Logo button Windows (sometimes called the “Start key” or “Win key”) is one of the most important keys on a laptop keyboard. She opens the menu Start, is used in hundreds of keyboard shortcuts and makes working with the system easier. However, it is difficult to find on some laptops: manufacturers change the location, size, or even remove it completely. If you don't see the usual key between Ctrl And Alt, don’t rush to panic - it’s definitely there, just hidden or modified.

In this article we will figure out where exactly to look Windows button on laptops of different brands (ASUS, HP, Lenovo, Acer etc.), how to identify it on non-standard keyboards (for example, on MacBook or gaming devices), and what to do if it is broken or missing. Let’s take a closer look at alternative ways to call up the menu Start without a physical key.

Standard Windows button placement on most laptops

On classic laptop keyboards, the button Windows located in the lower left corner, between the keys Ctrl And Alt. It is usually marked with the operating system logo - four multi-colored squares forming a “window”. On some models, the logo may be monochrome (white or gray), especially on backlit keyboards.

Here's what a typical layout looks like on most devices:

  • 🔹 Left side of the keyboard: between Fn (or Ctrl) and Alt.
  • 🔹 Right side of the keyboard: sometimes duplicated to the right of Alt Gr (on wide keyboards).
  • 🔹 On backlit keys: the logo may glow or be barely visible when the backlight is off.

If your laptop is equipped number block (Numpad), button Windows may be to the left of the space, and to the right of it will be Menu (context menu key). On compact laptops (for example, Lenovo IdeaPad or HP Pavilion) it is sometimes moved to the top row next to Fn.

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

Where to look for the Windows button on laptops of different brands

Manufacturers often modify the keyboard layout, especially on Ultrabooks and gaming laptops. This is where the key is usually hidden Windows from popular brands:

Brand Model range Windows button location Features
ASUS ROG Zephyrus, TUF Gaming, VivoBook Left between Ctrl And Alt, sometimes to the right of the space Gaming models may have RGB lighting
HP Pavilion, Omen, Envy Bottom left, next to Fn On Omen the key can be reduced
Lenovo ThinkPad, Legion, IdeaPad Between Fn And Alt, on ThinkPad - to the right of Alt Gr On Legion duplicated on the right
Acer Swift, Nitro, Aspire Bottom left, sometimes combined with Fn (press with Fn Lock) On Nitro highlighted in red
Dell XPS, Inspiron, Alienware Left between Ctrl And Alt, on Alienware - to the right of the space On XPS the key may not be backlit

If your model is not listed in the table, please note additional characters on the keys. Sometimes logo Windows applied on top of another feature (for example, on Fn or Menu). In this case, to activate you will need to click Fn Lock or hold Fn.

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops MSI And Gigabyte key Windows disabled by default in the BIOS to avoid accidental clicks during gameplay. To activate it, go to the BIOS (click Del or F2 on boot) and find the option Windows Key in section Advanced.

How to find the Windows button on non-standard keyboards

Not all keyboards follow the standard layout. Here's where to look for the key Windows in unusual cases:

  • 🍎 MacBook (macOS or Windows via Boot Camp): on the keyboard Apple no Windows button. Instead it is used Command (⌘). B Windowsinstalled on Mac, the role of the key Windows performs ⌘ (left or right).
  • 🎮 Gaming laptops (Razer Blade, Alienware): the key can be moved to the lower right corner or combined with Menu. On Razer sometimes you need to press Fn + Win.
  • 📱 Tablets with keyboards (Microsoft Surface, iPad + Magic Keyboard): on Surface button Windows located at the bottom left, on iPad replaces it Command or combination Globus + W.
  • 🖥️ Mini PCs or all-in-one PCs (Apple iMac, HP EliteDesk): on wireless keyboards, the button can be combined with Fn or absent altogether (then use Ctrl + Esc).

On keyboards with touch panel (for example, on some models Lenovo Yoga) button Windows can be implemented as virtual. To call it, tap the icon Windows on the touchpad or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen (menu gesture Start in Windows 10/11).

What to do if the Windows key is physically missing?

On some ultra-compact laptops (for example, ASUS ZenBook or LG Gram) manufacturers remove the key to save space. In this case, use alternative methods:

- Combination Ctrl + Esc (opens menu Start).

- Create a shortcut on your desktop with the command explorer shell:::{2559a1f3-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0} (opens Start by double click).

- Set up hotkeys via Settings → Devices → Keyboard (in Windows 11).

What to do if the Windows button doesn't work

If the key Windows does not respond to clicks, the problem can be either hardware (physical failure) or software (disconnection in the system or driver conflict). Here are step-by-step diagnostic instructions:

Check if the key is stuck (carefully pry it off with a screwdriver)

Connect an external keyboard - does the Windows button work on it?

