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).

  • @[email protected]
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    662 months ago

    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
    • DaGeek247
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      102 months ago

      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.

      • @[email protected]
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        32 months ago

        You can disable online results permanently with about 15 minutes of web searching and adjusting settings (including within registry and group policy, but still).

        • DaGeek247
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          62 months ago

          Not on my work computer, the only place I use windows, I can’t. A workaround is never a complete fix.

    • Clay_pidgin
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      32 months ago

      Plus Win+arrow keys to move a window around, maximize, or minimize it. I use it ALL THE TIME.

    • @[email protected]
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      22 months ago

      win + space to switch between keyboard languages
      win + tab to open the desktop switcher
      win + ctrl + t (if you have PowerToys installed) to prevent other apps from stealing focus from your window

    • @[email protected]
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      2 months ago

      I had to google ctrl shift windows, 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.

      • @[email protected]
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        12 months ago

        I think you can edit the ctrl alt shift win ones, or at least add them for letters they haven’t sold