Talk:Windows key

List

Where did that list come from? I'm running WinXP Pro, and Windows + N doesn't open notepad (along with other inconsistancies). DevastatorIIC 02:46, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

Along the same lines, I am running WinXP Pro and the combination Windows+<number> doesn't launch a Quick Launch tray item as stated. Maybe this is because I have too many items in my Quick Launch tray (8 shown and another 14 on the >>); alternatively, could it be a Vista feature? --FriendlyDutch (talk) 16:38, 10 January 2009 (UTC)

"Needs to be incorporated into another article, either "IBM PC Keyboard" or "computer keyboard." " GCW

Maybe add an explanation of "NT systems only" like "NT systems only (Windows NT, 2000, XP)" because somebody using Windows XP may not know that his Windows is "NT system"

IMHO the list must be just "externalized". Believe me but what key combinations do work depends on a lot of things, including policies, whether you have IntelliType installed and others. The only way to keep it accurate and up-to-date is to point to the Microsoft site. This was already in my todo list: in fact I have almost collected all the relevant links and I'll put them in the External links section ASAP. --Gennaro Prota 16:36, 13 February 2006 (UTC)

Rewrote a paragraph

Ciao!

I also tried to clarify the whole paragraph about Windows and Linux. I rewrote this slightly confusing sentace. I hope everyone understands.

"Under Windows, it acts as a modifier key, with the available key combinations depending on a number of factors better detailed in the resources linked to below."

Actaully, the above sentance is a bit redundant because a section called "Windows key shortcuts" exists. Maybe one of us can merge the sentance about the modifier key into the section called "Windows key shortcuts"?

Keep up the good work everyone! --Starionwolf 22:35, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

I finished cleaning up the page. I seperated the text about other operating systems for clarity. I also merged the seperate sentances about shortcuts together. I'll work on this article again when I have more time. --Starionwolf 02:48, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

Hi, honestly I didn't feel the article needed so much work. Anyway, I reviewed our guidelines and saw that while they provide for inline links, such as Firefox homepage [1] they don't seem to allow "inline lists" of links. Thus I stuck to our usual layout with the external links in a separate section. Please, don't change the article structure again. I've seen that you spent several hours on it, and it took me three hours to bring it back to the current status. I don't think so much work is worth the result: in the end it is not much different from the version you started with, and the improvements (if any) are minimal. Of course the matter would be different if we had substantially new information. Ah, as to the use with GNOME and KDE, we could add external links the same way we have done for Windows; however the situation in that case is much more complicated due to the amount of versions and the high configurability of Linux DEs. A couple of high-quality links would be ok but the section can —and should, IMHO— be kept to minimum, I guess, as Linux users generally know what to do with their system ;) Please, don't make major changes to the article without discussion, I wouldn't like to waste hours on it considering the relatively low importance of the topic. Cheers, Gennaro Prota 21:17, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

Issues with first person shooters

It would be nice if someone mentions the terrible mistake of the position of the left windows keys with respect to most fps, since shift, ctrl and alt are used intensively within the game and the windows key tends to leave the game for the start menu. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.178.75.154 (talk • contribs)

• It is referred to in "Issues and alternative designs"; just follow the "caused troubles" link. —Gennaro Prota^•Talk 22:25, 5 December 2006 (UTC)

• REQUEST PARAGRAPH RESTORE
  

I think that this paragraph was better in the WinKey entry. The problem of the WinKey was not just in early First Person Shooters, but any software that heavily relied on shortcut keys, including most graphic aplications and Maya (software). Yes, we pried out the keys. Why would we bury this history under trivia in "Modifyer keys" when it is unique to the WinKey?

It is also possible to disable the WinKeys entirely by modifying the Windows Registry. The WinKeys are powerful enough to take the focus away from an application, yet are often placed directly adjacent to commonly used modifier keys, making it easy to hit them inadvertently. While in some applications this behavior is merely distracting or annoying, in others (such as real-time games) it can be devastating. Some people find the placement of the WinKeys so unfortunate and simply pry the keys from the keyboard altogether. Some keyboard drivers (such as Microsoft IntelliType) allow users to easily disable the WinKeys.

