Whether you’ve plugged a Mac keyboard into a Windows computer or switched from macOS to Windows, know that some modifier keys function differently across operating systems. Below, we’ll explain what the Command key does on Windows.
Windows vs Mac Keyboard: The Command Key
When you use a Mac keyboard with Windows and press theCommandorCMDkey, you are essentially pressing theWindowsKey. TheWindowskey’s primary function is to open the Start menu and perform several shortcuts that help you navigate Windows when pressed with other keys.
For instance, the following popularWindowskey shortcuts will work when you press theCommandkey on Windows:
Command + S
Open Windows Search
Command + E
Open File Explorer
Command + R
Open Windows Run dialog box
Command + I
Open the Settings app
Command + D
Show the desktop
On the other hand, if you’re a Mac user who switched to Windows, it helps to think about what theCommandkey does on a Mac. Since it’s a modifier key used for shortcuts like copying, cutting, pasting, selecting, undoing, and saving, the closest Windows equivalent is theCtrlkey.
Although not all shortcuts are similar, the most widely used ones for text editing, navigation, and window management will work the same. Here’s a quick comparison:
Command + C
Command + V
Command + X
Command + A
Select All
Command + Z
Command + F
Command + T
Command + N
New Window
Command + W
Close Window
Although the Mac keyboard also has aControlkey, it often serves as a way to right-click things. But it is the same as pressing theCtrlkey if you’re using a Mac keyboard on a Windows computer.
How to Reassign Keys on Windows
Reassigning keys can help if, for example, you want to swap the leftCommandandOptionkeys on a Mac keyboard to resemble the placement of theWindowsandAltkeys on a Windows keyboard.
Keep in mind that theAlt key is equivalent to the Option key on Mac.
To do that, you will need toinstall Microsoft PowerToys on your Windows PC. Next, open PowerToys and selectKeyboard Managerfrom the left sidebar. Then, toggle onKeyboard Manageron the right and clickRemap a Key.
In theRemap Keyswindow, click theplus (+)button below theSelectheading.
On the next screen, clickSelecton the left side. When you get a pop-up, press the key you want to remap and clickOK.
Afterward, click theSelectbutton below theTo Sendheading on the right. Once the pop-up appears, press the key you want to change and clickOK. Back in theRemap Keyswindow, click theOKbutton in the top right to accept the changes.
If you want to return the keys to normal, open theRemap Keyswindow again, click theTrashicon next to the remapped keys you want to delete, and then clickOK.
Luckily, every other key outside theCommand,Option, andControlkeys functions like their Windows keyboard counterparts. If things get confusing, you can always reassign the keys to suit your preferences and master the Mac keys on Windows.
