The Windows Key has been around since Windows 95, and between then and now, it has evolved from a gimmick into something truly useful. Plenty of hidden tricks exist in Windows, and this key is crucial for many of them. Here are a few that’ll make your life easier.

Since Windows 95

• Win+D: Hides all windows. Hit again to restore windows.
• Win+E: Opens Windows Explorer.
• Win+R: Opens the Run window.

Since Windows XP

• Win+L: Locks the desktop.

Since Windows 7

• Win+Up: Maximizes the current window.
• Win+Down: Minimizes the current window.
• Win+Left: Docks the current window to the left.
• Win+Right: Docks the current window to the right.
• Win+#: Switches to the corresponding program in taskbar.

Since Windows 10

• Win+A: Opens the Action Center (notifications and quick settings).
• Win+C: Activates Cortana listening mode.
• Win+I: Opens the Settings app.
• Win+Tab: Opens the task view, showing all open programs and making it easy to switch to the one you need.