Windows Key Shortcuts
If you are an experienced Windows user, you probably already know that you push the Windows Key to bring up the Start menu. But in addition to that, there are a bunch of standard Windows Key shortcuts. (Notethat this table also includes a couple of shortcuts that don't require the Windows key.)
Vista Shortcuts using the Windows key
| Shortcut Key(s) | What It Does |
| Windows Key+B | Sets focus to first icon in the notification area. You can use arrow keys to move among the icons in the notification area or press Tab to move around on the taskbar. |
| Windows Key+D | Show Desktop (without the Sidebar). |
| Windows Key+E | Windows Explorer (opens to Computer). |
| Windows Key+F | Find Files or Folders (aka Search). |
| Windows Key+M | Minimize All windows (Sidebar not included). |
| Windows Key+Shift+M | Undo Minimize All Windows. |
| Windows Key+R | Open the Run dialog box. |
| Windows Key+Tab | 3-D Flip (flips you through your applications but with a cool graphic instead of the standard Alt+Tab). Requires the use of the Aero user interface. |
| Windows Key+Pause/Break | System Properties. |
| Windows Key+F1 | Windows Help. |
| Windows Key+L | Locks workstation. If the user account has a password, it must be reentered to unlock the system again. |
| Windows Key+U | Ease of Access Settings. |
| Windows Key+Spacebar | This shows the Sidebar (the Sidebar must be open, but minimized). |
| Ctrl+Windows Key+Tab | Brings up Flip-3D, but it will stay on the desktop so you can scroll up, down, left and right. |
| Windows Key+T | Allows you to tab between application buttons on the taskbar. |
| Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Opens Task Manager. |
| Alt+Tab | Windows Flip. Allows you to choose an open application to switch to by repeatedly pressing the Tab key. |