The Windows logo key is the key with the Windows symbol, located between Ctrl and Alt on most keyboards. Tapping it opens the Start menu, and holding it while you press another key runs a shortcut such as Win+E for File Explorer, Win+L to lock the PC or Win+D to show the desktop. The shortcuts below work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 unless noted.
Key takeaways
- Tap the Windows logo key to open Start, or hold it and press another key for a shortcut.
- The most useful combos are Win+E, Win+L, Win+D, Win+V, Win+Shift+S and Win+Tab.
- Some shortcuts differ between Windows 10 and Windows 11, such as Win+A, Win+N, Win+W and Win+Z.
- If the key stops working, check the keyboard lock switch, Filter Keys, Group Policy and the registry.
What does the Windows logo key do?
The Windows logo key opens the Start menu when you press it alone and works as a modifier for system shortcuts when you hold it with another key. It gives fast access to apps, settings, window management and screenshots without using the mouse.
What are the most useful Windows logo key shortcuts?
The most useful Windows logo key shortcuts cover files, locking, screenshots, windows and virtual desktops. The table groups the common ones.
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Win | Open or close the Start menu |
| Win+E | Open File Explorer |
| Win+D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Win+L | Lock the PC |
| Win+R | Open the Run box |
| Win+I | Open Settings |
| Win+X | Open the power user menu |
| Win+S | Open Search |
| Win+V | Open clipboard history (turn it on in Settings first) |
| Win+Shift+S | Capture part of the screen with the snipping tool |
| Win+PrtScn | Save a full-screen screenshot to the Screenshots folder |
| Win+Tab | Open Task View and virtual desktops |
| Win+Ctrl+D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| Win+Ctrl+Left or Right | Switch between virtual desktops |
| Win+Left or Right | Snap the window to the left or right half |
| Win+Up or Down | Maximize, restore or minimize the window |
| Win+Shift+Left or Right | Move the window to another monitor |
| Win+M | Minimize all windows |
| Win+P | Choose a display mode for a projector or second screen |
| Win+. (period) | Open the emoji panel |
| Win+H | Start voice typing |
| Win+G | Open the Xbox Game Bar |
| Win+U | Open Accessibility settings |
| Win+Number (1 to 9) | Open or switch to the app pinned in that taskbar position |
| Win+Ctrl+Shift+B | Restart the graphics driver |
Which Windows logo key shortcuts differ in Windows 10 and 11?
A few shortcuts open different panels depending on the Windows version. Check these when a combo does not behave as you expect:
- Win+A: opens Quick Settings in Windows 11 and the Action Center in Windows 10.
- Win+N: opens the notification center and calendar in Windows 11.
- Win+W: opens Widgets in Windows 11.
- Win+Z: opens Snap Layouts in Windows 11.
How can the Windows logo key help at work?
The Windows logo key speeds up everyday tasks and supports basic security habits. Win+L locks the screen when you step away, which is part of a good clean desk policy. Win+Ctrl+Shift+B can fix a black or frozen screen without a reboot, and our guide on how to reset the graphics driver covers the other methods.
What if the Windows logo key is not working?
If the Windows logo key stops working, the cause is usually a keyboard lock switch, a setting or a policy that disables it. Work through these fixes:
- Check the keyboard. Many gaming keyboards have a Windows key lock or Game Mode switch, often toggled with Fn plus a function key. Turn it off.
- Test another keyboard. Plug in a different keyboard, or open the On-Screen Keyboard, to see whether the problem is hardware.
- Check Group Policy. On Windows Pro or Enterprise, open the Local Group Policy Editor and check Turn off Windows Key hotkeys under Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, File Explorer. Set it to Not Configured.
- Check the registry. A NoWinKeys value under the Explorer policies key, or a Scancode Map value under the Keyboard Layout key, can disable the key. Back up the registry before you change or remove these values.
- Check Filter Keys. Turn off Filter Keys in Accessibility settings, because it can change how keys respond.
- Update the driver. Reinstall the keyboard driver in Device Manager, then restart the PC.
- Repair system files. Run
sfc /scannowfrom an elevated prompt.
If the key was disabled by a setting you did not make, scan the PC for unwanted software. See our guide on how to remove malware from a PC.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Windows logo key?
It is usually on the bottom row of the keyboard between the left Ctrl and Alt keys, and often also on the right side. It shows the Windows logo.
How do I disable the Windows logo key?
Use a keyboard Win lock switch, if your keyboard has one, or an administrator can set the Turn off Windows Key hotkeys policy. Only disable it if you need to, for example in a game or a kiosk.
What is the Windows logo key on a Mac keyboard?
On Mac keyboards the Command key takes the Windows key role when Windows runs through Boot Camp or a similar setup. Key mapping depends on the keyboard and software.
Why does Win+V not work?
Clipboard history is off by default. Turn it on in Settings, System, Clipboard, then press Win+V again.
How do I take a screenshot with the Windows logo key?
Press Win+PrtScn to save a full-screen screenshot to the Pictures folder, or Win+Shift+S to select an area and copy it to the clipboard.
Conclusion
The Windows logo key is one of the fastest ways to move around Windows. Learn a handful of shortcuts such as Win+E, Win+L, Win+D, Win+V and Win+Shift+S, note the differences between Windows 10 and 11, and use the checklist above if the key stops responding.