Run On-screen keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O) and check the virtual key

Update your keyboard drivers via Device Manager

Check your BIOS settings (on some laptops the key is disabled by default) -->

If the external keyboard works but the built-in keyboard does not, the problem is in the hardware. Try:

  1. Clean the keyboard from dust with compressed air (do not use wet wipes!).
  2. Restart your laptop - sometimes the keys get stuck due to input errors.
  3. Update the BIOS (look for instructions on the laptop manufacturer's website).

If the key works but does not open a menu Start, and another window (for example, Search), which means the settings have been changed Windows. Return them to their original state:

  1. Open Settings → Personalization → Taskbar.
  2. Scroll to section Keyboard shortcuts and reset settings.
  3. Restart your PC.
⚠️ Attention: On some laptops with Linux (For example, Dell XPS Developer Edition) key Windows by default reassigned to Super (call the application menu). To return to default behavior, edit the configuration file ~/.config/dconf/user or use the utility dconf-editor.

Alternative Ways to Open the Start Menu Without the Windows Button

If the key Windows broken or missing, use one of these methods:

  • 🖱️ Mouse or touchpad: click on the icon Windows in the lower left corner of the screen (or click Win + Tab, if the icon is hidden).
  • ⌨️ Keyboard shortcuts:
    • Ctrl + Esc — opens the menu Start (works on all versions of Windows).
    • Win + X — calls the context menu (an alternative to the right mouse button on Start).
    • Alt + Tab → then Esc - an indirect way to return to the desktop.
  • 📱 Voice assistant: tell me Hey Cortana (in Windows 10) or click Win + Cto activate voice input.
  • 🔧 Creating a shortcut: right click on the desktop → Create → Shortcut → enter explorer shell:::{2559a1f3-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}.

For Windows 11 There is an additional way: swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen (on touch devices) or use a gesture Win + Space to call up search, then press Escto open Start.

CapsLock::Send #{Enter}
-->

How to reassign another key to the Windows role

If the button Windows is missing or doesn't work, you can reassign any other key (for example, Caps Lock or Scroll Lock) on its functions. There are several ways to do this:

Method 1: Through the Windows Registry

This method is suitable for advanced users. Incorrectly editing the registry can lead to system crashes! Make a backup before making changes.

  1. Click Win + R, enter regedit and confirm.
  2. Follow the path: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
  3. Create a new one Binary parameter with name Scancode Map.
  4. Enter data in the format 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 02 00 00 00 5B E0 3A 00 00 00 00 00 (this reassigns Caps Lock on Win).
  5. Restart your PC.

Method 2: Using PowerToys (Windows 10/11)

Microsoft PowerToys - a free utility with the function Keyboard Manager, which allows you to reassign keys without editing the registry:

  1. Download PowerToys from the official website Microsoft.
  2. Run the utility and go to Keyboard Manager.
  3. Click Remap a key → select the key to reassign (for example, Caps Lock).
  4. Assign it a function Left Windows (Win).
  5. Save and restart the application.

Method 3: AutoHotkey (flexible configuration)

AutoHotkey allows you to create complex reassignment scenarios. For example, to do Win from Scroll Lock:

ScrollLock::Send #{Enter}

Save the script to a file with the extension .ahk and run it. To make it work constantly, add it to startup.

⚠️ Warning: Key remapping may conflict with some games or programs (for example, Adobe Photoshop uses Win for your combinations). Before changing, check if you are using these keys in critical applications.

Frequently asked questions about the Windows button on a laptop

Is it possible to disable the Windows button so I don't accidentally press it?

Yes, this can be done through the registry or utilities like SharpKeys. In the registry, remove or change the setting Scancode Map (described above). B SharpKeys select a key Windows and assign it a function Turn Key Off. After a reboot, the key will become inactive.

Why are there two Windows buttons on my laptop?

On some laptops (eg Dell Precision or HP ZBook) key Windows duplicated to the right of the space for the convenience of users working with the number block. This is a standard solution for professional devices.

How to open the Start menu on a Linux laptop?

In most distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint) the role of the key is Windows performs Super (usually the same logo key). If it doesn't work, check your window manager settings (GNOME, KDE) or use a combination Alt + F1.

Can I use the Windows button on a Mac keyboard under Windows?

Yes, but to do this you need to reassign the keys. B Boot Camp (Windows on Mac) key Command (⌘) default works like Windows. If not, open Boot Camp Control Panel and in the section Keyboard select option Use Windows keys on a Mac keyboard.

What should I do if the Windows button presses by itself?

This is a typical problem when liquid or dust gets under the key. Try:

  1. Clean the keyboard with compressed air.
  2. Disable the key via the registry (as described above).
  3. If the laptop is under warranty, contact a service center (self-repair may void the warranty).

💡

If the Windows button is physically missing, use the shortcut Ctrl + Esc — it works in all versions of Windows and does not require additional settings.