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).
In most linux tiling managers it is used with directional keys to nav windows and desktops.
I’m on Linux. But yeah I use it to open the start menu all the time. Then I can type apps name and hit enter
As others have said, I use it mainly for the search function to start programs as well as many shortcuts. I’ve seen others mention screenshots and locking, but here are a few more:
- Win+. - Opens the special symbols/emoji windows
- Win+ left or right arrow - Snaps a window to the left or right half of the screen, respectively. Up arrow maximizes, down minimizes.
- Win+r - Opens the run dialog
- Win+v - Opens clipboard history (history is off by default, it will ask you to enable it the first time you use the shortcut)
- Win+x - Opens the ‘quick link’ menu (Power Options, Event Viewer, System, Device Manager, Network Connections, Disk Management, Computer Management, and Command Prompts
- As a bonus, my favorite windows shortcut is Ctrl+Win+Alt+Shift+L, which opens linkedin in in a new browser tab.
A full list can be found here: windows key shortcuts
I use it on my laptop running a Debian based distro with KDE because I like how I can open the start menu thing. But for some reason I don’t do it on my desktop.
I use it all the time in Linux and even when I unfortunately have to use Windows. Launching an app from just the keyboard is useful. And, like you said, as the modifier key for a number of shortcuts I use a lot.
Win + L to lock
Win + D to minimise all windows
Win + arrow key to snap window to half a screen
Win +shift+s to get snapshots
Win +r to get to run command, generally for opening applications in safe mode
Win to quickly start search for apps or settings
I hit the windows key, type and hit enter to open programs a lot. I literally have no desktop icons showing, I don’t like the look and taking my hands off the keyboard to click stuff takes longer anyways.
I also do windows + number to open/switch to pinned programs a lot.
nope - but the start menu has been dogshit for years now, so I try to avoid start menu as much as possible- I use pinned icons and a few desktop shortcuts.
I mostly use win key fo:
- win+D
- win+E
- win + arrow
- win+shift+S
- win+R
- ctrl+shift +win+B (dodgy usb-c port replicator needs to be slapped every now and again)
- win+L , i probly use that less than ctrl alt del to lock.
I use it to open the start menu a lot. Especially if I’m in a full screen application.
Yeah, of course! Some full screen programs, mostly games, will not let you tab out to the desktop, so i use the windows key to open the start menu which also pops up the taskbar so i can swap to something else.
Alt-escape should still work on these as well. Effectively minimises them.
Didn’t know about alt+esc. I’ll try that next time and see if it does the job. Thank you!
Win key + L to lock.
I use it a lot
The Super key? Yes all the time to pull up the GNOME action menu and to use shortcuts. Super+E for file browser window, +B for browser, +T for terminal window I use often.
Windows key + type to open whichever app i need to open that’s not already pinned to my taskbar.
Shift + win + s to take a screenshot.
Do I use the “super” key as the OS intended it ? As a Gnome user, absolutely yes ! All the time ! Do I use the Windows key as Microsoft intended it ? Also yes, because of Gnome.
I even swapped out for a custom “super” key that matches the font of my keyboard and lets the rgb shine through.
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
Win+ca+enter = calculator
I often use win+v for the clipboard history and win+shift+s for taking screenshots.
win + x brings up a useful alternate start menu
Can you edit these key bindings?
I think you can edit the ctrl alt shift win ones, or at least add them for letters they haven’t sold
Plus Win+arrow keys to move a window around, maximize, or minimize it. I use it ALL THE TIME.
Also “win + - > or <-” to move a tile to left or right side.
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.
You can disable online results permanently with about 15 minutes of web searching and adjusting settings (including within registry and group policy, but still).
including within registry and group policy
Sigh
Not on my work computer, the only place I use windows, I can’t. A workaround is never a complete fix.
win + ; for some fun ascii art
I had to google ctrl shift with dogs 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.