--Knulclunk 00:12, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

• Hi, didn't notice that your request was duplicated here; I replied on my talk page. —Gennaro Prota^•Talk 22:22, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

• I see your edit. Nice job, thanks. --Knulclunk 23:49, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

Solution how to disable the Windows key without a reboot

I am a heavy user of the Windows key and I only want to disable it when I play a game and without a reboot. I found the solution: A little AutoHotKey.com-script: "LWin::return". When it is started, the left Windows key is immediately disabled without a reboot. And you can enable it at anytime by right clicking on the green "H" in the Windows try. But I also want to help people with the same problem who do not want to mess with Autohotkey. Therefore I provided an executable: http://helgehelge.de/DisableLeftWindowsKey.exe (This was generated with AutoHotKey's ahk2exe-compiler.)

I think we could make many people happy by putting it into the article.

HelgeHan (talk) 08:55, 25 April 2008 (UTC)

Super?

Last time I checked GNOME refers to the Windows Key as "Super" and the menu key next to it as "Hyper". Shouldn't this have a mention in the article Whitehornmatt 14:23, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

The name I have heard which fits the key's image best is the "flag" key. I can't put this on the main page because I can't cite a reference of where I heard it. Everweb (talk) 14:15, 20 July 2009 (UTC)

Apple keyboard mapping

The article states that Mac OS X maps the Windows key as the Command key, and the Alt key as the Option key. AFAIK this is incorrect (at least OS X 10.4.8 Intel does this differently): Windows key get's mapped to the Option ("Apple") key, while the Alt key becomes the Command key. This error is spanning across multiple pages. --NetRolller 3D 20:51, 28 February 2007 (UTC)

• Been like 10 years now, but I guess it's better to at least address this. So the article IS technically correct - in fact it's not that OS X "maps" the Windows key to Cmd, it's that the Windows key and the Cmd key are 'the same thing' according to the USB HID specification document. The Windows key on PC keyboards and the Cmd key on Mac keyboards send the exact same USB key code. The same is the case with Alt on PC keyboards and Option on Mac ones. Mac OS can be configured to swap Cmd and Option to maintain the familiar layout, but that has to be done by hand. 37.191.37.252 (talk) 17:50, 3 March 2017 (UTC)

Accessing the key programatically

Some information on how to access this key in software or using macros would be nice. For instance, the SendKeys method in Visual Basic *cannot* access this key, whereas some third-party extensions (such as this) can. 99.137.110.204 (talk) 17:24, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

Recent revert

This edit re-added original research to the article, along with an unneeded point which is actually confusing (as KDE and GNOME are not Linux-specific). It should be reverted. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 18:07, 2 March 2009 (UTC)

the other WinKey

Recently I overheard someone mention "WinKey ... allows me to define short-cut keys". In Wikipedia, WinKey redirects here to "Windows key". Is that person talking about a button on the keyboard, or some sort of software with a confusingly-similar name? --68.0.124.33 (talk) 16:50, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

Since when has it ever been referred to as the Go To Key?

I am a Canadian and I have never seen this key referred to as the Go To Key. I've asked several other people who gave me blank stares when I asked them what the Go To Key is. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hauskaz (talk • contribs) 16:14, 11 December 2009 (UTC)

Although I am not Canadian, I asked several Canadians, and none of them knew what the Go To Key referred to either. Daryl (talk) 16:16, 11 December 2009 (UTC)

Merge with Meta key

This key was used on keyboards long, long before Gates stole it, just like everything else. It was used in UNIX, and the word META was written on it instead of this absurd square symbol. In UNIX, the Meta key is also frequently used, and I think that, since "both keys" make the same scan code, and they are located at the same place on the Model M-style keyboard, they should be one article. Votes? --174.95.52.90 (talk) 05:33, 25 August 2010 (UTC)

