Using the Windows key to move... well windows
One of my personal favorite WK(Windows Key) shortcuts is the combination of WK and the arrow keys. WK and the up arrow will maximize the current window, while WK and the down arrow will make the window smaller. Using WK with the left and right arrow keys reshapes the window so that it only takes up half the screen. Doing research for a paper? Open Word, hit WK left then open your favorite browser and hit WK right and you can easily have both windows open so you can take notes on whatever sources you find. Another WK shortcut I find useful is WK and M. This shortcut minimizes all windows while adding the shift key to that combo brings them all back.
Using shortcuts for easy access
WK combos aren't just used for moving around windows, they can be used to access all sorts of menus. WK and C brings that annoying little charms bar out from the right side of your screen, or more likely if you just need the settings part of that menu you can just use WK and I. Most of the teachers know about WK and P, it is the project menu and lets you choose between a duplicate, extended, laptop only, or second screen only projection options. But truly the most useful menu WK shortcut is WK and X. This menu not only includes a shortcut to the shutdown menu, it also includes shortcuts to the full control panel when that wimpy settings menu just wont cut it, an easy way to get into the file explorer, a link to the systems setting menu so you can tell the dashing IT tech what your computer's name is, and links to the network connections and power options menu.
Other cool stuff that doesn't really fit in anywhere Else
How is your eyesight? Most of you would respond, "My eyesight is spectacular, I am able to count the hairs on a gnats backside at fifty paces." But for those of you who are less like the previous statement and more stumbling through a world of different colored vaguely human shaped blurs, I have the perfect shortcut for you: WK and the + activates the on screen magnifier and pressing it again will zoom in. pressing WK and - will make it zoom out. WK and any number will open or switch to the corresponding item on the task bar (WK and 3 opens the 3rd item on the task bar or switches to it if already open). Let me weave you a little tale you open your computer to do homework (I know that is a stretch for some of you, but hear me out) you go to open PowerPoint and a strange error pops up, what do you do? For some of you the answer may be, "Run around screaming like the world is ending" but that is not the best answer; the more cool headed among you may be thinking, "I should contact that dashing IT tech from the previous paragraph." Those people are right but, "How will I show the dashing IT tech what is wrong with my computer?" you ask. (BTW, you have a ton of internal monologues; maybe you should get that checked out.) Well I have an answer: WK and PrtScr not only takes a screenshot but also saves a copy of it in the screenshots folder in your Pictures. Then you can send us in the dashing IT department a picture of just what that error was; this will help us to identify your problem and possibly make the repair process go just a little faster.
In Conclusion
The Windows key can do a lot of cool stuff. This isn't everything it can do; just a few useful ones that I thought you might like. Microsoft is continuously changing what the windows key does -- it even has a few more functions added to it in Windows 10. The Windows key is super useful if used properly, but a lot of people don't realize just how much it can do. So do me a favor next time you use your computer, try out the Windows key. I'm sure it feels neglected and could use a little love, who knows, maybe it will make your life a little easier, or at least save you a little time going forward.
TL;DR:
| Combo | Effect |
|---|---|
| WK + ↑ | Maximize current window |
| WK + ← | Snap current window left |
| WK + → | Snap current window right |
| WK + ↓ | Restore down |
| WK+M | Minimize all windows |
| WK+C | Open charms bar |
| WK+I | Open PC settings |
| WK+P | Open Project menu |
| WK+X | Open quick links menu |
| WK + + | Activate magnifier (increase magnification if already open) |
| WK + - | Decrease magnification |
| WK+(0-9) | Switch to or open programs on the taskbar |
| WK+PrtScr | Save a screenshot to the screenshots folder |
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