Using the Windows Key


Tutorial Home >Hardware >Laptops >Use and Troubleshoot a Laptop >How do I use the special Windows key on the laptop keyboard according to Use and Troubleshoot a Laptop?
Tutorial Home >Hardware >Laptops >Use and Troubleshoot a Laptop >Learn to Work with Your Laptop >Using the Windows Key

  Step 1:  Defining the Windows Key

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This special key for windows shortcuts is on almost all new laptops and external keyboards. Using this special key and a combination of other keys launches various programs and applets. These are huge timesavers if you don't like to use the mouse or love to use the keyboard.
  Step 2:  Opening the Start Menu

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If you're in an application and need to launch another application in a hurry, it can be a pain to minimize the top window (or several windows from other apps) just to get to the Start button. By pressing the Windows key at any time the Start menu will pop up. Give it a try.
  Step 3:  Open Explorer/ Minimize

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Need to hop into Windows Explorer right now? From anywhere on your system, press the Windows key + E to launch Windows Explorer. Sometimes it'd be nice to put away all apps quickly. All windows are minimized by pressing the Windows key and "M."
  Step 4:  Access Find/Run Commands

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Press the Windows key and the letter F to launch the Find command. Need to run calc.exe? How about sol.exe? Press the Windows key and the R key to launch the Run command.