The windows key is usually mapped to Super not Meta. Windows and Meta are two very different keys. The Sanest Mad Hatter (talk) 05:51, 27 August 2010 (UTC)

They're the same key (Meta and Windows) at the kernel level, but iirc since emacs treats Alt the same way as Meta (from back when Alt and Meta didn't appear on the same keyboards), several *nix desktop environments called it "Super" to avoid confusion. (Source) KDE still uses "Meta" in the UI, though.

Merging the Meta, Super, and Windows key articles all together might make some sense, but they do have different enough histories and trivia to be separate IMO. RichardBrent (talk) 01:41, 14 August 2023 (UTC)

I agree that their different histories justify keeping the two separate.

Additionally, Win and Super have differences in their current usage that justifies their separation, many of which are already discussed in the Super key's page.

The Windows key is Microsoft specific, and though similar, is distinct from the usage of the Super key in other operating systems such as BSD, Linux. For example, in Windows, the windows key is primarily an easy way to open the start menu (and maybe launching applications). On many Linux desktop environments, including Gnome which is one of the most popular, the Super key is used much more extensively for viewing and switching applications, managing windows, and navigating between virtual workspaces.

Just an anecdote to illustrate my point; as someone who was very familiar with Windows, and recently started using Linux at work (running the Gnome desktop environment), the two separate Win and Super key pages really helped me. When I first saw an instruction to "Press the Super key to open the activities panel" I had no idea what that meant. As I became more comfortable, the Wiki pages helped me get a better understanding of the similarities, and differences in the keys. Layka47 (talk) 14:03, 11 October 2023 (UTC)

Model M? I'm typing this on a genuine IBM-made Model M keyboard (which celebrated its 32nd birthday yesterday) and can thus confidently state that it has nothing that could even remotely be considered a “Meta” key. Bottom row L-R: Ctrl Alt Space Alt Gr Ctrl and that’s yer lot. Mr Larrington (talk) 20:54, 22 February 2022 (UTC)

222.154.234.89 seems to be spamming WinKeyPlus

222.154.234.89 has repeated added a link to WinkeyPlus A small website dedicated to selling a single piece of software, no information to add to this article. He has also repeatedly added it to List of Repetitive Strain Injury software. The Sanest Mad Hatter (talk) 00:15, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

Why

This article doesn't explain why all keyboard manufacturers in the world bother to create the windows logo, even the round embossed one now, even when it doesn't even fit the font or style of the rest of the keys on the keyboard. Why do keyboard manufacturers bother at all to "license" the logo of this key and even have to put texts at the bottom of the keyboard stating they licensed it? Why not just use some other symbol instead? It'd look better too. Is it enforced by law that every keyboard has to have that logo on it or something? Anyway, again, the article doesn't mention why it was possible that starting from 1995 *every* keyboard manufacturer add this key and starting from 2003 *every* keyboard manufacturer started using the embossed one, while they're free to choose the appearance of every other key. 193.190.253.144 (talk) 23:28, 23 September 2010 (UTC)

Yes, that's the biggest part I'm missing from the article. I can't make sense of why that would come to be. Input on that would be much appreciated. jbc (talk) 17:58, 18 April 2020 (UTC)

It allows them to put the"designed for Windows" sticker on the keyboard. I think the license is free so it is a no-brainer to follow Microsoft rules no matter how tiny the benefit is from this. Spitzak (talk) 14:39, 29 June 2024 (UTC)

What a great article

I am just an ordinary user and not too pendantic and this is just IMHO. This is a great article, easy to read and lots of information for users like me. Why doesn't MS or other providers have information like this? Yes, they do, but how long woulld it take me to find it and how many different places would I have to look? This article, starting over again, would take some time to create. THANX to the people who started and refined this article. 81.106.168.147 (talk) 10:03, 9 April 2011 (UTC)

A different start?

