Over the years and versions, Microsoft has introduced a number of hotkey combinations for use with the Windows key. Some of the first Windows hotkeys were the WIN+E to open Windows Explorer. That key combination was introduced with the original Microsoft Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse.
Windows features a large number hotkey combinations, this list has been updated for Windows 11.
Windows Hotkeys
| Windows Hotkeys | Action |
|---|---|
| Win | Opens the Start Menu or Start Screen |
| Win + A | Open the Windows action center |
| Win + B | Toggle HDR mode |
| Win + C | Opens/Closes Cortana (Deprecated in 2023) |
| Win + D | Minimizes all applications, showing only the display desktop. Restores all application windows. |
| Win + E | Opens Windows Explorer |
| Win + F | Open Windows feedback hub |
| Win + G | Opens/Closes Games options |
| Win + H | Opens/Closes Dictation Tool |
| Win + I | Opens Windows Settings |
| Win + K | Opens Connect to devices |
| Win + L | Locks the Computer |
| Win + M | Minimizes all applications |
| Win + N | Open notification center |
| Win + P | Opens secondary screen options |
| Win + Q | Opens the Search Tool |
| Win + R | Opens the Run dialogue |
| Win + S | Opens the Search Tool |
| Win + U | Opens display ease of view options |
| Win + V | Opens Clipboard tool |
| Win + W | Open Widgets panel |
| Win + X | Opens Windows administrator menu |
| Win + Z | Open the snap layout panel |
| Win + Home | Minimizes all applications, except current focus. Restores all application windows. |
| Win + Number | Bring Application to foreground (Number order in task bar) |
| Win + PrintScn | Captures all screens and saves to disk |
| Win + Tab | Opens/Closes Application History/Switcher |
| Win + , | Temporarily shows the desktop |
| Win + . | Opens the Emoji Tool |
| Win + (+/-) | Zooms screen in(+) and out(-) |
| Win + Down Arrow | Minimize the active window |
| Win + Alt + Down Arrow | Snap active window to bottom half of screen |
| Win + Alt + Up Arrow | Snap active window to top half of screen |
| Win + Alt + Left Arrow | Snap active window to left half of screen |
| Win + Alt + Right Arrow | Snap active window to right half of screen |
| Win + Alt + K | Toggle microphone mute |
This list is not all inclusive. Many of these Windows Hotkeys can be customized, and several other programs and drivers introduce other hotkeys within Windows to save time.