You just purchased a new laptop and are trying to open the menu Startbut can't find a familiar logo key Windows? Or suddenly discovered that the usual button Win does not respond to clicks? This problem is familiar to many users - especially owners of compact ultrabooks or hybrid devices, where manufacturers save space on the keyboard.

In this article we will not only show Where exactly is the Windows key located? on laptops of different brands (ASUS, Lenovo, HP, Dell etc.), but we will also tell you what to do if it is not on the keyboard or it is broken. You will learn about hidden key combinations, alternative ways to open menus Startand also how to reassign a function Win to another button. We will pay special attention to the nuances for MacBook under control Windows and gaming laptops with non-standard layouts.

Standard location of the Windows key on a laptop

On most laptops the key Windows (aka Win, ⊞ Win or ⊞) is located in the lower left corner of the keyboard, between the buttons Ctrl And Alt. This is the classic layout used by brands such as:

  • 🖥️ Dell (series Inspiron, XPS, Latitude)
  • 🖥️ HP (Pavilion, Envy, Spectre)
  • 🖥️ Lenovo (ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Legion)
  • 🖥️ Acer (Swift, Aspire, Nitro)

However, there are exceptions. For example, on some models ASUS (especially in the line ZenBook) key Win can be shifted to the right - between Alt And Fn. And on compact laptops (for example, Microsoft Surface or Samsung Galaxy Book) it is sometimes combined with a button Fn or removed altogether, replacing it with a touch panel.

To quickly find a key, pay attention to its appearance: it is a square or rectangular button with a logo Windows (four checkboxes in the form of a window). Some keyboards have a backlit logo, making it easier to find in the dark.

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

Where to look for the Win key on laptops from different manufacturers

Manufacturers often modify the standard layout, so the layout Win may vary. Below is a detailed table for popular brands:

Brand and series Win key location Features
Lenovo ThinkPad Between Ctrl And Alt (left) On some models it is duplicated to the right of Alt Gr
ASUS ZenBook, VivoBook To the right of Alt (sometimes combined with Fn) On ROG Strix - standard left position
HP Spectre, Envy Left between Ctrl And Alt On Omen there may be a key backlight
Dell XPS, Alienware On the left, but on Alienware sometimes moved to the right On Alienware the key may be smaller in size
Apple MacBook (with Windows) Physically absent Replaced by a combination Fn + Command

If your model is not in the table, inspect your keyboard for a small logo button Windows. On some laptops (eg Microsoft Surface) it can be hidden under the touchpad or replaced with a gesture on the touchpad.

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On laptops with backlit keyboards (for example, MSI GS66 or Razer Blade) key Win often glows blue or white, making it easier to find in the dark.

What to do if the Windows key is not on the keyboard

Some ultrabooks (eg. Apple MacBook or Google Pixelbook) do not have a physical key Win. In such cases, the menu Start can be opened in alternative ways:

  • 🖱️ Click on the icon Start in the lower left corner of the screen using a mouse or touchpad.
  • 🔄 Use combination Ctrl + Esc (works on most laptops).
  • 📝 On MacBook under Windows - pinch Fn + Command.
  • 🖊️ On tablets with Windows (For example, Microsoft Surface) - swipe from the left edge of the screen.

If the key Win Yes, but it doesn't work, check:

  1. Is it not turned on? game mode (on some laptops, e.g. ASUS TUF, it disables the key Winto avoid accidental clicks).
  2. Is the button pressed? Fn (on some models Lenovo it blocks Win).
  3. Is the key mechanically damaged (try pressing it with force).
How to temporarily disable the Win key if it interferes with games?

To deactivate Win in games, you can use utilities like WinKey Disable or SharpKeys. Also some keyboards (for example, on Razer Blade) have a built-in locking function Win through proprietary software.

How to remap the Windows key to another button

If the key Win is broken or its location is inconvenient, you can reassign its function to another button (for example, Caps Lock or Menu). To do this:

  1. Download the utility SharpKeys (free) or AutoHotkey.
  2. B SharpKeys select Win on the list From key and specify the target key (for example, Caps Lock) in To key.
  3. Click Write to Registry and reboot your laptop.

For AutoHotkey create a script with the command:

CapsLock::LWin

and run it. Now pressing Caps Lock will open the menu Start.

