10 awesome Windows key shortcuts

You look at it every day and probably never use it. No, not your treadmill. I’m referring to that Windows button on your computer keyboard that sits in between the ALT and CTRL buttons on the left-hand side of the spacebar.

You look at it every day and probably never use it. No, not your treadmill. I’m referring to that Windows button on your computer keyboard that sits in between the ALT and CTRL buttons on the left-hand side of the spacebar.

What’s it for, you ask? OK, you know if you press it it’ll open your programs (as if you clicked the Start button on your screen) but there are many other uses for it. Here are some shortcuts you can try:

<Windows Key> + D (displays the Windows desktop)

<Windows Key> + E (opens Explorer)

<Windows Key> + F (opens a search window)

<Windows Key> + R (opens the Run window)

<Windows Key> + T (cycles through the tabs of the applications on the taskbar) 

And some Windows Vista exclusives:

<Windows Key> + G (cycles through the Gadgets)

<Windows Key> + L (locks the computer)

<Windows Key> + U (activates the Ease of Access Center)

<Windows Key> + X (cycles through the Windows Mobility Center)

<Windows Key> + CTRL + Tab (opens Flip 3D interface)