Windows Key Related Shortcuts

Whether you are using Windows XP or Windows 7 this key could be a time-saver if used properly  during your normal day to day use of your computer, read on to find out more

Did you know that there is a powerful key lurking at the bottom left hand side of your keyboard……? To your left is a picture of this key, it sulks away on your keyboard, sadly from lack of use with all the other keys smirking at it. But with a little knowledge you could bring it back to life and make it the envy of all it’s little key-friends.

Windows Key

This shortcut will simply display or hide the start menu, ideal if you want to quickly access a program

Windows Key + D

This will display the desktop, regardless of how many windows you have open.  Instantly giving you access to any shortcut you have stored on your desktop. Pressing the same key combination again will restore your windows to their previous positions

Windows Key + M

Minimise all your windows, and will display the desktop, instantly giving you access to any…… hmm Deja a Vu anyone

Windows Key + SHIFT + M

Will restore all your windows to their original positions, have you every wondered why your computer gives you multiple choices of doing exactly the same thing?

Windows Key + R

Quickly open up the Run dialog box, this is ideal if you want to run a quick program that you know the name of, for example CALC, NOTEPAD or CMD

Windows Key + E

Gives you instant access to My Computer, for those who have multiple drives and like to keep their drives nice and tidy, a true time-saving shortcut.when navigating around your computer with multiple drives

Windows Key + F

Allows you to instantly search for a file or folder on your computer, whether it is a Word document, picture or music file.

Windows Key + L

If you have multiple accounts, or just trying to protect your Facebook account from been hacked by your older/younger/brother/sister whilst you nip to the kitchen for a lovely hot cup of tea, this is a quick and easy way to lock up your computer

Windows Key + BREAK

OK, maybe not the most commonly used shortcut, but certainly when RBS are trying to determine how much memory is installed in a computer, or what service pack is installed, this is great little shortcut.

Windows Key + F1

Allows you to bring up the Windows Help support box from any application.  Most applications hijack the standard F1 – Help key to bring up their application specific help key, but by pressing the Windows Key and then F, you force the Windows Help

Windows Key + U

Unless required, then this will be the least used shortcut, but when necessary for those people that require it, its a neat shortcut to bringing up Microsoft’s Utility Manager, instead of trawling through the All Programs menu’s

So, there you go, hopefully with a little extra use your Windows key can begin to feel a little more important and being to fulfil its destiny of helping you speed up some simple tasks throughout your day.