Useful Windows key shortcuts

The Windows key is that little flagged key between the left Ctrl and the Alt keys that you never really use for anything specific. In fact, the Windows key is best known as the key you always press in the most inappropriate moment, like in a movie’s crucial scene or during a decisive battle in your favorite game. However this special key, which has even its own entry in Wikipedia, is actually far more useful than you think.

Windows features a wide range of shortcuts based on this key, which allow you to perform diverse system functions. You may end up being surprised at how many things you can really get done with the Windows key. Here are some of them:

• Windows key on its own opens the Start menu
• Windows key + D shows the desktop
• Windows key + E opens a File Explorer window
• Windows key + F opens the Find dialog box
• Windows key + M minimizes all open windows
• Windows key + R opens the Run menu
• Windows key + L locks the workstation