What does this Windows key on my keyboard do?

Just a little addition to Paul's article below. 

If you go to Windows help and search for "Windows Keyboard Shortcuts Overview" you will find the help page for this and more keyboard options.

Matt Rowston

The Windows key is located on the bottom row of the keyboard, just to the side of the space bar. It is a multipurpose key that is similar in many ways to the ALT or CTRL keys.

For example, try pressing some of the following:

WINDOWS on its own will bring up the Start Menu. You can then use the cursor control keys to navigate. This is really handy for restarting your computer when your mouse is inoperable.

WINDOWS + E will bring up Windows Explorer.

WINDOWS + M will minimise all open windows.

WINDOWS + SHIFT + M will maximise all windows.

WINDOWS + R will bring up the Run dialog box.

WINDOWS + F1 will bring up the Windows 2000 help.

WINDOWS + F will bring up the Search for Files and Folders dialog box.

WINDOWS + CTRL + F will bring up the Search for Computers dialog box.

WINDOWS + BREAK will bring up System Properties.

WINDOWS + TAB will switch between open items.

WINDOWS + U will open the Utility Manager (for vision and hearing impaired accessibility)

I hope that you find these features useful.

Regards

Paul Eddington

KB Keywords: Windows key keyboard shortcut