Have you just bought a new laptop and are trying to open the Start menu but can't find the familiar Windows logo button? Or is there a key, but it looks different than on a desktop PC? This problem is familiar to many - especially owners of compact ultrabooks or hybrid devices, where manufacturers save space on the keyboard. Button appearance Win (also called “Windows”, “Super” or “Command” on a Mac) can differ radically depending on the laptop model, and sometimes it is not visible at all.

In this article we will look at all possible options, what the Win button looks like on laptops of different brands - from the classic logo to hidden keyboard shortcuts. You will learn where to look for it on keyboards Asus, HP, Lenovo, Acer and others, as well as what to do if the button is missing or does not work. For clarity, we present photos of real keyboards with and without backlight, a location comparison table, and instructions for setting up alternative ways to access the Start menu.

1. Classic version: Win button with Windows logo

On most laptops the button Win looks exactly like this: it is a separate key between Ctrl And Alt (usually on the left), on which is drawn Windows icon - four multi-colored squares folded into a “window”. This design is used by almost all manufacturers for full-size keyboards (15–17 inches).

Examples of laptops with a classic Win button:

  • 💻 Lenovo ThinkPad (T, X, P series) - the key is illuminated in white or red
  • 💻 Dell Inspiron And XPS - Windows logo on a black or silver background
  • 💻 HP Pavilion And Omen — the button is often highlighted in color (blue, green)
  • 💻 MSI And Gigabyte (gaming laptops) - RGB backlighting, logo can be stylized

On some models the logo is applied laser engraving (for example, on MacBook with Boot Camp), so it is only visible from a certain angle or when backlit. If your laptop has a white backlit keyboard, try turning it on - sometimes this is the only way the Windows symbol appears.

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

2. Compact laptops: Win button in the form of an icon without inscription

On ultrabooks (13–14 inches) and transformers, manufacturers often save space by removing the labels from the keys. In this case the button Win might look like:

  • 🖥️ Only Windows icon without frame (for example, on Asus ZenBook or Huawei MateBook)
  • 🖥️ Miniature logo in the corner of the key (as on Lenovo Yoga)
  • 🖥️ The symbol “⊞” (universal symbol for the Super key) - used on some Linux laptops

Most often, this button is located between Fn And Alt, but can be moved closer to the space. For example, on Microsoft Surface Win key is located to the right of the space, and not on the left, as usual. If you are not sure, try pressing all the keys in the bottom row in turn - the Start menu will open when you press the one you want.

Why do some laptops not say "Win"?

On compact keyboards, manufacturers remove lettering to save space and create a minimalist design. Additionally, on devices with touch screens (e.g. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex) the user is expected to use the touchpad or touch menu more often than hotkeys.

3. Laptops without a Win button: where to look for it?

On some models the key Win physically absent. This is typical for:

  • 📱 Tablets with keyboard (For example, Microsoft Surface Go)
  • 💻 Ultra-compact laptops (For example, Asus VivoBook S with 11" keyboard)
  • 🖥️ Laptops with custom firmware (For example, Chromebook with Windows installed)

In such cases, the Win button can be:

  1. Hidden under the function key (For example, Fn + F1 on some Acer).
  2. Replaced with a keyboard shortcut (For example, Ctrl + Esc on ThinkPad without Windows button).
  3. Absent at all - then the Start menu can be opened via the touchpad (down gesture with three fingers) or the taskbar.

If you can't find the key, check your laptop documentation or use on-screen keyboard (call her via Win + Ctrl + O - if this combination works, it means that the physical button is there, but hidden).

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On MacBook with Windows installed, the Win button is replaced with Command (⌘). To open the Start menu, press it once.

4. Win button on gaming laptops: RGB backlighting and non-standard location

Gaming laptops (MSI GT76, Asus ROG Strix, Alienware m15) often have custom keyboards with additional buttons and backlighting. Here's a button Win can:

  • 🎮 To be highlighted in a separate color (for example, red on ROG)
  • 🎮 Located to the right of the space (as in Razer Blade)
  • 🎮 Have dual purpose (For example, Win + Fn to activate game mode)

On some models (for example, Acer Predator) the Win button can be disabled by defaultto avoid accidental clicks while playing. To enable it, go to BIOS/UEFI (when loading, click F2 or Del) and find the option Windows Key Enable.

