Windows key
The Windows key (sometimes called the Flag key) is the key with the Microsoft Windows logo on 104 and 107 key keyboards, located between the Ctrl and Alt keys. The key is generally used as an accelerator key, in order to make certain repetitive tasks in the Windows shell environment accessible by keystroke.
When Windows XP came with a updated logo design, keyboard manufacturers changed the Windows keys accordingly.
Its use is not limited to the Windows operating system, however, any operating system with suitable drivers to detect keypresses of the "Windows key" can use the key to automate tasks in software.
Many find this key to be a nuisance, and as such certain software programs exist that can disable the key.
Default Windows key hotkeys
| Combination starting with Windows key | Result | NT only |
|---|---|---|
| nothing | Activate start menu | No |
| B | Give focus to system tray (where the clock is) | No |
| D | Toggle all windows minimization | No |
| E | Open Windows Explorer | No |
| F | Find files | No |
| Ctrl+F | Find computers | No |
| L | Lock desktop, hide all windows | No |
| M | Minimize all | No |
| Shift+M | Unminimize all | No |
| R | Open run dialog | No |
| Pause/Break | Open System Properties | No |
| Tab | Give focus to taskbar | No |
| F1 | Open Windows Help | Yes |
| F3 | Find file | Yes |
| L | Lock workstation (NT, 2K, XP when in domain) / log off or switch users (XP when not in domain) | Yes |
| U | Open Utility Manager (accessibility functions) | Yes |
| Combination | Result | NT only |
See also: IBM PC keyboard
Programming
Some keyboards have two Windows keys at the bottom row with one between the Ctrl and Alt keys to the left of the spacebar and the other between the Ctrl and Alt keys to the right of the spacebar. Other keyboards only have the Windows key only on the left.
The scan code for the left Windows key is 0xe05b.
The scan code for the right Windows key is 0xe05c.
Alternative designs
There are keyboards which have the Linux mascot Tux instead of the Windows logo. Their existance is due to the fact that many users of operating systems other than Microsoft Windows were frustated at having a Windows key on their keyboard.