There is a key on the keyboard of all Windows computers called the [Windows] key, and many people who learn what it can do are thrilled. For those who have yet to discover it, this is the key with the Windows logo that looks like a little flag.
First, a very brief refresher on combination keys: When you read the names of two keys enclosed in braces, such as [Shift A], this means you are supposed to hold down on the first key while pressing the second key before releasing both; in this case [Shift A] changes lower case “a” to capital “A” (I think you knew that one already). [Ctrl Alt Del] means to hold down the [Ctrl] key, then continue holding it down while you next hold down the [Alt] key, then finally tap the [Del] key before releasing all three.
There are 26 letters of the English alphabet and almost all of them have some combination key shortcut that can be used with the [Windows] key to automate everyday tasks. Microsoft added quite a few new combinations only for Windows 8, but many work with older Windows versions. Some readers will find one or more of these shortcuts useful, so let us take a tour through the alphabet.
[Windows C] opens the Windows 8 “Charm” Menu and is much less frustrating than using the mouse to try to find that hidden spot near the edge of the screen that shows this menu.
[Windows D] will instantly hide or unhide all open windows on the desktop. This is the quickest way to see all the icons of your desktop.
[Windows E] opens the Windows Explorer and is quicker than finding the “My Computer” or “This PC” icon on the desktop or clicking the start button and “Computer.”
[Windows F] opens up a search screen where you can find things you may have lost. Alternatively, you can just press the [Windows] key alone and start typing from there.
[Windows H] in Windows 8 opens up the “Share” Charm menu. [Windows I] opens up the “Settings” Charm menu. [Windows K] opens up the “Devices” Charm menu.
[Windows L] will instantly lock your computer, requiring you to enter your logon password to resume. This is a handy shortcut to use when stepping away from your computer.
[Windows M] instantly minimizes all windows, which is almost the same as the [Windows D] shortcut, except it actually minimizes all the windows rather than hiding them. [Windows Shift M] maximizes all minimized windows, which is not quite the same as [Windows D]. Try them both to see the difference.
[Windows P] opens the controls for a projector if you have one, or if you have two monitors, allows you to change how your second screen is used.
[Windows Q] in Windows 8 opens start menu to all apps and sets the focus to the search charm.
[Windows R] opens the “Run” command; a favorite shortcut used by technicians.
[Windows T] toggles through the icons on the task-bar, where you can either click the mouse or press the enter key to switch to the highlighted window. This is almost the same as [Alt Tab].
[Windows U] opens the “Ease of Access Centre”. [Windows V] in Windows 8 navigates through any notifications you currently have, and [Windows Shift V] navigates through them in reverse order.
[Windows W] in Windows 8 opens the Start screen with a search field to search the “Settings”.
[Windows X] Opens the “Mobility Center” in Windows 7 or the “Power User” menu in Windows 8.
[Windows PrtScr] is absolutely my favorite Windows 8 shortcut. This grabs a picture of your screen and saves it directly to your Pictures folder.
Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant with more than 20 years IT experience and a Texan with a lifetime love for Mexico. The opinions expressed are his own. He may be contacted through his web site at SMAguru.com.