I don’t use Windows and I’ve never seen a Windows key. With that advantage, I was able to notice that this coverage of Windows keys doesn’t mention what the key actually does until the 20th line (not counting the contents box). I kept wondering when somebody was going to finally tell me what the heck a Windows key was! It seems more in line with encyclopedia style to start with: The Windows logo key - also known as the Windows key, the WinKey, the Start key, MOD4[citation needed], or the Flag key (sometimes shortened to Flag) - is a keyboard key which, within the standard Windows Shell, opens the Start Menu ... And on to explain the uses of the key. THEN the history and the problems. Just my opinion.Zipzip50 (talk) 03:05, 9 August 2011 (UTC)

Meta Key

Even though they are separate keys, The windows key is refereed to as the 'meta key' way more often then the MIT Keyboard is even thought about. By popular usage, I have added it in as a name for the Windows Key. I believe this is correct because in my line of work, I hear 'Meta' used way more then any other name. It is also historically actuate, as I work with a company who was making keyboards around 95. We directly changed the label of a key labeled "META" to the windows logo for some models, on others there was simply a dot or "SUPER" But super was only used on one model of keyboard. I am now the senior director for my company, so I can say this straght from the horses mouth. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.89.220.108 (talk) 22:56, 28 August 2011 (UTC)

The Windows key is like "a brand name", and should be called super or meta key

Please rename the article or tell me why the article is called Windows key. (not to be a dick, but this is about the actual key, which should be called super or meta key) --Stijn Brouwer (talk) 11:40, 13 April 2012 (UTC)

Oppose Hello, Stijn Brouwer and welcome to Wikipedia. I am afraid doing so does not agree with Wikipedia policies. Wikipedia:Article titles policy specifies several criteria for choosing an article title including recognizability and common use. Your suggested name is very obscure. That said, your reason for a change (being a brand name) is far from a valid one. There is nothing wrong with an article title being a brand name, given its contents. Best regards, Codename Lisa (talk) 03:20, 1 July 2012 (UTC)

Okay, I get your point, this article is correct because "Windows" invented it. But this article has a section for non-windows purposes, so why isn't it merged with Meta key and/or Command key? --Stijn Brouwer (talk) 14:52, 31 August 2012 (UTC)

Hello again, Stijn.

I am afraid you get it wrong. This article is called Windows key because it is about Windows key, regardless of the fact that such a key has compatibility with Meta key, Super key, command key or whatever key and regardless of who invented it. Meta key, Super key and command key are different (albeit compatible) keys that have their own articles. Section "Use with non-Microsoft operating systems" is still about Windows key.

Best regards,

Codename Lisa (talk) 18:03, 31 August 2012 (UTC)

Mapping ⊞ Win to fonts?

I sometimes need to document window key combinations like ⊞ Win+B. That ⊞ Win symbol is inserted in a wiki document by typing "keypress|Win" in double curly brackets. But how would one use a little window symbol like that in word processing? I can't figure it out, and it seems like a good addition to this page. After all, if we can type alt and Unicode characters like ♀, ♪ and ♣ then why not a little window icon? When documenting outside of Wikipedia, I don't know how to get a window symbol like ⊞ Win. Tdk408 (talk) 18:54, 2 July 2014 (UTC)

The closest glyph I can find is ⊞, which is 228E in Unicode. It is called "squared plus". It's not exactly right, but it's better than nothing. Tdk408 (talk) 15:30, 3 July 2014 (UTC)

How about the Japanese character for field: 田 ? Or perhaps to be more neutral, something like ╋ or ╬ ? --TiagoTiago (talk) 04:44, 17 March 2016 (UTC)

The character on the keypress macro is U+229e: ⊞ type &#x229e; into wiki markup to get it. The field character is U+7530: 田, type &#x7530; to get it. Note the field character showed up in an old browser that does not draw the one being used for the Win key macro, possibly the macro should be changed. It also looks a bit more like a Windows logo.Spitzak (talk) 16:43, 17 March 2016 (UTC)

Note that U+228e is ⊎, I think he meant U+229e.

