted on top of a desk, from larger equipment covering its own area on the floor....
, or restore hidden programs when pressed a second time. to open Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer
This article is about the Windows file system browser. For the similarly named web browser, see Internet ExplorerWindows Explorer is a file manager application that is included with releases of the Microsoft Windows operating system from Windows 95 onwards. It provides a graphical user interface...
. to open Windows Search
Windows Search
Windows Search is an indexed desktop search platform released by Microsoft for the Windows operating system....
. to open Search for Computers. Requires Active Directory Domain Services. toggles full screen in Microsoft Internet Explorer. This shortcut has been discontinued, replaced by . to open Windows Help. to lock the desktop
Desktop
Desktop refers to the surface of a desk.The term has been adopted as an adjective to distinguish office appliances which can be fitted on top of a desk, from larger equipment covering its own area on the floor....
or switch users. to minimize all windows. to restore windows that were minimized with . to open the Run dialog. to run the Utility Manager, known as Ease of Access
Ease of Access
Ease of Access is a control panel that is included in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. It allows for a simpler method for Windows to adapt to computer users with accessibility needs or who want additional features...
in later versions of Windows
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...
. or to open System Properties.
Introduced in Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows XP Media Center Edition is a version of the Windows XP operating system designed to serve as a home-entertainment hub. The last version, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, was released in October 2004.-Versions:...
to start Windows Media Center
Windows Media Center
Windows Media Center is a digital video recorder and media player developed by Microsoft. It is an application that allows users to view and record live television, as well as organize and play music and videos...
interface.
Introduced in Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
to select next Windows Sidebar gadget item and bring all gadgets to the foreground. to show the Windows Sidebar. Replaced with Aero Peek in Windows 7, as the Windows Sidebar was discontinued. to enter the Windows Mobility Center
Windows Mobility Center
Windows Mobility Center is a component of Microsoft Windows, introduced in Windows Vista, that centralizes the most relevant information to mobile computing.-Overview:...
. Works only if portable computer features are installed. to switch windows using Aero Flip 3D. Requires desktop composition
Desktop Window Manager
Desktop Window Manager is the window manager in Windows Vista and Windows 7 that enables the Windows Aero graphical user interface and visual theme. The Desktop Window Manager requires video cards supporting DirectX 9.0 and Shader Model 2.0. DWM is not included with Windows Vista Starter edition...
, a feature of Aero
Aero
Aero is a Greek prefix relating to flight, and air. It British English it is used as an adjective related to flight , as in "aero engine"Aero may also refer to:-In aeronautics:...
. to switch windows using sticky Aero Flip 3D. Shortcut keys may be released and arrow keys or mouse used to navigate between windows., , ... to start the corresponding Quicklaunch program. runs the tenth item. Replaced in Windows 7, as the Quicklaunch feature was discontinued.
Introduced in Windows 7 to active Aero Peek. Replaced a previous shortcut introduced in Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
. to open the display and projector toggle (to switch between projection modes when multiple monitors are present). Monitors can be cloned, "extended" from the primary monitor, or deactivated altogether. to maximize the active window
Active window
An active window is the currently focused window in the current window manager or explorer. Different window managers indicate the currently-active window in different ways and allow the user to switch between windows in different ways. For example, in Microsoft Windows, if both Notepad and...
. to restore (default window size, not maximized nor in taskbar) the active window
Active window
An active window is the currently focused window in the current window manager or explorer. Different window managers indicate the currently-active window in different ways and allow the user to switch between windows in different ways. For example, in Microsoft Windows, if both Notepad and...
. or to align the window to the respective side of the screen, maximizing it vertically. or to move the window to the next or previous monitor, if multiple monitors are used to iterate through items on the taskbar
Taskbar
In computing, a taskbar is a bar displayed on a full edge of a GUI desktop that is used to launch and monitor running applications. Microsoft incorporated a taskbar in Windows 95 and it has been a defining aspect of Microsoft Windows's graphical user interface ever since. Some desktop environments,...
. or to zoom into the screen at the mouse cursor position using the Magnifier Utility. to zoom out if the Magnifier Utility is running. to cancel magnification and close the Magnifier Utility., , ... to run or activate the corresponding programs in the taskbar
Taskbar
In computing, a taskbar is a bar displayed on a full edge of a GUI desktop that is used to launch and monitor running applications. Microsoft incorporated a taskbar in Windows 95 and it has been a defining aspect of Microsoft Windows's graphical user interface ever since. Some desktop environments,...
. runs the tenth item. Replaced the Quicklaunch shortcuts introduced in Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
.
Third-party
Third-party software component
In computer programming, a third-party software component is a reusable software component developed to be either freely distributed or sold by an entity other than the original vendor of the development platform...
programs may introduce other shortcuts using the Windows key. For example, OneNote by Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
adds several shortcuts: to take a screenshot
Screenshot
A screenshot , screen capture , screen dump, screengrab , or print screen is an image taken by a computer to record the visible items displayed on the monitor, television, or another visual output device...
for OneNote. to open a new side note in OneNote. to open OneNote.
Use with non-Microsoft operating systems
The Windows key can also be used under other operating systems.Under Unix
Unix
Unix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna...
and Unix-like
Unix-like
A Unix-like operating system is one that behaves in a manner similar to a Unix system, while not necessarily conforming to or being certified to any version of the Single UNIX Specification....
operating systems it is sometimes called "Meta
Meta key
The meta key is a special key on MIT keyboards, such as the space-cadet keyboard, and on Sun Microsystems keyboards, marked as a solid diamond.The key is similar in function to the Macintosh's command key, which has the same location...
