The shortcut involving pressing the Windows logo key, Ctrl, and a number is not functioning properly. This shortcut is supposed to open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the application that is pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
If you press Windows logo key + Ctrl + 5, it should open the 5th application icon on the taskbar. If there are no open windows, it will open the application; however, if there are multiple windows open, it will cycle through them. As far as I can tell, all the other Windows logo key shortcuts are working properly.
The two-key shortcuts work:
Windows logo key + D
Windows logo key + L
Windows logo key + R
Multi-key combinations that involve the Windows Logo Key and a number are functional, as are other three-key and four-key combinations, particularly those involving numbers. However, the combination mentioned at the beginning of the text does not work.
When using the Windows logo key in combination with a number, I am able to cycle through the windows. By pressing Windows logo key + Shift + number, I can open a new instance of an application. When I press Windows logo key + Alt + number, the jump list or menu pops up, and by pressing Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + number, I can open a new instance of the app as an admin.
Unfortunately, the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut does not work on at least two of my Windows machines, including a desktop and a laptop. On the laptop, which has a docking station, neither the USB keyboard nor the integral laptop keyboard is able to use this shortcut. Although this shortcut used to work on my desktop, it stopped working at some point in the last year or two. Interestingly, this shortcut worked for me on a different work laptop within the last two months.
Laptop that isn't working Windows version
Windows 10 Enterprise
Version 1809
OS Build 17763.720
On both the laptop and desktop machines where the Windows Logo Key + Ctrl + number shortcut does not work, I have verified that the Ctrl, Windows Logo, and number keys all function properly when pressed separately. Despite conducting a thorough search for an answer to this problem, I have been unable to find a solution.
This type of question about shortcuts can be challenging to search for.
2 Answers
The Windows Logo Key + Ctrl + Number Shortcut Not Working
The Windows logo key shortcuts are a convenient way to navigate and control your Windows operating system. They allow you to quickly access various functions and features without having to navigate through menus and settings. However, some users have reported that the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut is not working on their machines. In this section, we will explore the possible causes of this issue and how to fix it.
Possible Causes of the Issue
There can be several reasons why the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut is not working on your machine. One of the most common reasons is that the shortcut may have been disabled or modified. This can happen if you have installed third-party software that has modified the shortcut or if you have accidentally disabled it yourself.
Another possible cause of the issue is outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers. If your keyboard drivers are outdated or corrupted, it can cause the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut not to work properly. In some cases, the issue may also be caused by a malware infection or a virus that has affected your system files.
How to Fix the Issue
If you are experiencing issues with the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut, there are several things you can do to fix it. Here are some of the solutions you can try:
1. Check if the Shortcut is Enabled
The first thing you should do is check if the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut is enabled on your machine. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows logo key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Ease of Access” and then select “Keyboard” from the left pane.
3. Scroll down to the “Use the On-Screen Keyboard” section and toggle the switch to “On”.
4. Press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut on your keyboard and see if it works.
If the shortcut works with the On-Screen Keyboard, it means that the issue is with your physical keyboard. If it doesn’t work, move on to the next solution.
2. Update Your Keyboard Drivers
If your keyboard drivers are outdated or corrupted, it can cause the Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut not to work properly. To update your keyboard drivers, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows logo key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list.
2. Expand the “Keyboards” section and right-click on your keyboard.
3. Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions to update your keyboard drivers.
Once you have updated your keyboard drivers, restart your computer and try the shortcut again.
3. Run a Virus Scan
If your system is infected with malware or a virus, it can cause issues with your system files, including your keyboard drivers. To run a virus scan, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows logo key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Update & Security” and then select “Windows Security” from the left pane.
3. Click on “Virus & threat protection” and then select “Scan options”.
4. Select “Full scan” and click on “Scan now”.
Wait for the scan to complete and follow the on-screen instructions to remove any threats found.
4. Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes, issues with the Windows logo key shortcuts can be resolved by installing the latest Windows updates. To check for updates, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows logo key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Update & Security” and then select “Windows Update” from the left pane.
3. Click on “Check for updates” and wait for Windows to check for available updates.
4. If updates are available, click on “Download and install” and follow the on-screen instructions to install the updates.
Once you have installed the updates, restart your computer and try the shortcut again.
Conclusion
The Windows logo key + Ctrl + number shortcut is a useful tool that allows you to quickly access your pinned apps on the taskbar. If you are experiencing issues with this shortcut, try the solutions outlined in this section to fix the issue. If none of the solutions work, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
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- Ctrl+Shift+↓ – to select all dates,
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