Four Windows Key Uses
There are four keystrokes that involve the Windows key that I use on a daily basis at work. A variety of tasks are completed with them, and I’m sure these are not the only four out there.
- Windows-D minimizes all of your open application windows, showing the desktop.
- Windows-R will pull up the Run Application launcher window. This is the same result as if you use your mouse to do Start > Run.
- Windows-E will pull up the Windows Explorer.
- Windows-L will lock your computer. I believe this was a new feature in WinXP.
I haven’t played with Vista yet, so I don’t know if any of these work on that platform. However, I would expect them to.
Do you have any favorite Windows Key based shortcuts?
Feb 21st 2007
I’m curious what the functional difference between Windows-M and Windows-D is? I’ve always learned the -M version meaning “Minimize”. Obviously, -D must mean “Desktop”…
The Windows world has so many interesting keystroke shortcuts. Especially useful when your mouse is on the fritz. Ones like just pressing Alt to see what next key will activate a menu in an application, so you can save/exit gracefully.
In Windows itself, using tab to move around the different focus areas (panes) of Windows Explorer is good. Use arrow keys to move up and down file/folder lists. Shift-F10 is the equivalent of a right mouse-click on an item. Alt-Left Arrow is equivalent to Back. On keyboards without a Windows key, you can pop up the Start menu with Ctrl-Esc. Though, Ctrl-Esc-D doesn’t work like Windows-D.
And one always needs to be proficient at using Ctrl-X, -C, and -V for Cut/Copy/Paste actions. Saves so much time over selecting from the menu or using right-click.
Feb 21st 2007
Alan-
Windows+D works like a toggle - hit it once and everything disappears, hit it again and everything returns
I actually did a little rundown of windows key shortcuts on my blog recently.
Cheers!
Feb 21st 2007
@Brett:
I was not aware of the toggle nature of Windows+D before this, and that has literally made my day. Thanks for that
Feb 21st 2007
It seems I missed the point of this entry be Windows-key specific shortcuts (and I rambled on about keyboard in general). The toggle effect is cool. I’m glad to know about it. I usually forget about the keyboard and use the “Show Desktop” shortcut on my Quicklaunch bar. No more!
Feb 21st 2007
I used to love the Windows+D, back when I rocked the PC. Look at that, I knew a geeky thing that Jason didn’t know!