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

Printing Just the Visible Data

In a large worksheet, you may want to display and print just a portion of the available data. Displaying the desired ...

Discover More

Creating Add-Ins

Want to create your own add-in? Excel makes it easy to do. Here are all the steps you need.

Discover More

Understanding Variables in VBA Macros

You can create and use all sorts of variables in your macros. This tip examines all the different data types you can specify.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Pinning a File to the Taskbar

In an effort to make your computer use more efficient you can pin non-executable files to the taskbar for easy access. ...

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

Locking and Unlocking the Taskbar

You'll usually want your Taskbar locked, but there are times when it must be unlocked. This tip explains how to lock and ...

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 4 + 9?

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

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.