
Windows logo key or the Start key keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows logo or (start) key.

Summary: Keyboard shortcuts for the Windows logo key


Windows logo key (Start Key) 
Open or close the Start menu.

Windows logo key  (Start Key) +Pause
Display the System Properties dialog box.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +D
Display the desktop.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +M
Minimize all windows.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Shift+M
Restore minimized windows to the desktop.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +E
Open Computer.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +F
Search for a file or folder.

Ctrl+Windows logo key (Start Key)  +F
Search for computers (if you're on a network).

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +L
Lock your computer or switch users.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +R
Open the Run dialog box.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +T
Cycle through programs on the taskbar.

Windows logo key (Start Key) +number
Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.

Shift+Windows logo key (Start Key) +number
Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Ctrl+Windows logo key (Start Key) +number
Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Alt+Windows logo key (Start Key) +number
Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Tab
Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.

Ctrl+Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Tab
Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.

Ctrl+Windows logo key (Start Key)  +B
Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Spacebar
Preview the desktop.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Up Arrow
Maximize the window.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Left Arrow
Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Right Arrow
Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Down Arrow
Minimize the window.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Home
Minimize all but the active window.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Shift+Up Arrow
Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +Shift+Left Arrow or Right Arrow
Move a window from one monitor to another.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +P
Choose a presentation display mode.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +G
Cycle through gadgets.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +U
Open Ease of Access Center.

Windows logo key (Start Key)  +X
Open Windows Mobility Center.

