THE PM CHRONICLE

The complete list of Windows Logo keyboard shortcuts

By Mark Kaelin

August 26, 2011, 8:40 AM PDT

Takeaway: The Windows Logo key common on most keyboards these days can be a powerful tool if you know the right shortcuts.

When it comes to keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Windows 7, I admit to being a bit of a novice. I fall back on the menu system or, now that it is available by default in Windows 7, I use the 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.

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 lists the keyboard shortcut combinations associated with the Windows Logo key and what each combination will do. Take a good look, there may be a key combination or two you can use regularly that will make your computing life just a little more efficient.

Table A - Source Microsoft

Key combination	Action
Windows logo key	Open or close the Start menu.
Windows logo key +Pause	Display the System Properties dialog box.
Windows logo key +D	Display the desktop.
Windows logo key +M	Minimize all windows.
Windows logo key +Shift+M	Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
Windows logo key +E	Open Computer.
Windows logo key +F	Search for a file or folder.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +F	Search for computers (if you’re on a network).
Windows logo key +L	Lock your computer or switch users.
Windows logo key +R	Open the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key +T	Cycle through programs on the taskbar.
Windows logo key+number	Start 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+number	Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Ctrl+Windows logo key+number	Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Alt+Windows logo key+number	Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows logo key +Tab	Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +Tab	Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +B	Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
Windows logo key +Spacebar	Preview the desktop.
Windows logo key +Up Arrow	Maximize the window.
Windows logo key +Left Arrow	Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.
Windows logo key +Right Arrow	Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.
Windows logo key +Down Arrow	Minimize the window.
Windows logo key +Home	Minimize all but the active window.
Windows logo key +Shift+Up Arrow	Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Windows logo key +Shift+Left Arrow or Right Arrow	Move a window from one monitor to another.
Windows logo key +P	Choose a presentation display mode.
Windows logo key +G	Cycle through gadgets.
Windows logo key +U	Open Ease of Access Center.
Windows logo key +X	Open Windows Mobility Center.

Also read:

• Some of my favorite Outlook Calendar keyboard shortcuts (Blog)
• 100 Keyboard Shortcuts For Moving Faster In Windows 7 (Download)
• The 10 most useful Windows 7 keyboard shortcuts (Blog)