Windows Key Shortcuts for Windows 7, Vista and XP

Have you ever wondered about that funny looking key on your keyboard (next to the ALT key) that looks like a  4-pane window? 

It's called the Windows (Logo) key!

Press the Windows key and it opens or closes the Start Menu.  The Windows key allows you to use your keyboard to perform actions where you would otherwise use your mouse.
To use the Windows key in combination with another key, press and hold the Windows key while you tap the second key.  Release all keys immediately.

Some of the popular Windows key shortcuts are listed below.  The first group of shortcuts works in all 3 operating systems - Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

PRESS:                              RESULT:

Windows key                   Open or close the Start menu
Windows key +D             Display the desktop
Windows key +M             Minimize all windows
Windows key +Shift+M  Restore minimized windows to the desktop
Windows key +E             Open Computer  or My Computer
Windows key +F             Search for a file or folder
Windows key +L             Lock your computer or switch users

The next group of shortcuts works in Windows 7 & Vista only:

Windows key +T  - Cycle through programs on the taskbar

Windows 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. For example: press Window key+1 to open the first program on the Taskbar.

Shift+Windows key +number  - Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number

Windows logo key +Tab - Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D

Ctrl+Windows key +Tab  - Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D

Windows key +X - Open Windows Mobility Center

This final group of shortcuts is for Windows 7 only:

Windows key +Spacebar            Preview the desktop
Windows key +Up Arrow            Maximize the window
Windows key +Left Arrow          Maximize the window to the left
Windows key +Right Arrow       Maximize the window to the right
Windows key +P                        Choose a presentation display mode