The windows key (not to be confused with the Windows product key) is a key on your keyboard that is usually located on the lower left, between the CTRL key and the ALT key. Microsoft built several useful keyboard shortcuts into the Windows 7 operating system, allowing you to perform common tasks in an efficient manner. Use the Windows Key and a hotkey together to do things quickly, such as opening Windows Explorer or showing the Start Menu. The following list describes twelve of the most common Windows 7 shortcuts, using the Windows key:
- Windows Key + E – opens Windows explorer
- Windows Key – displays the Start menu
- Windows Key + D – shows your desktop and minimizes all open windows
- Windows Key + F – shows the search results dialog.
- Windows Key + L – lock your computer
- Windows Key + M – minimizes all open windows
- Windows Key + SHIFT + M - restores the windows to where they were before minimizing
- Windows Key + R – shows the Run dialog box, used for running applications
- Windows Key + F1 – shows the Windows help center
- Windows Key + Pause/Break – shows the System Information in the Control Panel
- Windows Key + Tab – cycles through running applications
- Windows Key + U – shows the Ease of Access center
Tags: control panel, ease of access center, keyboard shortcuts, system properties, tips and tricks, using windows, windows 7 key, windows 7 keyboard shortcuts