No Mouse Required: Mastering ‘Windows Key’ Shortcuts

Windows Key

One of the most under-utilized keyboard shortcut mechanisms is the Windows Key. This key (pictured) is located between Ctrl and Alt on most modern Windows keyboards and offers a veritable treasure trove of productivity goodness. And I’d be willing to bet you’ll find some nuggets in here you didn’t know existed :)

These types of shortcuts are best applied to “motor memory” (a concept I plan on delving into a little deeper in a future post). The basic idea is that after you’ve executed a keyboard shortcut a sufficient number of times, it will be come a reflexive action and you literally won’t think about doing it, you’ll just do it. So, give yourself some time to get very familiar with these and before you know it, you’ll be dancing along the keyboard like you were born knowing how!

Now, on to the shortcuts!

  • Windows Key - Opens the Start Menu
  • Windows Key + R - Opens the Run Dialog Box
  • Windows Key + D - Toggle “Show Desktop” (hit this once to show the desktop, hit it again to bring the windows back to their original position)
  • Windows Key + M - Minimize everything, Shift + Windows Key + M to undo

  • Windows Key + E - Open Windows Explorer
  • Windows Key + F - Open Find Files and Folders Dialog
  • Ctrl + Windows Key + F - Open Find Computer Dialog
  • Windows Key + Tab - Cycle through Taskbar buttons, hit Enter to open once you’re arrived at the desired button
  • Windows Key + L - Lock the computer
  • Windows Key + Break - Open System Properties Dialog

That’s about all I can come up with - I imagine there are more out there, please feel free to share any I missed. Happy Keyboarding!

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February 5, 2007 | Filed Under No Mouse Required, Productivity 

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3 Responses to “No Mouse Required: Mastering ‘Windows Key’ Shortcuts”

  1. Glenn (Customer Service Experience) Ross on February 7th, 2007

    This isn’t a “Windows key” shortcut, but it’s Window’s and it involves two keys. This should work on any keyboard, not just those with the “Windows keys” on them.
    If you have a lot of Windows open, hold down the Alt key and then press the Tab key once.

  2. JASon on February 21st, 2007

    Your list is more complete than mine, and I’m digging the toggle nature of Windows D. Very nice!

    Glenn - Why isn’t this a “Windows key” shortcut guide? All of the shortcuts listed require the Windows key in the keystroke.

  3. brett on February 21st, 2007

    I think he’s saying that the shortcut he’s suggesting doesn’t involve the Windows key, but is still a valuable shortcut :)

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