Windows logo keyboard shortcuts: The complete list

The Windows logo key, which is common on most keyboards these days, can be a powerful tool if you know the right shortcuts. Here’s an updated list to speed your work.

Written By
Mark W. Kaelin
Mark W. Kaelin
Published: Mar 25, 2019
Updated: Nov 1, 2022
3 minute read
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When it comes to keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Windows 10, I admit to being a bit of a novice. I fall back on the menu system–or now that it’s available by default in Windows 10, I use the Cortana search box located on the Start Menu. But as the following list shows us, there are definitely opportunities for increased efficiency within the matrix of keyboard shortcuts. (Note: This article on Windows logo keyboard shortcuts is also available as a free PDF download.)

One of the more powerful, and probably least used, set of keyboard shortcuts involves the Windows logo key, which is common on most keyboards packaged with a Windows-based personal computer these days. Table A offers a rundown of these productivity-boosting shortcuts.

Table A (Source: Microsoft)

Key combinationAction
Windows logo keyOpen or close the Start menu
Windows logo key + PauseDisplay the System Properties dialog box
Windows logo key + DDisplay the desktop
Windows logo key + MMinimize all windows
Windows logo key + Shift + MRestore minimized windows to the desktop
Windows logo key + EOpen Computer
Windows logo key + FStart a Feedback dialog
Ctrl+Windows logo key + FSearch for computers (if you’re on a network)
Windows logo key + LLock your computer or switch users
Windows logo key + ROpen the Run dialog box
Windows logo key + TCycle through programs on the Taskbar
Windows logo key + numberStart the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.
Shift+Windows logo key + numberStart a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Ctrl+Windows logo key + numberSwitch to the last active window of the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Alt+Windows logo key+ numberOpen the Jump list for the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows logo key + TabCycle through programs on the Taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Ctrl+Windows logo key + TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the Taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Ctrl+Windows logo key + BSwitch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
Windows logo key + VOpen the Clipboard app
Windows logo key + Up ArrowMaximize the window
Windows logo key + Left ArrowMaximize the window to the left side of the screen
Windows logo key + Right ArrowMaximize the window to the right side of the screen
Windows logo key + Down ArrowMinimize the window
Windows logo key + HomeMinimize all but the active window
Windows logo key + Shift + Up ArrowStretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen
Windows logo key + Shift + Left Arrow or Right ArrowMove a window from one monitor to another
Windows logo key + PChoose a presentation display mode
Windows logo key + GOpen the Game bar
Windows logo key + UOpen Ease Of Access Center
Windows logo key + XOpen the context menu for the Start button
Windows logo key +. or +;Open the Emojis window
Windows logo key + Ctrl + MOpen the Magnifier app

Mark W. Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, software, hardware, gaming, finance, accounting, and technology geekdom for more than 30 years.