Is Your Windows Logo Key Getting Any Use?

The Microsoft Windows logo key may be the loneliest key on the keyboard.

The logo key also known as  the Start Key, WinKey, Go to Key or Flag Key first appeared on Microsoft Keyboards with the introduction of the Windows 95 Operating System.

For most users, the key with the Microsoft flag logo is a huge mystery.

Well, I am going to de-mystify this very useful and time saving key that you will find on almost every computer keyboard attached to a computer that uses a Microsoft Windows operating system.

This special key was a mystery to me as well until several years ago a co-worker showed me  how to open the windows file explorer with the combination of the Windows Logo Key and the  E key.

Try it! Windows Logo Key + E… Cool Huh?

There are lost of other combinations you can use with the logo key which I have listed below.

You can also expand the number of combinations of keys you can use with the WinKey with third party software like Intellitype for Microsoft Natural Keyboards.

Once you try the Flag Key it will go from being the most shunned key on your keyboard to the most popular key on your keyboard.

I have created a windows logo key shortcuts quick reference document that you can print out and keep at your computer as a reference.

Microsoft Natural Keyboard keys

•    Windows Logo: Start menu
•    Windows Logo+R: Run dialog box
•    Windows Logo+M: Minimize all
•    SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all
•    Windows Logo+F1: Help
•    Windows Logo+E: Windows Explorer
•    Windows Logo+F: Find files or folders
•    Windows Logo+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop
•    CTRL+Windows Logo+F: Find computer
•    CTRL+Windows Logo+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
•    Windows Logo+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
•    Windows Logo+Break: System Properties dialog box
•    Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item

Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType software installed

•    Windows Logo+L: Log off Windows
•    Windows Logo+P: Starts Print Manager
•    Windows Logo+C: Opens Control Panel
•    Windows Logo+V: Starts Clipboard
•    Windows Logo+K: Opens Keyboard Properties dialog box
•    Windows Logo+I: Opens Mouse Properties dialog box
•    Windows Logo+A: Starts Accessibility Options (if installed)
•    Windows Logo+SPACEBAR: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys
•    Windows Logo+S: Toggles CAPS LOCK on and off

Windows Vista and Windows 7 variations are as follows for the logo key. Find the complete list at Wikipedia.

Windows Logo Key + G to select next sidebar gadget item (Windows Vista)
Windows Logo Key + Space to show sidebar (Windows Vista)
Windows Logo Key + X to enter Windows Mobility Center (Windows Vista+ only; does not work on desktop computers)
Windows Logo Key + P to switch Projection modes (clone, extend, single, multiple monitors, etc.) (Windows 7 only)
Windows Logo Key + Tab Key to switch windows using Flip 3D (requires Windows Aero, Windows Vista only)
Windows Logo Key + 1 to 9 to start according Quick Launch Toolbar program (Windows Vista only)
Windows Logo Key + Up Arrow to maximize the active window (Windows 7 only)
Windows Logo Key + Down Arrow to minimize the active window (Windows 7 only)
Windows Logo Key + Left or Right Arrow to align the window to the respective side of the screen (Windows 7 only)
Windows Logo Key + T to toggle between the tabs in the toolbar (Windows 7 only)