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)
Time for the Windows 7 Release Candidate
I have been running the Beta Version of Windows 7 for several months now and feel the time has come to upgrade to the Windows 7 release candidate.
Overall, I have been very happy with the newest Microsoft Operating System. In fact, this is the smoothest upgrade I have ever been through with Microsoft.
The operating system install was very simple and very quick. It took me about 20 minutes to install Windows 7 and about a 45 minutes to transfer my files and settings from from my XP setup to the new Windows 7 Beta.
The first thing I noticed about W7 is that it boots up at lightening speed when compared to other Windows Operating Systems. Microsoft has attempted to trim the fat from this OS. For example, they have trimmed down the number of sound files which helps speed up booting into the OS.
The other big improvement is the speed at which you can browse the Internet with the new Internet Explorer 8 that came with Windows 7 Beta. I don’t know if it is Windows 7, IE8 or a combination of both that is responsible for the increase performance in web surfing. Whichever it is, it is noticeably faster.
The only significant problems I have experienced have been with device drivers for the Alps touch pad on my Dell Inspiron 1420 and Bluetooth devices. The main reason I want to upgrade to the Windows 7 Release Candidate is I am hoping the driver problems have been addressed.
I don’t need to be in too big of rush to complete the upgrade, but the license for the Beta version will be expiring later this summer so it is time to start planning for the switch over now.
As with any upgrade, I need to make sure I have backed up all my important files. I have a backup process where I backup my data to an external USB hard drive and online to Mozy. I use the USB external hard drive to have fast recovery and Mozy online backups to have the peace of mind that my data is safe off site. As I do this upgrade, I will update the progress here as I go along.