What the Windows key does
Alone it opens the Start menu. Held with other keys it triggers system shortcuts: Windows+D shows the desktop, Windows+L locks the PC, Windows+E opens File Explorer, Windows+. opens the emoji and symbol panel, Windows+Shift+S takes a screenshot. Linux calls it the Super key.
On a Mac
Command is the equivalent. A Windows keyboard's Windows key becomes Command on a Mac (swap with Option in System Settings if needed).
On a laptop
One Windows key, left of the spacebar. Gaming laptops often let you disable it to avoid opening Start mid-game.
Shortcuts that use the Windows key
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Windows | Open Start |
| Windows+D | Show the desktop |
| Windows+L | Lock the PC |
| Windows+E | File Explorer |
| Windows+. | Emoji and symbol panel |
| Windows+Shift+S | Screenshot a region |
If the Windows key is missing or not working
If the Windows key does nothing, a gaming mode toggle (often Fn+F6 or a dedicated switch) may have disabled it, or a stuck key is interfering. Test it below.
Test it here: click the tester, press the key, and it should light up green. A red key is stuck; a key that never lights up is dead or intercepted by the system. The full keyboard tester has the press log and more detail.
Click the tester, then press any key. Browser shortcuts are blocked while it has focus.
—
- key
- —
- code
- —
- keyCode
- —
none
Max at once: 0 (rollover)
None detected. A key held for more than 2 seconds is flagged.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Windows key on a Mac? +
The Command key. macOS maps a PC keyboard's Windows key to Command.
Why is my Windows key not working? +
Many gaming keyboards and laptops have a Windows-key lock. Look for a Fn combination or a switch with a lock or joystick icon. Group Policy can also disable it on work PCs.
What is the Super key? +
Linux's name for the Windows key. On Ubuntu it opens the Activities overview.
How do I open the emoji panel with the Windows key? +
Press Windows+. (period) or Windows+; (semicolon).