The Windows key (also known as the win, start, logo, flag, or super key) is a computer keyboard key originally introduced on Microsoft's Natural Keyboard in 1994. It is a standard modifier key found on most PC keyboards and is used to access various system functions and shortcuts within the Microsoft Windows operating system.
History and Design
The Windows key was introduced with Microsoft's Natural Keyboard in 1994. It was predated by the ⌘ Command key on Apple computers in the 1980s and, before that, by the Super (or Meta) key on Lisp/Unix workstation computers in the 1970s. The addition of two Windows keys and a menu key marked a change from the traditional 101- or 102-key keyboard layout to a 104- or 105-key layout for PC keyboards. One Windows key was placed between the left Ctrl and left Alt keys, and another, along with a menu key, was placed between the right Alt (or AltGr) and right Ctrl keys.
Windows 95 required the key to be present on a keyboard to qualify for the "Designed for Windows" logo designation, and it was used to open the Start menu. The key was subsequently adopted by virtually all desktop keyboard manufacturers. The first laptop to bear the Windows key was the Gateway Solo.
On laptops and other compact keyboards, it is common to have just one Windows key, usually on the left side. On Microsoft's Entertainment Desktop sets designed for Windows Vista, the Windows key was placed in the middle of the keyboard, below all other keys, where the user's thumbs rest.
Function Within Windows
From Windows 95 through Windows 7, tapping the Windows key by itself traditionally revealed the Windows Taskbar (if hidden) and opened the Start menu. In Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, the key launched the Start screen but did not show the taskbar; this feature was restored in Windows 10.
Pressing the key in combination with other keys (as a modifier key) allows the invocation of many common functions. Notable shortcuts include:
- Win+D — shows the desktop or restores hidden windows
- Win+E — opens Windows Explorer/File Explorer
- Win+L — locks the computer (introduced in Windows 2000)
- Win+R — opens the "Run" dialog
- Win+M — minimizes all windows
- Win+P — toggles display/projection modes (Windows 7 and later)
- Win+Tab — switches between open applications
- Win+Arrow keys — manages window snapping and positioning (Windows 7 and later)
- Win+Print Screen — captures a screenshot and saves it to the Screenshots folder (Windows 8.1 and later)
- Win+G — opens the Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 and 11)
- Win+A — opens Action Center (Windows 10)
- Win+C — opens Copilot (Windows 11)
Use with Other Operating Systems
The Windows key can also be used on other operating systems, though it carries different names. On Linux and other X/Wayland systems, the key is referred to as the "Super" key and toggles the MOD4 shift bit. Most Unix desktop environments use it similarly to Windows, with Super activating a primary menu and enabling various shortcuts.
When a Windows keyboard is plugged into a macOS computer, the Windows key acts as the ⌘ Command key. On ChromeOS, it acts as the Search key. On Xbox consoles, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the Xbox Guide button.
Licensing
Microsoft regulates the appearance of the Windows key logo through a specially crafted license for keyboard manufacturers. With the introduction of a new Windows logo with Windows XP, the agreement was updated to require the new design for all keyboards manufactured after September 1, 2003. With Windows Vista, Microsoft published guidelines for a new Windows logo key incorporating the logo recessed in a chamfered lowered circle with a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 relative to its background.
Unicode
The Unicode character U+229E (⊞ SQUARED PLUS) resembles the look of the key on many keyboards.
