The “what is the show windows key on chromebook’ is a special keyboard button that shows all open apps and windows at once. Located in the top row, between the full-screen mode and brightness adjustment keys, this rectangular icon with two vertical lines serves as the centrepiece of the window controls.
Many Chromebook users overlook this powerful feature, which prevents them from performing multiple tasks quickly and increases their productivity. Understanding how the “Show Window” key works on a Chromebook will help you quickly switch between apps, manage virtual desktops, and take screenshots efficiently.
This guide explains how to use the “Show Window” key on a Chromebook, from basic navigation to advanced keyboard shortcuts.
How to Use the Show Windows Key on a Chromebook?
The Show Window key on a Chromebook offers several ways to manage your workspace and increase productivity.
Opening the Overview Screen
Press the “Show Window” key on the Chromebook once to show all active windows. The screen becomes a grid with thumbnails of all open browser apps and tabs. This overview mode lets you see the entire workspace at a glance.
Press the key again to exit this mode and return to the current window. The transition is instant, without delay.
Switching Between Apps
Tap any thumbnail on the overview screen to open that app. This method is faster than repeatedly pressing Alt + Tab when many windows are open.
You can also close apps directly from this window. Hover over the thumbnail of any window and connect the “X” button that appears in the corner. This will allow you to uninstall unnecessary apps without opening them first.
Using Touchpad Gestures
If the “Show Window” key on your Chromebook is not responding, you can use alternative methods. Place three fingers on the touchpad and slide them up. This gesture will create the same summary screen as when pressing a key.
Swipe three fingers down to close the summary screen and get back to work. Many users find that gestures on the touchpad are faster than using keyboard shortcuts for day-to-day navigation.
Taking Screenshots
The “Show windows” key on a Chromebook is also used to take screenshots. Press Ctrl + “Show windows” to take a full screenshot. The image will repeatedly be saved to the Downloads folder.
To take partial screenshots, press Ctrl + Shift + “Show Windows”. The cursor will take the shape of a cross, allowing you to drag and drop any area of the screen. This will open a screenshot menu with additional recording options.
Managing Virtual Desks
Virtual desktops organise your work into multiple workspaces. Press the “Show Windows” key on the Chromebook to see all of your desktops at the top of the overview screen. Click the “+” icon to create a new desktop for sharing work assignments, personal viewing, or study materials.
Drag any window from one desktop to another by pressing and holding it, then dragging it to the thumbnail of the desired workspace. Keyboard shortcuts make managing virtual desktops even faster than with the mouse.
Troubleshooting Key Issues
Sometimes the “Show Windows” key on a Chromebook stops working because the Device treats the keys in the top row as function keys. Open Settings, go to Device and then Keyboard. Turn off the “Treat top row keys as function keys” option to restore normal operation.
If you prefer to leave the function keys on, hold down the Search key while simultaneously pressing “Show windows”. This combination will give the same result without changing the keyboard settings. The “Search + Show windows” combination also works for taking screenshots.
Check for software updates in Settings and select “About ChromeOS”. Older versions of the system sometimes cause keyboard shortcuts to work incorrectly. Restart your Chromebook after the updates are complete.
Using Split-Screen Windows
The overview screen lets you quickly set up split-screen mode. Press the “Show Window” key on the Chromebook and drag any window to the left or right edge of the screen. Release it when the highlighted area appears. The window will lock in the middle of the screen.
Select another window from the remaining thumbnails to occupy the other half. This window management feature improves multitasking by allowing you to view two apps simultaneously.
FAQs
What does the Show Windows key look like on a Chromebook?
The “Show Windows” key on a Chromebook appears as a rectangle with two vertical lines. It’s located on the top row of the Keyboard, between the full-screen mode key and the brightness controls. On some Chromebooks, its icon is different, but it doesn’t change.
Can I use the Show Windows key without pressing it?
Yes, swipe up with three fingers on the touchpad to open the overview screen. On a touchscreen Chromebook, swipe up from the bottom edge and press and hold. These gestures are an alternative if the physical key does not work properly.
Why isn’t my Show Windows key working?
Maybe your Chromebook treats the top row keys as function keys. Go to Settings, select Device, then Keyboard and turn off “Treat top row keys as function keys”. Alternatively, press and hold the Search key while pressing “Show Windows” to omit this setting.
Can the Show Windows key record my screen?
The “Show Windows” key on a Chromebook lets you record the screen via the capture menu. Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows to open the screenshot tool. Select the camcorder icon to start recording the screen with sound.
Does the Show Windows key work with external keyboards?
Standard external keyboards on Chromebooks do not have this key. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + / to view all available keyboard shortcuts for your setup. Most external keyboards can activate explore mode with Search + F5 or similar combinations.