Member Avatar for CppFTW

Hi,

The shortcut to minimize to desktop (Windows key + D) is not working ever since I upgrade to Windows 7. It's almost like windows just ignores the combination.

This was really useful to me. Does anybody know why it isn't working or what else I can do?


Thanks in advance!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by psk_31

Dani AI

Generated

a few quick checks can usually pin this down. First, confirm the Windows key itself works: try Win+E (opens Explorer) and Win+L (locks the PC). If those work but Win+D does nothing, remember Win+D toggles Show Desktop (press again to restore), while Win+M truly minimizes everything. They look similar but are not the same, which is why ’s tip feels close but different. See Microsoft’s shortcut list for the exact behaviors. Keyboard shortcuts in Windows

Common causes and fixes:

  • Windows hotkeys disabled by policy: if the Group Policy/registry setting NoWinKeys is enabled, Windows-key combos (including Win+D) stop working. Check or reset it at:
    HKCU/HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoWinKeys. If set to 1, set to 0 (or delete) and restart. Policy reference: Turn off Windows Key hotkeys (NoWinKeys)
  • Ease of Access features: Filter Keys can ignore brief key presses and sometimes makes combos feel unresponsive. In Windows 7, go to Control Panel > Ease of Access Center > Make the keyboard easier to use, and ensure Filter Keys is off. Make the keyboard easier to use in Windows 7
  • Prior tweaks that disabled the Windows key: if someone applied a Scancode Map to turn off the Win key, remove that value and reboot. See this Microsoft thread for how to delete it safely. Delete a bad “Scancode Map” to restore the Windows key

Want a one-shot reset? Save the text below as fix_winkey.reg, double-click to merge, then restart.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoWinKeys"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"NoWinKeys"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=-

As noted, Win+M still helps in a pinch, but getting Win+D back is usually just one of the fixes above.

Recommended Answers

All 18 Replies

Member Avatar for Mr. Blank

I never knew the windows key + D combination, but it works for me...

The key combination I use which seems to do the exact same thing (minimize all windows)
is "Windows Key + M".

Hope this helps.

Member Avatar for CppFTW

Thanks, but does anyone else know what is causing this problem?

Member Avatar for CppFTW

anyone?

Member Avatar for paulas24

hi

may be some you changed the settings on your keyboard shortcut at the control panel

Member Avatar for CppFTW

Thanks thats a good idea, but I looked and where can I change keyboard shortcuts in Windows?

Even a .reg file would be okay for me. Thanks!

Member Avatar for caperjack

what kind of keyboard do you have ,is just a basic kb or is it a multimedia keyboard did it come with a driver cd,maybe it need win7 drivers installed if it a Multi media type keyboard

Member Avatar for CppFTW

It is the laptop keyboard

Member Avatar for caperjack

oh ,no mention in any of you post about it being a laptop .forget what i said then ! lol

Member Avatar for CppFTW

ヘルプしてください。

Member Avatar for farhanafzal

Well i upgraded my OS from Xp to WIN7, and its still working, for sure, there is a reg problem.

Member Avatar for CppFTW

Anyone?

Member Avatar for CppFTW

Umm, anyone?

Member Avatar for JamesLogan

In general these are shortcut keys for Windows XP and Windows 7:

# Windows Logo+M: Minimize all
# SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all

if these shortcut keys are not working means your keyboard settings are changed.
please check it with other system.

Any doubts ask me...

Thanks

Member Avatar for Biker920

If desk top Up date drivers for your exact model key board If lappy go to manufacture's site and up date to win 7 drivers Later---

Member Avatar for CppFTW

Okay, I think I will update drivers, but Windows D is not working.


Thanks!

Member Avatar for Biker920

Reference this Thread http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread183545.html it contains post about this problem. Also when I up graded from vista-need to wash hands after typing that word- I had to up date drivers from laptop manufacture to get keyboard and several other items to function correctly. Later---

Edited by Biker920 because: add reason for stating this remedy
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