All the functions of the start key in Windows 10

All the functions of the start key in Windows 10

The Windows start key has lived with us for years. It is a faster way to access a good number of functions. But it can also be used as a shortcut or shortcut  to carry out certain actions in a more agile way.

If, like the vast majority of us, you are a regular Windows user, you most likely know the most common shortcuts. You will know, for example, that to access the main Windows programs and folders you can do it directly by pressing the Windows start key . It would be enough to press this key again to close it again.

In this article we wanted to collect all the key combinations that you can use to access the different Windows functions. Although it is not necessary to learn them all, it is important that you review which or which of them can help you to do some tasks faster .

The most basic functions of the start key in Windows 10

The most basic functions of the start key in Windows 10

First of all, we wanted to provide you with the most basic functions. These are, for example, the ability to open Windows Action Center , start Cortana to listen (and give orders) , show or hide the desktop or open the file explorer. A very useful option when we need to find a specific file at a certain time.

As you can see, the key combinations are arranged alphabetically. We recommend you take a look at them one by one, to see which ones you might find useful.

  • Windows Start Key + A: Open Action Center
  • Windows start key + B: Bring focus to the notification area
  • Windows start key   + C: Open Cortana in listening mode
  • Windows start key   + Shift + C: Open the charms menu
  • Windows start key   + D: Show and hide the desktop
  • Windows start key   + Alt + D: Show and hide the date and time on the desktop
  • Windows Start Key   + E: Open File Explorer
  • Windows Start Key   + F: Open Feedback Center and take a screenshot
  • Windows start key   + G: Open the game bar when opening a game
  • Windows start key   + H: Start dictation
  • Windows start key + I: Open Settings
  • Windows start key   + J: Highlight a Windows suggestion when available
  • Windows Start Key   + K: Open the Connect quick action
  • Windows start key   + L: Lock the computer or switch accounts
  • Windows start key   + M: Minimize all windows
  • Windows start key   + O: Lock device orientation
  • Windows start key   + P: Choose a presentation mode
  • Windows start key   + R: Open the Run dialog
  • Windows Start Key   + S: Open Search
  • Windows Start Key   + T: Scroll through taskbar applications
  • Windows Start Key   + U: Open Ease of Access Center
  • Windows start key   + V: Scroll through notifications
  • Windows start key   + Shift + V: Scroll through notifications in reverse order
  • Windows Start Key   + X: Open Quick Link menu
  • Windows Start Key + Y: Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and the desktop
  • Windows start key   + Z: Show available commands in an application in full screen mode
  • Windows start key + period (.) Or semicolon (;): Open emoji panel
  • Windows start key   + comma (,): Temporarily inspect the desktop
  • Windows Start Key   + Pause: Show the System Properties dialog
  • Windows start key   + Ctrl + F: Find computers (on a network)
  • Windows start key   + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows to desktop

windows start key

More complex functions of the start key in Windows 10

This second section is intended for the more complex functions. Some of these can be helpful when managing open applications, moving windows and doing other types of less frequent tasks for the vast majority. Like, for example, opening the narrator or animated notifications. 

  • Windows start key   + number: Open the desktop and start the application pinned to the taskbar at the position of the number.
  • Windows start key   + Shift + number: Open the desktop and start a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar at the position of the number
  • Windows start key   + Ctrl + number: Open the desktop and switch to the last active application window pinned to the taskbar at the position of the number
  • Windows start key   + Alt + number: Open the desktop and open the list of application shortcuts pinned to the taskbar of the indicated number.
  • Windows start key   + Ctrl + Shift + number: Open the desktop and open a new instance of the application located at the given position on the taskbar as administrator
  • Windows Start Key   + Tab: Open Task View
  • Windows Start Key   + Up Arrow: Maximize Window
  • Windows Start Key   + Down Arrow: Remove current application from screen
  • Windows Start Key   + Left Arrow: Maximize the desktop or application window on the left side of the screen
  • Windows Start Key   + Right Arrow: Maximize the desktop or application window on the right side of the screen
  • Windows Start Key   + Start: Minimize everything except the active desktop window (repeat the action to restore all windows)
  • Windows Start Key   + Shift + Up Arrow: Expand the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen
  • Windows Start Key   + Shift + Down Arrow: Restore / minimize active desktop windows vertically while preserving width
  • Windows Start Key   + Shift + Left or Right Arrow: Move an application or desktop window from one monitor to another
  • Windows Start Key   + Spacebar: Switch between input language and keyboard layout
  • Windows Start Key   + Ctrl + Spacebar: Switch to a previously selected entry
  • Windows Start Key   + Ctrl + Enter: Open Narrator
  • Windows start key   + forward slash (/): Start IME reconversion
  • Windows start key + Ctrl + V: Open animated notifications