In 1995, Microsoft released Windows 95, and navigating Windows was changed forever. Along with introducing the Start menu, Microsoft also added a new control key to PC keyboards, the Windows logo key.
Like the Command key on Apple keyboards, it allows the user to run shortcuts to open programs or execute repetitive commands, like showing the Desktop. Windows 95 had only twelve Windows logo key shortcuts, as Windows 11 has over fifty. So here is the complete list of Windows logo key shortcuts inside of Windows 11.
Windows logo key shortcuts for Windows 11
| Press |
To |
 |
Open Start menu |
| + A |
Open Quick Settings (part of the Action Center) |
| + B |
Highlights Show Hidden Icons on Taskbar |
| + C |
Open Microsoft Teams |
| + D |
Show Desktop |
| + E |
Open File Explorer |
| + F |
Open Feedback Hub |
| The following six (6) Windows logo key shortcuts are for the Game Bar |
| + G |
Open the Game Bar |
| + Alt + G |
Record the last few moments of gameplay. (you can change the amount of time recorded in Game Bar > Settings) |
| + Alt + R |
Start / stop recording |
| + Alt + Print Screen |
Take a screenshot of your game |
| + Alt + T |
Show / hide the recording timer |
| + Alt + M |
Start / stop microphone recording |
| + H |
Open Speech Services (voice dictation) |
| + I |
Open Settings |
| + K |
Open Cast (connect to wireless display and audio devices) |
| + L |
Switch users (lock computer if on a domain) |
| + M |
Minimize all open windows (show Desktop) |
| + N |
Opens Notification Center (part of the Action Center) |
| + P |
Open Project (project video to another screen) |
| + Q |
Opens Search dialog box |
| + R |
Opens Run dialog box |
| + S |
Opens Search dialog box |
| + T |
Set focus on Taskbar and cycle through pinned / running desktop apps |
| + U |
Opens Accessibility section in Settings |
| + V |
Displays Clipboard history |
| + W |
Opens Widgets |
| + X |
Opens Power User menu |
| + Z |
Opens Snap layouts menu |
| + 1-9 |
Go to the app at the given position on the Taskbar |
| + + (plus) |
Zoom in (Magnifier) |
| + - (minus) |
Zoom out (Magnifier) |
| + , (comma) |
Peek at the Desktop |
| + Spacebar |
Switch input language and keyboard layout |
| + Tab |
Show all open apps and view additional desktops |
| + Esc |
Close Magnifier |
| + Home |
Minimize non-active desktop windows |
| + Pause/Break |
Open System in Settings |
| + Left Arrow |
Snap desktop window to the left (+Shift to move window to left monitor) |
| + Right Arrow |
Snap desktop window to the right (+Shift to move window to right monitor) |
| + Up Arrow |
Maximize desktop window (+Shift to keep width) |
| + Down Arrow |
Restore/minimize desktop window (+Shift to keep width) |
| + F1 |
Opens How to get help in Windows 11 search in a browser |
| + Ctrl + Enter |
Open Narrator |
| + Ctrl + D |
Add a Desktop |
| + Ctrl + Right arrow |
Switch between desktops you’ve created on the right |
| + Ctrl + Left arrow |
Switch between desktops you’ve created on the left |
| + Ctrl + F4 |
Close the Desktop you’re using |
| + Shift + Right arrow |
Move an app to a monitor on the right |
| + Shift + Left arrow |
Move an app to a monitor on the left |
| + Period (.) or Semicolon (;) |
Open the emoji, kaomoji, and symbol panel |
| + Shift + S |
Open the Snipping Bar |
For more Windows keyboard shortcuts, see the links below:
Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts
General keyboard shortcuts
Natural keyboard shortcuts
Dialog box keyboard shortcuts
Accessibility keyboard shortcuts
Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts
4adbd4bb-78a7-4cf0-a63c-5aaf65f75ae3|0|.0|96d5b379-7e1d-4dac-a6ba-1e50db561b04