Key Win (or "Start") is one of the most important buttons on the keyboard, but on laptops its placement often raises questions. This is especially true for compact models, where manufacturers save space, or for devices with a non-standard layout. If you can't find this button, don't panic: its location depends on the brand, model, and even regional settings of the keyboard.

In this article we will look at where exactly to look for the key Win on laptops from different manufacturers - from ASUS And Lenovo to Apple MacBook (where it is not there at all). You'll also learn how to check if the button is working, what to do if it doesn't work, and what alternative methods exist to open the Start menu. And for those who love hotkeys, we have prepared a list of the most useful combinations with Win.

Where is the Win key usually located on a laptop?

On most laptops with operating system Windows key Win located in the lower left corner of the keyboard, between the buttons Ctrl And Alt. However, its exact position may vary:

  • 🖥️ Standard layout: between Fn And Alt (left) or right of Alt (on some models).
  • 🔄 Compact laptops (11-13 inches): can be combined with Fn or moved to the right side.
  • 🎯 Gaming laptops (MSI, Alienware): often duplicated on the right for the convenience of gamers.
  • 🍎 MacBook and Hackintosh: keys Win no - it replaces it Command (⌘).

On some ultrabooks (for example, Dell XPS 13 or HP Spectre) button can be reduced in size or hidden under the touchpad. If you don't see a familiar Windows logo, take a close look at the bottom row of keys - sometimes the logo is printed in small print or replaced with text START.

📊 What brand is your laptop?
  • ASUS
  • Lenovo
  • HP
  • Dell
  • Acer
  • Apple
  • Other

What the Win key looks like: external differences

Button Win easily recognizable by its characteristic logo - four squares forming a window. However, its design may differ on different keyboards:

Keyboard type Appearance of the Win key Examples of models
Standard (full size) Windows logo on a dark or light background, sometimes backlit Lenovo ThinkPad, HP Pavilion
Compact (netbooks, ultrabooks) Reduced logo, sometimes without backlight or with inscription START ASUS ZenBook, Dell Latitude
Gaming keyboards Large logo with RGB backlighting, a duplicate button on the right is possible MSI GE76, Alienware m15
Mac-compatible keyboards Absent (replaced by Command) Apple Magic Keyboard, Logitech MX Keys

On some laptops (eg Microsoft Surface) key Win can be touch-sensitive and located on the screen in the form of a virtual button. There are also models with double Win key - left and right, like on keyboards Razer Blade.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with a bilingual layout (for example, English + Arabic) key Win can be moved or replaced with a language switch button. Check the settings in Control Panel → Language.

Why might the Win key be missing?

If you don't find the button Win on the keyboard, there may be several reasons:

  • 🔧 Hardware missing: on some ultrabooks (for example, LG Gram) button has been removed to save space.
  • 🖱️ Replacement with touchpad: as on Microsoft Surface Pro, where the Start menu is accessed by tapping.
  • 🍎 MacOS devices: on MacBook no key Win - performs its functions Command (⌘).
  • 🔄 Re-flashed keyboard: if the laptop is assembled to order (for example, System76 with Linux), the button can be reassigned.

Another possible reason is mechanical damage. If a key is physically missing (for example, broken or lost), it can be replaced at a service center. The cost of repairs usually does not exceed 500–1500 rubles, depending on the model.

What to do if the Win key is broken?

If the button doesn't physically work, try the following steps:

1. Connect an external USB keyboard and check if Win works on it.

2. Use the Windows on-screen keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O).

3. Reassign another key to the Win function through programs like AutoHotkey or SharpKeys.

4. Contact a service center to replace the key or the entire keyboard.

How to check if the Win key works?

If the button is in place, but does not work, perform simple diagnostics:

  1. Click Win once - the Start menu should open.
  2. Try combinations:
    • Win + E — open “Explorer”;
    • Win + D — show desktop;
    • Win + L — lock the screen.
  • If nothing happens, check your keyboard using Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

    • If a key does not respond only in some programs (for example, games), the problem may be a hotkey conflict. Open Settings → Games → Keyboard shortcuts and disable overridden combinations.

