Pretty much in the title, the only time I interact with the windows key in its standard operating condition is getting pissed off that the start menu opened. I use it in other capacities such as taking screen shots and other key commands but I got to wondering if anyone, ever actually uses it to access the start menu.

Also if anyone comes here and posts “dOnT uSe wINdoWs,” you really are cute.

Edit: I am more curious if anyone actually gets utility out of its default behavior (opening the start menu). I am aware that it is used in a number of key commands (although some are new to me).

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    662 months ago

    I use it a lot. Ever since windows 8, the best way to use windows has been hit the windows key and type what you want.

    Additionally there are a few shortcuts that are handy

    • win + L for locking
    • win + E for file explorer
    • win + D for desktop
    • win + ctrl + alt + shift + L to hate what windows has become
    • @jacksilver
      link
      122 months ago

      Also “win + - > or <-” to move a tile to left or right side.

    • DaGeek247
      link
      fedilink
      102 months ago

      Well, I’d say the start menu peaked in Windows 7, where it only showed good local results, but it is still the best way to open something I know the name of.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        English
        42 months ago

        You can disable online results permanently with about 15 minutes of web searching and adjusting settings (including within registry and group policy, but still).

        • DaGeek247
          link
          fedilink
          62 months ago

          Not on my work computer, the only place I use windows, I can’t. A workaround is never a complete fix.

    • @loie
      link
      52 months ago

      win + x brings up a useful alternate start menu

    • @credo
      link
      42 months ago

      win + ; for some fun ascii art

    • @ExtraMedicated
      link
      English
      32 months ago

      I often use win+v for the clipboard history and win+shift+s for taking screenshots.

    • Clay_pidgin
      link
      fedilink
      English
      32 months ago

      Plus Win+arrow keys to move a window around, maximize, or minimize it. I use it ALL THE TIME.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      22 months ago

      win + space to switch between keyboard languages
      win + tab to open the desktop switcher
      win + ctrl + t (if you have PowerToys installed) to prevent other apps from stealing focus from your window

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        12 months ago

        I think you can edit the ctrl alt shift win ones, or at least add them for letters they haven’t sold

    • @pdxfed
      link
      12 months ago

      Win+ca+enter = calculator

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      0
      edit-2
      2 months ago

      I had to google ctrl shift windows, l, and…

      It kind of makes sense: I bet the type of person who actually use this hotkey is the same kind of person who reposts motivational corporate shite every 10 minutes.