Download SharpKeys or AutoHotkey|Select source key (Win)|Specify target key (for example, Caps Lock)|Save settings and restart PC-->

Attention! After reassignment, the original key Win will stop working. To get everything back, delete the rules in SharpKeys or uninstall AutoHotkey.

Why the Windows key may not work and how to fix it

If the key Win does not respond to clicks, the reasons can be either software or hardware. Let's look at the main ones:

  • 🔧 Keyboard driver: Update the driver via Device Manager (section Keyboards).
  • 🦠 Viruses: Some malware blocks keys. Check the system Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
  • 🎮 Game mode: On laptops MSI, ASUS ROG or Alienware key Win may turn off in games. Check the firmware settings (for example, Armoury Crate or Dragon Center).
  • ☕ Sticky keys: If under Win If liquid or dust gets in, carefully clean the keyboard with compressed air or contact service.

On laptops Lenovo Legion And HP Omen The Win key sometimes conflicts with proprietary utilities for gamers. To make it work again, disable the background processes of these programs in the Task Manager.

If the problem persists, try connecting an external keyboard - if it Win works, it means the built-in keyboard of the laptop is faulty.

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Before cleaning the keyboard, be sure to unplug your laptop and remove the battery (if possible). Use only dry cleaning methods or special electronics wipes.

Windows key on MacBook and other non-standard devices

On MacBook under control Windows (via Boot Camp) physical key Win no. Combinations are used instead:

  • 🍎 Fn + Command — opens the menu Start.
  • 🍎 Fn + Control + Command - causes Task Manager.
  • 🍎 Fn + Option - emulates Alt + Tab.

On tablets with Windows (For example, Microsoft Surface Pro or Samsung Galaxy Book) key Win maybe:

  • 📱 Built into the touch panel (on Surface - at the bottom of the screen when connecting a keyboard).
  • 📱 Placed on the side button of the device (for example, on Lenovo Yoga).
  • 📱 Replaced with a gesture: swipe from the left edge of the screen.

On Chromebook with Windows (installed via CloudReady or Neverware) key Win usually emulated by a button Search (with a magnifying glass).

Useful Windows Key Combinations

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

Combination Action Usage example
Win + E Opens Explorer Quick access to files without searching
Win + D Collapse all windows (show Desk) When you need to quickly switch to another task
Win + L Screen lock If you need to step away from your laptop in a public place
Win + Tab Opens Task View (virtual desktops) Convenient for multitasking
Win + V Clipboard history If you need to paste text that you copied earlier

On gaming laptops (eg. ASUS ROG or MSI Raider) some combinations may conflict with proprietary hotkeys. In this case, disable them in the manufacturer's software settings.

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Combination Win + X opens a hidden menu with quick access to Device Manager, Disk Management and other system tools. This is useful if the mouse does not work.

Attention! On some laptops (eg Lenovo Yoga with touch screen) combinations with Win may be delayed due to conflict with gestures. Update touchpad drivers via Lenovo Vantage or the official website of the manufacturer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Windows key on a laptop

Is it possible to completely disable the Windows key if it interferes with games?

Yes, this can be done using utilities WinKey Disable, SharpKeys or through the registry editor. B SharpKeys select Win in the list and assign a function to it Turn Key Off. After rebooting, the key will stop working.

Why on my laptop ASUS The Win key opens not Start, but proprietary software?

Some models ASUS (For example, ROG Zephyrus) reassign Win for launch Armoury Crate. To return to default behavior, open Settings Armoury Crate and disable the option Hotkey for key Win.

How to open the Start menu if the Windows key is broken and the touchpad does not work?

Connect an external keyboard or mouse via USB/Bluetooth. If this is not possible, use on-screen keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O - but this will only work if Win at least reacts somehow). As a last resort, run Task Manager through Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then select File -> Run new task and enter explorer.

On a laptop HP The Win key only works with Fn held down. This is fine?

No, this indicates a problem with the drivers or BIOS settings. Update your keyboard driver via HP Support Assistant or reset the BIOS settings (disable the option Action Keys Mode, if it exists).

Is it possible to reassign the Windows key on a laptop without third-party programs?

In standard means Windows there is no such function. However, in Windows 10/11 Pro can be used Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to disable the key, but not to reassign it. For complete customization you will need utilities like AutoHotkey.