" or "Super
Super key (keyboard button)
The Super key refers to several different keys throughout keyboard history. Originally the super key was a modifier key on the Space-cadet keyboard...
".
The X window system
X Window System
The X window system is a computer software system and network protocol that provides a basis for graphical user interfaces and rich input device capability for networked computers...
usually treats this key as modifier MOD4.
Desktop environments such as KDE
KDE
KDE is an international free software community producing an integrated set of cross-platform applications designed to run on Linux, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, Solaris and Mac OS X systems...
and GNOME
GNOME
GNOME is a desktop environment and graphical user interface that runs on top of a computer operating system. It is composed entirely of free and open source software...
usually support the key, though it may be necessary to configure its functionality after installation.
In the Compiz
Compiz
Compiz is one of the first compositing window managers for the X Window System that uses 3D graphics hardware to create fast compositing desktop effects for window management. The effects, such as a minimization effect and a cube workspace are implemented as loadable plugins...
window manager the Windows key can by default be used in conjunction with the scroll wheel to zoom in or out of any part of the desktop.
Apple's Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
uses the Windows key as a replacement for the Command key
Command key
The Command key, also historically known as the Apple key, open-Apple key or meta key is a modifier key present on Apple Keyboards. The Command key's purpose is to allow the user to enter keyboard shortcut commands to GUI applications...
if a third-party keyboard is used that does not include the latter. This sometimes leads to placement issues for users used to Apple keyboards however, as the Command key is usually placed where the Alt key is on most keyboards (next to the Space bar)
When using a keyboard on the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
console, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the Guide button on the Xbox 360 controller or remote controls, opening the Xbox Guide in game play. Additionally, holding down the Windows key and pressing M opens a pop up conversation window over game play if an Instant Message conversation is in progress.
When using a USB keyboard with the key for input on a PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
console, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the PS Button on the Sixaxis Controller, opening the XrossMediaBar
XrossMediaBar
The XrossMediaBar is a graphical user interface developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. The interface features icons that are spread horizontally across the screen. Navigation moves the icons, instead of a cursor. These icons are used as categories to organize the options available to the user...
.
Criticisms and solutions
The placement of the Windows keys can be problematic due to the possibility of hitting them inadvertently while trying to use the or keys. On a typical Windows installation, pressing and releasing either Windows key causes the current window to lose its focusFocus (computing)
In computing, the focus indicates the component of the graphical user interface which is currently selected to receive input. Text entered at the keyboard or pasted from a clipboard is sent to the component which currently has the focus. Moving the focus away from a specific user interface element...
; if playing a full-screen game at the time, the game will be minimized and this may cause negative side-effects, such as loss of control over the gameplay, the game having to spend a long time reloading graphics or other data when restored, or even (mainly in older games) a freeze, crash
Crash (computing)
A crash in computing is a condition where a computer or a program, either an application or part of the operating system, ceases to function properly, often exiting after encountering errors. Often the offending program may appear to freeze or hang until a crash reporting service documents...
, black screen or other problem causing loss of in-game progress.
To avoid such problems, some applications disable the Windows keys while they are running and some users physically remove them from their keyboard. Some keyboards, such as the Logitech G15
Logitech G15
The Logitech G15 is a keyboard produced by Logitech designed specifically for gamers. The original version of this keyboard included 18 macro keys each with 3 different states making a total of 54 macros available, a button to record quick macros, and a blue backlit monochrome LCD .- Game and...
, have a switch to disable the Windows keys. Alternatively, one can modify the registry
Windows registry
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
to disable the keys (which disables the key completely) or use third-party software like WinKey (discontinued as of July 2005) or AutoHotkey
AutoHotkey
AutoHotkey is a free, open source macro-creation and automation software utility which allows users to automate repetitive tasks. Any application user interface can be modified by AutoHotkey...
(open-source) to create custom shortcuts.
Some keyboard manufacturers, such as Cherry, also produce keyboards with a "Tux
Tux
Tux is a penguin character and the official mascot of the Linux kernel. Originally created as an entry to a Linux logo competition, Tux is the most commonly used icon for Linux, although different Linux distributions depict Tux in various styles. In video games featuring the character, female...
key". Some keyboards now have omitted the right windows key and left 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...
key.
Recently, some netbook
Netbook
Netbooks are a category of small, lightweight, legacy-free, and inexpensive laptop computers.At their inception in late 2007 as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost — netbooks omitted certain features , featured smaller screens and keyboards, and offered reduced computing...
portable computers, such as Asus Eee PC
ASUS Eee PC
The Asus Eee PC is a subnotebook/netbook computer line from ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated, and a part of the Asus Eee product family. At the time of its introduction in late 2007, it was noted for its combination of a light weight, Linux operating system, solid-state drive , and relatively low cost...
and Linux versions of Acer Aspire One are coming with a Home key instead of a Windows key, mainly due to the OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer
An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by a company and retailed under that purchasing company's brand name. OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product. When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a...
Linux distribution
Linux distribution
A Linux distribution is a member of the family of Unix-like operating systems built on top of the Linux kernel. Such distributions are operating systems including a large collection of software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, media players, and database applications...
s installed on such machines.
See also
- Menu keyMenu keyIn computing, the Menu key or Application key is a key found on Microsoft Windows-oriented computer keyboards. Its symbol is a small icon depicting a cursor hovering above a menu...
- Command key (Apple)Command keyThe Command key, also historically known as the Apple key, open-Apple key or meta key is a modifier key present on Apple Keyboards. The Command key's purpose is to allow the user to enter keyboard shortcut commands to GUI applications...
- X key (X Window System)X keyThe X key was a key found on the original X keyboard designed by Keith Packard. The function of the X key was similar to that of the Windows key and also the Apple command key....