On most keyboards that come with Windows laptops, there's a key near the bottom left-hand corner that's labeled with a Windows logo. It's usually interspersed with the Ctrl, Alt, or Function keys.


If you're like many people, you might have wondered: "What's the point of this button? I never use it!" Well, dear user, wonder no more...prepare to meet the most useful button on your keyboard.


Follow along with the tricks below and try them out as we go. Throughout this article, you'll see "Do Nows" in orange type, which are quick exercises to practice some of the different ways you can use the Windows key. All of my examples will be using Windows 11, but all of the tips below will work with Windows 10.


The Start Menu

Let's start with the basics. Hitting the Windows key on its own will launch the Start menu which, you already know, gives you access to a menu of applications and settings on your computer. In Windows 11, the start menu is customizable, so you can pin your favorite applications for easy access.


If you want to see a list of all your computer's applications, click on the All Apps button:



DO NOW: Open the Start Menu, then open your All Apps list


We also have the Start Menu's most powerful feature: SEARCH. After pressing the Windows key and launching the Start Menu, anything you type will trigger a search your computer's files, applications, and settings.It's one of the fastest ways to find and launch an application or find hidden settings and, best of all, you don't need to take your hands off your keyboard.


DO NOW: Press the Windows key, then try some of the searches below, followed by the Enter key

  • Calculator
  • Add or Remove Programs
  • Desktop Background
  • Volume


The SECRET Start Menu:

As useful as the regular Start menu is, Windows 10 also has a SECRET Start Menu (its boring name is the 'Quick Link Menu') . You can access it using, of course, the Windows key. If you press the Windows key and the letter X (Win + X) at the same time, the Secret Menu is revealed!


The Secret Start Menu has a bunch of quick shortcuts to some of the most useful system tools in Windows. Even better, you can invoke any of these commands with a single keystroke. Take a look at the menu above. See how each command has one letter underlined?

If you hit Win + X, then the underlined letter, you'll launch the corresponding application. It's one of the fastest ways to access commonly-used system apps. Let's try it. Do Now: try using the keyboard combinations below to launch different system apps:

  • Win + X, then Y (launches the system information pane)
  • Win + X, then E (launches the File Explorer)
  • Win + X, then O (launches Power Options)
  • Try at your own risk, this will shut down your computer! Win + X, then u, then u again (Shuts down your computer)



See all of your open applications with Windows + Tab

In Windows 11 there's a feature called Task View that allows you to see all of your open applications, shrunken down into thumbnail images. Macs have had this feature for a while (called Expose), but it's a recent addition to Windows. Do Now: press Windows + Tab to view all of your open applications. You can hit the Escape key to leave Task Viewer




Connect to a Second Screen or Projector with Windows + P

If you need to configure your laptop or connect to a second screen, hitting Windows + P is the quickest way to do this. Do Now: Press Windows + P to reveal the projector menu.


Secure Your Computer with Windows + L

Are you standing up from your desk to head out to lunch or to help a student in your class? It's good practice to lock your computer when you're not using it. If you're using a mouse, this requires at least three clicks but you can also lock your screen instantly by hitting Windows + L. Anyone wanting to use your computer will then need to enter your password, or log in with their own credentials. Do Now: Press Windows + L to lock your screen. You'll need to re-enter your Windows password to resume your work.


View Apps Side By Side with Windows + Left or Right Arrow Keys

It's often really useful to divide your screen between two different applications. Of course, if I'm a master window resizer with the hands of a surgeon, I could drag the border of each window to the exact size I want, but ain't nobody got time for that.  Windows has a feature called Snap Layouts that makes this easy.


Using Windows + Right Arrow (or Left Arrow) allows you to instantly snap two windows, side by side.


 

 

Do Now: Press Windows + Left Arrow and experiment with putting two applications next to each other.


Change Windows Settings with Windows + i

In Windows 8 and 10, there are two ways to tweak the settings of your computer. You can use the Control Panel, or you can use the Settings Menu. The quickest way to the settings menu is through the Windows Key. Do Now: Press Windows + i and you'll launch the Settings App.




Reveal Your Desktop with Windows + D

If you have a bunch of windows and applications open, maybe you'd like to get access to your desktop (which is nice and clean after your desktop detox, right?). Rather than minimizing each window, one at a time, you can use Windows + D to reveal your desktop with a single keystroke. Even better, if you hit Windows + D a second time, it restores all of your open windows and apps to their previous location. Do Now: Use the Windows + D shortcut to show and hide your desktop several times.

Extra credit: Windows + D has three cousins that perform similar actions. Try and spot the difference when you use Windows + M, Windows + Home, or Windows + ,  (that's Windows + comma). 


There are quite a few other ways you can use the Windows key. If you're interested in learning more, check out this full list from Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12445/windows-keyboard-shortcuts


-RBB