Windows Shortcuts

⊞ Win — opens the Start Menu, in Windows 8.1 — opens the previous window; ⊞ Win + A — opens the Action Center (in Windows 10); ⊞ Win + B — selects the first icon in the Notification Area (you can then switch between the icons using the arrow keys); ⊞ Win + Ctrl + B — switches to a program indicating a new message in the Notification Area; ⊞ Win + C shows the Charm Bar (in Windows 8 and 8.1); in Windows 10 it opens Cortana (if you’re using a supported language); ⊞ Win + D — shows the desktop (immediately minimizes all the opened windows); ⊞ Win + E — opens Windows Explorer; in Windows 10 opens the Quick Launch by default; ⊞ Win + F — opens ’Find files and folders’; ⊞ Win + Ctrl + F — opens ’Find computers’; ⊞ Win + G — brings all gadgets to the foreground that are in process (only in Windows 7 and Vista); opens the Game bar in Windows 10; ⊞ Win + K — opens a new Start menu — Connections (in Windows 8 and 8.1); ⊞ Win + L — changes user or locks the workstation; ⊞ Win + M — minimizes all windows; ⊞ Win + ⇧ Shift + M — restores windows that were minimized; ⊞ Win + O — locks device orientation (disables the gyroscope function on tablets); ⊞ Win + P — switches operating modes to an external monitor/projector (only in Windows 7 and newer); ⊞ Win + Q — opens Search charm for installed apps (checked in Windows 8); ⊞ Win + R — opens the ’Run dialog’ box; ⊞ Win + T — switches focus to the Taskbar (only in Windows 7 and newer); ⊞ Win + U — opens the Utility Manager; ⊞ Win + W — opens Windows Ink Workspace (notes, screenshots); ⊞ Win + X — opens the Windows Mobile Application Center (only for mobile computers in Windows Vista and 7); ⊞ Win + Y — starts Yahoo! Messenger (if installed).