Windows key


The Windows logo key is a keyboard key which was originally introduced on the Microsoft Natural keyboard in 1994. This key became a standard key on PC keyboards. In Windows tapping the key brings up the start menu. performs the same function, in case the keyboard lacks this key.

History and usage

Historically, the addition of two Windows keys and a menu key marked the change from the 101/102-key to 104/105-key layout for PC keyboards. Compared to the former layout, a Windows key was placed between the left and the left and another Windows key and the menu key were placed between the right and the right key.
The key is predated by the key on Apple computers in 1980 and the key in LISP/UNIX computers in 1970.
In laptop and other compact keyboards it is common to have just one Windows key. On Microsoft's Entertainment Desktop sets, the Windows key is in the middle of the keyboard, below all other keys.
On Windows 8 tablet computers, hardware certification requirements initially mandated that the Windows key be centered on the bezel below the screen, except on a convertible laptop, where the button is allowed to be off-center in a tablet configuration. This requirement was relaxed in Windows 8.1, allowing the Windows key to be placed on any bezel or edge of the unit, though a centered location along the bottom bezel is still preferred.

Licensing

Microsoft regulates the appearance of the Windows key logo picture with a specially crafted license for keyboard manufacturers. With the introduction of a new Microsoft Windows logo, first used with Windows XP, the agreement was updated to require that the new design be adopted for all keyboards manufactured after 1 September 2003. However, with the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft published guidelines for a new Windows Logo key that incorporates the Windows logo recessed in a chamfered lowered circle with a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 with respect to background that the key is applied to.
In Common Building Block Keyboard Specification, all CBB compliant keyboards were to comply with the Windows Vista Hardware Start Button specification beginning in 1 June 2007.
Wikipedia uses the Unicode character as a simulation of the logo.

Use with Microsoft Windows

On Windows 9x and Windows NT families of Windows operating system, tapping the Windows key by itself traditionally revealed Windows Taskbar and opened the Start menu. In Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, this key launches the Start screen but doesn't show the taskbar. However, this feature was added back into Windows 10.
Pressing the key in combination with other keys allows invoking many common functions through the keyboard. Holding down will not substitute for the Windows key in these combinations. Which Windows key combinations are available and active in a given Windows session depends on many factors, such as accessibility options, the type of the session, the Windows version, the presence of specific software such as IntelliType and Group Policy if applicable.
Below is a list of notable shortcuts. Unless otherwise noted, they are valid in the next version of Windows.

Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0

The following shortcuts are valid in Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0.
adds the following:
adds the following:
adds the following:
adds the following shortcuts:
Windows 7 used the following shortcuts:
Windows 8 introduces the following:
Windows 8.1 introduces the following:
Windows 10 introduces the following:
Additional installed software may introduce other shortcuts using the Windows key. For example, various Microsoft Office applications add shortcuts of their own:
The Windows key can also be used on other operating systems.
On Unix and Unix-like operating systems, the key is usually given the X keysym "Super", and turns on the shift bit called MOD4. Most desktop environments use it much like Windows, with press+release popping up a primary menu similar to the Windows start menu, and with combinations with letters performing actions such as run-command, often with the shortcuts and actions copied from Windows. A common action that is not shared with Windows is for the key to allow dragging a window around from any location without raising it, and in the Compiz window manager it causes the scroll wheel to zoom in or out of any part of the desktop.
If one plugs a Windows keyboard into a macOS computer, the Windows key acts as the Command key|. This swaps the locations of and from standard Macintosh keyboards. Plugging a Macintosh keyboard into a Windows machine makes act like, again with the locations swapped with from standard.
If one plugs a Windows keyboard into a Chrome OS computer, the Windows key acts as the Search key| key. This key is in the location where the Caps Lock key would be on other keyboards.
If one plugs a Windows keyboard into an Xbox 360, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the Guide button on Xbox 360 Controller or remote controls, opening the Xbox Guide. Holding down the Windows key and pressing M opens a pop up conversation window over gameplay, if an instant message conversation is in progress. On a PlayStation 3 console, pressing the Windows key performs the same action as the PS Button on the Sixaxis Controller, opening the XrossMediaBar.