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On Windows 9x and Windows NT families of Windows operating system, tapping the Windows key by itself opens the Start menu.

Pressing the key in combination with other keys allows invoking many common functions through the keyboard. What Windows key combinations ("shortcuts") are available and active in a given Windows session depends on many factors, such as accessibility options, the type of the session (regular or Terminal Services), the Windows version, the presence of specific software such as IntelliType and Group Policy if applicable.

Below is a list of notable shortcuts. Unless otherwise noted, they are valid in the next version of Windows.

Windows XP shortcut key list[edit]

• ? Win+B selects the first icon in the Notification Area.
• ? Win+D shows the desktop, or restore hidden programs when pressed a second time.
• ? Win+Eopens Windows Explorer.
• ? Win+F opens Windows Search.
• ? Win+CTRL+F opens Search for Computers. Requires Active Directory Domain Services.
• ? Win+CTRL+ALT+? Enter toggles full screen in Internet Explorer. This shortcut has been discontinued, replaced by F11.^[when?]
• ? Win+F1 opens Windows Help.
• ? Win+L locks the desktop and prepares for switching users if Fast User Switching is not disabled.
• ? Win+M minimizes all windows.
• ? Win+? Shift+M restores windows that were minimized with ? Win+M.
• ? Win+R opens the Run dialog box.
• ? Win+U runs Utility Manager.^[5]
• ? Win+Pause or ? Win+Break opens System Properties.