Windows key + u in win 98

Windows key + u in win 98 does not bring up utility menu or  utilman  = 'not found'

• Personal observation* = don't know if considered 'original research' or not.

totally new at this (commenting on wiki article / info. just hoping to be helpful DM in Phx AZ (IP address probably changes - ISP cox.net) — Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.201.182.11 (talk) 00:44, 9 August 2016 (UTC)

Non Microsoft Operating Systems

I am confused why Xbox 360 is listed as a non-ms operating system. the os was designed by ms along with the rest of the console. Does this need to be changed? -A Fluffy Kitteh (FluffyKittehz User Profile Page) 18:17, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

That's a good point. I changed the heading to "Use with other operating systems" (it's not even non-Windows, as it is a modified version of Windows 2000, so I had to just go with "other"). --Jhertel (talk) 17:15, 23 February 2021 (UTC)

Is or was?

Considering the "is" and "was" in the Windows key for Windows XP, should it be "is" or "was"? WP:PAST seems to state that discontinued products are still "is" unless no longer meaningful. In the case of Windows XP, the product itself still lives, and thus still counts as "is", but what about the Windows key on keyboards designed for XP? Qwertyxp2000 (talk | contribs) 09:42, 4 July 2022 (UTC)

Merge with Super key (keyboard button)

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section. A summary of the conclusions reached follows.

To not merge, given concerns over equivalance, abscence of a specific policy-based argument for the merge, and name recognizability if merged. Klbrain (talk) 12:15, 14 October 2023 (UTC)

---

They are the same thing, and this article largely focuses on its use within Microsoft Windows, which would be a perfectly reasonable section in Super key (keyboard button). Thoughts? QoopyQoopy (talk) 13:54, 29 April 2023 (UTC)

May make sense to merge *all* the shift keys into a single article. However you have to remove lists (such as the list of all the windows shortcuts) from this, probably putting that into it's own article.

The history is way to vague to actually say this is the same key as Super, I'm pretty certain that whoever added the Windows key, if they thought about it at all, assumed it matched the "Meta" key. The Super key existed earlier. Spitzak (talk) 18:48, 29 April 2023 (UTC)

Don't see which WP:MERGEREASON that would serve. The keys are equivalent, but they have different histories, and each is associated with a specific set of operating systems and those OSes' features. I only found sources that discuss each key separately, not sources that discuss the history of both keys at length, so it would be hard to write a coherent combined article and avoid having a mish mash. Also, due to the WP:COMMONNAME and the recognizability criterion, the combined title would probably have to be "Windows key", which would be confusing. DFlhb (talk) 21:05, 30 April 2023 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Update warranted

This article is outdated. There should be a section on Windows 11, as there have been some reassignments. 2601:406:0:270:C9D8:7FB:9059:F288 (talk) 21:40, 26 July 2023 (UTC)

Windows 3.1 and the Microsoft Natural Keyboard is where the Windows key originated

I've already edited a tiny section of this page to include this information, though I want to elaborate. In some Microsoft CD samplers from late-1994 to mid-1995, there is a presentation for the Microsoft Natural Keyboard. The Natural Keyboard, when it was first released, came with IntelliType software developed with Windows 3.1 in mind. With the software installed, pressing the Windows key brings up an updated graphical task manager; which includes an application swapper, buttons to arrange your windows, and a customizable quick launch menu. The presentation also mentions how the Windows key will do more "in the future," likely referring to Windows 95's Start menu. Perhaps this information could be written into the article in some form? LightCorp (talk) 09:06, 29 June 2024 (UTC)

Seems confirmed byMicrosoft Natural Keyboard Spitzak (talk) 14:25, 29 June 2024 (UTC)