Laptop brand Win button location Features
Asus ROG Left between Ctrl And Alt RGB backlight, sometimes duplicated on the right
MSI Titan To the right of the space Can be disabled in BIOS
Alienware On the left, but smaller size Windows logo features a futuristic design
Razer Blade On the right, next to the arrows Black color, barely visible without backlight

5. How to find the Win button on laptops with a non-standard layout

Some laptops (especially Japanese or Korean models) have unique keyboard layouts where the button Win maybe:

  • 🇯🇵 Replaced with 無変換 (Muhenkan) - press it once to call “Start”
  • 🇰🇷 Located next to Han/Eng (language switch)
  • 🌍 Hidden under Fn + some key (For example, Fn + Space on some Samsung)

If you have a laptop with Asian layout, try the following combinations:

Fn + Caps Lock

Fn + F11


Ctrl + Esc

Also check the language settings in Windows: sometimes the Win button does not work due to a layout conflict. Go to Settings → Time and language → Language and region and make sure the primary language is Russian or English (depending on your system).

Press all the keys in the bottom row in turn|

Try combinations Fn + F1–F12|

Check language settings in Windows|

Enable on-screen keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O)-->

6. What to do if the Win button does not work

If the key Win in place, but does not open the Start menu, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔧 Disabled in the registry - this is often done by administrators on corporate laptops.
  • 🔧 Keyboard driver conflict (especially after Windows update).
  • 🔧 Physical breakdown — the key is “stuck” or the contact has come off.

To restore the button's functionality:

  1. Reboot your laptop - sometimes this helps with temporary glitches.
  2. Update your keyboard driver via Device Manager.
  3. Check the registry:
    1. Click Win + R, enter regedit.
    2. Follow the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.
    3. Make sure the setting Scancode Map missing or equal 00000000.
⚠️ Attention: If you are unsure about editing the registry, create a system restore point before making any changes. Incorrect actions may result in Windows not working properly.

If the button is physically broken, it can be replaced at a service center or used virtual alternative - for example, assign the “Start” call to another key through the program AutoHotkey.

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Before editing the registry or updating drivers, create a backup copy of your system. This will save you from accidental mistakes.

7. Alternative ways to open the Start menu without the Win button

If the button Win missing or not working, use these methods:

  • 🖱️ Click on Windows icon on the taskbar (bottom of the screen).
  • 👆 Use touchpad gesture: Swipe down with three fingers (setting in Settings → Devices → Touchpad).
  • ⌨️ Click Ctrl + Esc is a universal combination for calling “Start”.
  • 📱 On touch laptops, tap the screen in the lower left corner (where the Windows icon usually is).

For convenience, you can create desktop shortcut:

  1. Right click on the desktop → Create → Shortcut.
  2. In the "Specify the location of the object" field, enter explorer shell:::{2559a1f8-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}.
  3. Name the shortcut “Start” and save.

If you often use hotkeys, install the utility WinHotKey or SharpKeys to reassign buttons. For example, you can make the Start menu open when you press Caps Lock or Scroll Lock.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Win button on a laptop

🔍 Why are there two Win buttons on my laptop?

On some gaming laptops (eg. Asus ROG or MSI) the Win button is duplicated to the right of the space bar for the convenience of gamers. Also, a second key may appear when an external keyboard is connected.

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

Yes, this can be done through the registry or special programs like WinKill. Instructions:

  1. Open regedit.
  2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.
  3. Create a binary parameter Scancode Map with meaning 00000000 00000000 02000000 00005B00 00000000.

After rebooting, the Win button will stop working.

🔍 Where is the Win button on a MacBook with Windows?

On MacBook key Command (⌘) acts as a Win button. To open the Start menu, press it once. Combinations like Win + E on Mac there will be ⌘ + E.

🔍 Why does the Win button work every other time?

This may be due to:

  • The keyboard is dirty (dust under the key).
  • Driver conflict (update them in Device Manager).
  • “Game mode” enabled (disable it in the laptop settings).

Try connecting an external keyboard - if the Win button works stably on it, the problem is in the laptop hardware.

🔍 How to reassign another key to the Win role?

Use the program SharpKeys:

  1. Download and install the utility from the official website.
  2. Select the key to reassign (for example, Caps Lock).
  3. From the Turn Key list, select Special: Left Windows (E0_5B).
  4. Click Write to Registry and reboot your laptop.