Things You'll Need:
- Windows OS
- Keyboard with Windows Logo key
-
Step 1
Open the Start menu. No matter what you are doing or what application you are using, pressing the "Windows Logo" key opens the Start menu. You can even use this for getting to the Start menu from full-screen applications.
-
Step 2
Open the "Run" dialog box. If you know the command to run a program, you can quickly access that application by pressing "Windows Logo key + R," typing the command and hitting "Enter."
-
Step 3
Minimize all open windows quickly by pressing "Windows Logo key + M" for fast access to the desktop. When you're finished on the desktop, you can press "Windows Logo key + Shift + M" to maximize all windows.
-
Step 4
Open Windows Explorer using a Windows Logo keyboard shortcut. Windows Explorer is a fast way to access files on your hard drive. To use it quickly, press "Windows Logo key + E."
-
Step 5
Use the "Find Files or Folders" dialog. This dialog can be used to find any file or folder on any of your hard drives. Access the shortcut to the "Find Files or Folders" dialog by pressing "Windows Logo Key + F."
-
Step 6
Cycle through open windows the same way you would with "Alt + Tab" by using the "Windows Logo key + Tab" shortcut. This is often useful if a full-screen application obscures the window the "Alt + Tab" shortcut needs to display.
-
Step 7
Open the "System Properties" dialog for quick access to configuration options by pressing "Windows Logo key + Pause" shortcut. The Pause key is one of the least-used keys on the keyboard. It's located in the same row as the F1 through F12 keys and is usually directly above the Page Up key.
-
Step 8
Open the Help and Support Center. The Help and Support Center is an all-in-one help application for all aspects of Windows. For fast access, press "Windows Logo key + F1." The Support Center website can also provide you with a comprehensive list of Windows Logo keyboard shortcuts, especially those less commonly used (see Resources below).
