A function key found on PC keyboards. When pressed with no other key, the Windows key displays the Start menu/screen. When pressed in conjunction with another key, it provides shortcuts to several Windows functions (see below). See
Windows keyboard.
PC Keyboards on Mac and Linux
If a PC keyboard is attached to a Mac, the Windows key becomes the Command key. In addition, Linux and Unix operating systems generally support the key, but its purpose may have to be configured by the user.
Windows Key Purpose
Win Display Start menu/screen
Win-D Display desktop
Win-E Display Explorer
Win-F Display Search dialog
Win-R Display Run dialog
Win-M Minimize all open windows
Win-Tab Cycle through open apps (not XP)
Win + Zoom in
Win - Zoom out
Windows 10 - Active Window Actions
Win Left/Right arrow
Snap window to left/right of screen
Shift-Win-Left/Right arrow
Move window to 2nd monitor (no snap)
Win-Up/Down arrow
Maximize/minimize window
Shift-Win-Up
Maximize window vertically
Win-Home
Minimize/restore all windows
Windows 8 Only (Charms Bar Functions)
Win-C Display bar
Win-Q Display Search
Win-F Display Search Files
Win-W Display Search Settings
Windows Keys
On desktop keyboards, there is usually a Windows keys on each side of the spacebar. A "Menu key" that performs like a right mouse click is next to the rightmost Windows key. See
Menu key.