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Windows key

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Windows key

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.
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References in periodicals archive
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To activate Game Mode, open your game, then press Windows key + G to bring up the Windows 10 Game Bar.
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Game mode essentially locks down the Windows key to prevent accidental presses while gaming and enables the programmed keys.
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Under the desktop mode, the Windows key comes in to play.
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If you're still using Windows 8, you can get 8.1 by tapping the Windows key (looks like a flag) and typing "Store.'' That takes you to an online store where you buy things.
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(Pressing the Windows key does the same thing, but it does so as a toggle between the Start and Desktop screens.
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