Today (and for many years already), virtually all PC keyboards incorporate one or even two windows keys, with the Microsoft operating system logo. The most frequent and logical use of this key is to open the Start menu, but did you know that there are dozens of Additional functions What can you do with this key? In this article we will tell you which are the most interesting, and after reading it, you will surely start using it much more often.
For most PC users, the Windows key goes almost unnoticed (in fact, on many gaming-oriented keyboards it can be disabled so you don’t accidentally press it), and is actually only used to open the start menu and access the configuration or applications to which we do not have direct access on the desktop. However, knowing its advanced functions, it can be a powerful ally for many users.
The Windows key does more than open the Start menu
Chances are that many of you already know a few shortcuts for the Windows key on the keyboard and use them with some frequency, like WIN + R to directly open the Run window in Windows, something really very useful since with a simple gesture we avoid having to right-click on Start and then select Run… In other words, it saves us movements mouse, keystrokes and, ultimately, time
There are plenty of keyboard shortcuts with the Windows key, although admittedly many of them are too specific for most of us to care about (like those for managing virtual desktops, because well it’s something very useful, not really many people use it). So, next we are going to tell you about the advanced functions that we personally find very useful and that many users will appreciate knowing because they will save them a lot of time and effort once they get used to them. use.
- WIN + E -> Open File Explorer.
- WIN + R -> As already mentioned, open the Run window.
- WIN + print Panting. -> Take a screenshot and save it to a file (you can find it in Documents -> Images -> Screenshots).
- Win + L -> Locks the Windows session (and will ask for a password again if you have it enabled).
- WIN + M -> Minimize all windows and show desktop (if you then press WIN+SHIFT+M, it restores all windows as they were).
- WIN + D -> Minimize all windows and show desktop. If you press them again, it will leave them as they are.
- WIN + I -> Open system settings.
- WIN + S -> Open the start menu, but in the search so that you directly write what you need.
- WIN + TAB -> It’s like the usual ALT+TAB, but you don’t have to hold it down and you can click on the app you want to switch to. It is also used to manage virtual desktops.
- WIN + V -> Open history of what you copied to clipboard.
- WIN + up and down arrows -> In the active window, it goes from the maximized size to the current size then to the reduced size.
- WIN + plus (+) and minus (-) keys -> Open the Magnifier tool and increase or decrease the size of what you see on the screen.
- WIN + ESC -> Close the Loupe tool and return the zoom to its normal state.
- WIN + SHIFT + S -> Opens the Windows Snipping Tool, but also starts a snipping directly so you don’t have to press the button.
- WIN + CTRL + SHIFT + B -> “Wake” PC from sleep state, white screen or black screen.
On the other hand, if you use the Windows Virtual Desktops tool (this one is available for Windows 11 and Windows 10), these shortcuts interest you:
- WIN+CTRL+D ->Add a virtual office.
- WIN + CTRL + Right and Left Arrow Keys -> Switch between the virtual desktops you have created on the right or on the left.
- WIN + CTRL + F4 -> Close the virtual desktop you are currently using.
Now that you know what the Windows key can do for you, will you start using it more often?
