Displaying the Start Menu Using the Keyboard

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 14, 2019)

The Start menu is the way in which you access many features, tools, and resources in Windows. Normally you display the Start menu by clicking the small Windows icon at the left side of the Taskbar. There are also ways you can display the Start menu using the keyboard, in case you don't want to take your hands off the keyboard. Either of these methods will work:

  • Press Ctrl+Esc
  • Click the keyboard key that has a Windows icon visible on it

You should note that the second method of displaying the Start menu only has meaning if you are using a Windows enhanced keyboard. Most keyboards provided with computer systems these days fall into this category, but if you are using an older system, you may not have such a key on the keyboard.

 This tip (10799) applies to Windows 7 and 10.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Counting Filtered Rows

The filtering capabilities of Excel are indispensable when working with large sets of data. When you create a filtered ...

Discover More

Using Tags with Document Files

Tags are a way for you to store keywords or metadata with your document files. They can be helpful when you are trying to ...

Discover More

Pulling Text from a Cell and Placing It in a Shape

Graphic shapes you add to your worksheet can easily contain text; just click on the shape and start typing away. You may ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Adding the Day of the Week to the Taskbar Clock

Sometimes it is helpful to know the day of the week. How do you get the taskbar clock to show the day of the week?

Discover More

Hiding the Taskbar when It is Not in Use

Don't like the Taskbar visible on the screen? You can easily hide it when you aren't using it by making just one small ...

Discover More

Understanding the Notification Area

The Notification Area is located at the right side of the taskbar. It represents an active area of information for ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 + 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips