The Windows key is not only used to open Start menu. It can be very useful when you press the right key combinations.

For example, WinKey + D is my favorite one. It is used to minimize or restore all open windows. If you want to return to the desktop immediately, just press WinKey + D. If you want to continue your work, just press it again. It works like the “Show Desktop” icon which is located in the Quick Launch bar.

You can also use WinKey + M to minimize all open windows and WinKey + Shift + M to restore them. But why use different and longer key combinations? I recommend WinKey + D.

Want to see the Find Dialog? No need to search for it in the Start menu. Just press WinKey + F. If you want to continue without using mouse, you can use Tab and Enter keys to navigate.

WinKey + R opens the standard Windows Run Dialog. I don’t need to use this key combination, because I prefer YS Faster Than Ever over Run Dialog.

WinKey + E opens the Windows Explorer. Do not confuse it Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer is just the thing you always see whenever you open a folder.

If you want lock your computer before leaving your desk, you can press WinKey + L. This brings the Windows logon screen. Of course it will be useful only if you protect your computer with a password.

I am not sure how many people use the Windows Help feature, but if you need it, you can open it by pressing WinKey + F1.

WinKey + Tab cycles through the taskbar items. You need to press Enter to open the highlighted program/folder. The other way of cycling through open programs is pressing CTRL + Tab.

WinKey + Pause/Break opens the System Properties dialog.

WinKey + U opens the Utility Manager dialog.

WinKey + Space scrolls down and WinKey + Shift + Space scrolls up in Internet Explorer, FireFox and Opera web browsers but I prefer Page Up and Page Down.

And of course, WinKey itself opens the Start menu. CTRL+Esc also does the same.