    Check the physical condition of the button (if there is any damage)

    Test combinations Win + [letter]

    Connect an external keyboard for comparison

    Update your keyboard drivers via Device Manager

    Try rolling back the system to a restore point -->

    Alternative ways to open the Start menu without the Win key

    If the key Win does not work or is missing, use one of these methods:

    • 🖱️ Mouse/touchpad: Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
    • 📱 On-screen keyboard: open it through Start → Accessibility → On-screen keyboard.
    • 🔄 Hotkeys:
      • Ctrl + Esc - analogue of pressing Win;
      • Alt + Tab → then Esc (to go to the Start menu);
      • Win + X (if the right mouse button on Start works).
    • 🛠️ Creating a shortcut: place a shortcut with the command on your desktop explorer shell:::{2559a1f3-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}.

    For users Linux (for example, on laptops Dell XPS with Ubuntu) the “Activity” menu is called by the key Super (analogue Win). If it doesn't work, check the settings in Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard shortcuts.

    💡

    If you often lose the Win key, put a bright label on it or use a program KeyTweak to reassign a rarely used button (for example, Scroll Lock) to the Win function.

    Useful Win Key Combinations

    Button Win not only opens the Start menu, but also speeds up working with the system. Here are the most useful combinations:

    Combination Action Usage example
    Win + E Open File Explorer Quick access to files without searching
    Win + R Open Run window Running programs on command (for example, msconfig)
    Win + S Open Windows Search Search for applications, files, settings
    Win + V Open clipboard Pasting previously copied elements
    Win + Shift + S Screenshot (area) Screenshot of part of the screen without additional programs

    Combinations are useful for gamers and designers Win + G (open Xbox Game Bar) and Win + . (insert emoji). And if you work with virtual desktops, remember Win + Tab (view tasks) and Win + Ctrl + D (create a new table).

    ⚠️ Attention: In some games (for example, CS:GO or Fortnite) key Win may conflict with game combinations. To avoid accidentally minimizing the game, disable it in the control settings or use the Game Controller mode (Win + G).

    What to do if the Win key doesn't work?

    If the button does not respond, follow this algorithm:

    1. Restart your laptop. Sometimes the problem is solved by a simple reboot.
    2. Check your drivers. Open Device Manager → Keyboards and update the driver.
    3. Disable conflicting programs. Antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky) or key remapping utilities (for example, AutoHotkey) can block Win.
    4. Check the registry. Open regedit and follow the path: 
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

      Make sure the setting Scancode Map not overridden.

    5. Restore the system. If the problem started after an update, rolling back to a previous restore point may help.

    If all else fails, the key could be physically damaged. In this case, contact a service center or use an external keyboard. For a workaround, reassign a different key (for example, Caps Lock) to function Win with the help PowerToys (a utility from Microsoft).

    💡

    In 90% of cases, the problem with the Win key is solved by updating drivers or disabling conflicting software. Physical failure is less common and requires repair.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Win key

    Is it possible to disable the Win key so as not to press it accidentally?

    Yes, this can be done through the registry or programs like AutoHotkey. For example, add the line to the script: 

    #NoEnv

    SendMode Input
    

    #SingleInstance Force
    

    LWin::return

    This will completely disable touch response. Win.

    Why are there two Win keys on my laptop?

    Two buttons Win (left and right) often found on gaming laptops (ASUS ROG, MSI) for ease of control. The right button is usually used for macros or hotkeys in games.

    How to remap another key to Win function?

    Use utilities SharpKeys or KeyTweak:

    1. Download and install the program.
    2. Select the key to reassign (for example, Scroll Lock).
    3. Assign it a function Left Windows (E0_5B).
    4. Restart your laptop.

    An alternative is to edit the registry manually, but this is risky without experience.

    Does the Win key work on Linux laptops?

    Yes, but it's called Super. On most distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora) it opens the application menu. If it doesn't work, check the settings in Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard shortcuts.

    Can I use the Win key on a MacBook?

    On the keyboard MacBook no key Win, but performs its functions Command (⌘). For example, ⌘ + E in Finder similarly Win + E on Windows. For full emulation, connect an external keyboard with Win or use Boot Camp.