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Press Windows key + X to open the Windows 11 Quick Link menu. You can also right-click the Start button to open the same menu. “System Tools menu” and “power-user menu” are informal names for it; Microsoft calls it the Quick Link menu. Microsoft lists Windows key + X as the shortcut for opening this menu.

Open the Quick Link menu with your keyboard

  1. Hold down the Windows key.
  2. Press X.
  3. When the menu appears, choose the destination you need.

This is a built-in Windows shortcut; you do not need to install or open a separate app. Microsoft describes Windows key + X as the same action as right-clicking Start.

Open it by right-clicking Start

Right-click the Start button on the taskbar. The Quick Link menu opens in the same way. On a touch device, use the equivalent context action for Start.

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If the keyboard shortcut does not work, try this Start-button context menu. Microsoft’s documentation confirms these two routes, but does not specify a universal alternate keyboard shortcut for keyboards without a Windows key.

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Open a specific Windows tool directly

You do not have to open the Quick Link menu if you already know which utility you need. These Microsoft-documented routes can be more direct:

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What to expect from the menu

The Quick Link menu is a shortcut hub for Windows destinations, not a separate system utility. Its precise contents or labels may vary by Windows build, edition, or configuration, so do not assume every PC will show an identical list. Opening the menu itself makes no system changes; take care before applying changes in tools that manage disks or startup settings.

Quick Recap

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Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black
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Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
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Plastic parts in K270 include 38% certified post-consumer recycled plastic; Eight hot keys: For instant access to the Internet, e-mail, music volume and more
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Logitech MK120 Full Size Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black
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Arteck Backlit USB Wired Full Size Keyboard with Media Hotkey for PC and Laptop
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Logitech MK120 Full Size Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black
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Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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