Windows key

For the Windows product key, see Microsoft Product Activation.

For the original keyboard key that performed the same function, and found in some modern Linux keyboards, see Super key (keyboard button).

Current Windows key (center) with four equal squares, reflecting the Windows 11 and modern Microsoft logos in use since 2021

Windows 8 & 10 key with an isosceles trapezoid version of the Windows logo

Windows Vista & 7 key with a centered logo within an orb

Windows XP key with the logo offset to the top left, also features the word "start"

Original Windows key used with Windows 95 & 98, with the logo offset to the top left

The Windows key (also known as the win, start, logo, flag or super key) is a computer keyboard key originally introduced on Microsoft's Natural Keyboard in 1994. On Windows 95, it was used to open the start menu, and subsequently became standard on PC keyboards. In Microsoft Windows, Ctrl+Esc performs the same function, for keyboards which lack the key.