We put together a list of all the hot key combinations that will certainly come in handy for every Windows user.
- ⊞ Win — opens the Start Menu, in Windows 8.1 — opens the previous window;
- ⊞ Win + A — opens the Action Center (in Windows 10);
- ⊞ Win + B — selects the first icon in the Notification Area (you can then switch between the icons using the arrow keys);
- ⊞ Win + Ctrl + B — switches to a program indicating a new message in the Notification Area;
- ⊞ Win + C shows the Charm Bar (in Windows 8 and 8.1); in Windows 10 it opens Cortana (if you’re using a supported language);
- ⊞ Win + D — shows the desktop (immediately minimizes all the opened windows);
- ⊞ Win + E — opens Windows Explorer; in Windows 10 opens the Quick Launch by default;
- ⊞ Win + F — opens ’Find files and folders’;
- ⊞ Win + Ctrl + F — opens ’Find computers’;
- ⊞ Win + G — brings all gadgets to the foreground that are in process (only in Windows 7 and Vista); opens the Game bar in Windows 10;
- ⊞ Win + K — opens a new Start menu — Connections (in Windows 8 and 8.1);
- ⊞ Win + L — changes user or locks the workstation;
- ⊞ Win + M — minimizes all windows;
- ⊞ Win + ⇧ Shift + M — restores windows that were minimized;
- ⊞ Win + O — locks device orientation (disables the gyroscope function on tablets);
- ⊞ Win + P — switches operating modes to an external monitor/projector (only in Windows 7 and newer);
- ⊞ Win + Q — opens Search charm for installed apps (checked in Windows 8);
- ⊞ Win + R — opens the ’Run dialog’ box;
- ⊞ Win + T — switches focus to the Taskbar (only in Windows 7 and newer);
- ⊞ Win + U — opens the Utility Manager;
- ⊞ Win + W — opens Windows Ink Workspace (notes, screenshots);
- ⊞ Win + X — opens the Windows Mobile Application Center (only for mobile computers in Windows Vista and 7);
- ⊞ Win + Y — starts Yahoo! Messenger (if installed).
