The Windows logo key on HP laptops sits on the bottom row—usually between Ctrl and Alt on the left; many models also include a twin on the right.
The hunt ends on the bottom row. Most HP notebook keyboards place the Windows logo key (often labeled with the four-pane window icon) beside the left Ctrl and Alt keys. Many layouts mirror it on the right side near Alt or the menu key. Once you spot that window icon, you’ve found the launcher for the Start menu and dozens of handy shortcuts.
What The Windows Logo Key Looks Like
The cap carries a small four-square “window” symbol. On some older caps it may show a flag-style variant; on newer boards it’s usually four straight panes. HP’s printing is monochrome, so don’t expect color. If your cap has worn ink, the location is still the same: bottom row, left cluster next to Ctrl and Alt.
Find The Windows Logo Key On HP Notebooks: Left, Right, And Compact Layouts
HP ships a wide range of sizes and keyboard trims, so exact spacing can shift a bit. Here’s the pattern you’ll see across common layouts:
Standard Full Layout (15–17-inch)
You’ll see two Windows logo keys. One lives between Ctrl and Alt on the left. The second sits on the lower right cluster, typically between the menu key and Alt or to the left of the arrow block. Both launch the same actions.
Tenkeyless-Style Layout (13–14-inch)
Most 13–14-inch HP notebooks drop the numpad but keep both Windows logo keys. Spacing tightens slightly, yet the left-side placement stays consistent: Ctrl → Windows → Alt.
Compact Or 12-Inch Class
Ultra-compact models sometimes ship with a single Windows logo key on the left to save space. If you don’t see it on the right, check the left cluster—between Ctrl and Alt—and you’ll spot it there.
What The Windows Logo Key Does On An HP Laptop
Pressing it by itself opens the Start menu. Pair it with other keys to snap windows, call settings, switch desktops, or lock the screen. Microsoft maintains a living list of combos; here’s the official reference for Microsoft keyboard shortcuts. HP also documents Windows and device hotkeys on its own guide for HP keyboard shortcuts. These two pages are the best places to check when you want the full list or when a combo changes after an update.
If The Cap Is Missing Or You’re Using An External Board
Maybe the sticker fell off, you swapped to a minimal external keyboard, or you’re borrowing a board that labels the key differently. Here’s how to spot it fast:
Check The Iconography
Look for a four-pane square. Some third-party boards print “WIN” or “Start” instead. Function is identical.
Try The Location Pattern
On Windows-compatible boards, the pattern Ctrl → Windows → Alt on the left is near-universal. Many boards mirror a second one on the right near Alt or a context-menu key.
Use The On-Screen Keyboard
When in doubt, launch the On-Screen Keyboard and look for the window icon there. Steps:
- Press
Startand type On-Screen Keyboard, then open it. (You can also pressWin+R, typeosk, and pressEnter.) - Find the window icon on the virtual board. That’s the position you’re looking for on the physical keyboard.
Why You Might Not See It Right Away
Keycap Theme Or Low-Contrast Printing
Matte black caps with grey ink can make the icon hard to see in low light. Angle the screen back so the deck catches more light, or toggle keyboard backlight if your model has it.
Regional Layout Differences
ISO vs ANSI layouts change Enter and a few brackets, not the Windows logo key position. Expect the same bottom-row placement next to Ctrl and Alt.
Gaming Mode Or “Win Lock”
Some gaming keyboards include a lock that disables the Windows logo key during play. If pressing it seems to do nothing, look for a tiny padlock light or a gamepad icon on the board, or open the companion utility to toggle the lock off. HP-branded gaming gear and many third-party boards use similar behavior.
Handy Combos You’ll Use Every Day
Once you’ve found it, these combos save time on any HP running Windows 10 or 11:
Windows+L— Lock the screen.Windows+A— Open Quick Settings.Windows+I— Open Settings.Windows+D— Show desktop.Windows+Tab— Task view and virtual desktops.Windows+Arrow keys— Snap windows to halves or corners.Windows+V— Clipboard history (turn it on the first time).Windows+.— Emoji and symbols panel.
The full catalog grows over time, and Microsoft’s reference linked above stays current with new releases. Source pages: Microsoft keyboard shortcuts; HP’s own guide for HP keyboard shortcuts. These cover Windows versions, feature names, and any changes after updates.
When The Windows Logo Key Doesn’t Respond
If the location is right but presses don’t trigger anything, run through these quick checks.
Restart Explorer
- Press
Ctrl+Shift+Escto open Task Manager. - Choose Windows Explorer and select Restart.
Test Inside The On-Screen Keyboard
Open the On-Screen Keyboard, click the window icon, and see if the Start menu opens. If it does, the OS is listening and the issue may be with the physical switch.
Check For A Win-Lock Feature
Gaming-oriented boards often include a lock toggle in their utility app or a function-layer combo that disables the Windows logo key during play. Turn that off and test again.
Try Another Keyboard
Plug in a USB keyboard. If the Windows logo key works there, the built-in switch may be worn. An inexpensive external board keeps you going while you arrange hardware service.
Extra Placement Clues Around The Bottom Row
The bottom row has a steady rhythm. These nearby landmarks help you orient by touch:
- Left corner:
Fn(on many HP models) →Ctrl→ Windows →Alt. - Space bar neighbors: On many models,
Altsits next to the space bar on both sides; the Windows logo key sits just outside that leftAlt. - Right side: You may see a menu key,
Alt, and arrow keys; another Windows logo key might sit in this cluster.
Common Myths Cleared Up
“HP Moves It Into The Function Row”
No. Function keys carry brightness, audio, and other actions, but the Windows logo key remains on the bottom row. HP’s function behavior can be flipped (action first vs F-keys first), which is a different setting.
“There’s Only One Correct Icon”
You may see older flag styling or a flat four-pane mark. Both are valid and do the same job.
“Regional Layouts Remove It”
Layouts for different regions change a few symbols and Enter, not the existence of this button. Expect a bottom-row location either way.
Where You’ll See The Windows Logo Key On Common HP Layouts
| HP Layout | Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15–17″ With Numpad | Left: between Ctrl and Alt; Right: near Alt or menu key |
Two Windows logo keys are common |
| 13–14″ No Numpad | Same left-side pattern; right-side key often present | Spacing slightly tighter |
| Ultra-Compact | Left only, between Ctrl and Alt |
Right-side key dropped to save space |
Bonus Tip: Spot The New Copilot Key Beside The Space Bar
Newer Windows PCs add a dedicated Copilot key near the right side of the space bar. It doesn’t replace the Windows logo key; it sits alongside the bottom row to launch Copilot on systems that include it. Microsoft announced this hardware change in early 2024 on the Windows blog, noting that the Copilot key “joins the Windows key as a core part of the PC keyboard.”
Fast Checks If You’re Still Unsure
- Look for the four-square icon on the bottom row beside
CtrlandAlt. - Press it once to open the Start menu—if it opens, you’ve got the right one.
- Launch the On-Screen Keyboard and match the icon positions.
- If your board won’t trigger Start, try an external keyboard to isolate a hardware switch issue.
Quick Reference You Can Bookmark
If you tweak shortcuts or learn a new snap move, check these two official pages and you’ll be set:
With the location mapped and a few combos in your pocket, you’ll move around Windows faster on any HP—whether you’re on a roomy 17-inch workstation or a travel-light 13-inch notebook.