What is Ctrl Esc?

Welcome Delta Sigma Pi

  • Accessibility
  • Sales:

    Home:

    1-800-426-7235

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Sign In / Create Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • AI
  • Digital Workplace
  • Hybrid Cloud
  • Edge
  • Sustainability
  • TruScale
  • Solutions by Industry
  • Alliance Partners
  • Other Solutions
  • Resources
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Remove
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Items
All
Cancel
Top Suggestions
View All >
Starting at
  • Black Friday in July! Limited-time Doorbusters + Buy more, Save more!  Shop Now >

  • My Lenovo Rewards! Earn 3%-9% in rewards and get free expedited delivery on select products. Join for Free >

  • Buy online, pick up select products at Best Buy. Shop Pick Up >

  • Lease-to-own today with Katapult. Get started with an initial lease payment as low as $1! * Learn More >

Home > Glossary > What is Ctrl Esc?
Glossary Hero
Learn More
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

StoreStore

Pick Up Today at Best Buy

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets & Phones Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is Ctrl Esc?

Ctrl Esc is a keyboard shortcut used in computing to open the start menu on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It allows you to easily access various programs, settings, and features on your computer. By pressing Ctrl Esc, you can quickly navigate through your system and launch applications without the need for a mouse.

How do I use Ctrl Esc?

To use Ctrl Esc, simply press and hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard, then press the Esc key. This combination will instantly open the start menu on your Windows computer. Once the start menu is open, you can use your arrow keys or the mouse to select different options and launch applications.

What is the purpose of the Windows start menu?

The start menu serves as the central hub for accessing programs, settings, and features on your Windows computer. From the start menu, you can launch applications, search for files and folders, access system settings, shut down or restart your computer, and much more. It provides a convenient way to navigate and manage your system efficiently.

Can I customize the start menu?

Yes, you can customize the start menu to suit your preferences and workflow. Windows allows you to personalize the start menu by pinning frequently used apps, resizing and rearranging tiles, and organizing programs into folders. You can also choose to show or hide specific app suggestions, recently added apps, and live tiles. Customizing the start menu can enhance your productivity and make it easier to access your favorite applications.

Does Ctrl Esc work on all versions of Windows?

Ctrl Esc is a universal keyboard shortcut that works on all versions of Windows, from Windows 95 to the latest releases. Regardless of the version you are using, pressing Ctrl Esc will open the start menu and allow you to navigate through your system. However, the appearance and functionality of the start menu may vary slightly between different Windows versions.

Can I use a different shortcut to open the start menu?

Yes, you can customize the keyboard shortcuts on your Windows computer to open the start menu using a different key combination. To do this, you can navigate to the Settings app, select "Ease of Access," then choose "Keyboard" from the left sidebar. From there, you can customize various keyboard options, including the shortcut to open the start menu.

Is it possible to disable Ctrl Esc?

While it is not possible to disable the Ctrl Esc shortcut directly, you can modify the behavior of the start menu to open using a different key combination if desired. However, it is not recommended to disable or modify this shortcut as it is a fundamental part of the Windows interface and removing it may result in decreased usability.

Can I customize the functionality of Ctrl Esc?

By default, Ctrl Esc opens the start menu on Windows. However, it is not possible to directly customize the functionality of this specific key combination. While you can modify the behavior of the start menu, changing the shortcut itself is not supported within the Windows operating system.

Can I use Ctrl Esc in conjunction with other keys for specific functions?

While Ctrl Esc is primarily used to open the start menu, it cannot be combined with other keys for specific functions. However, there are numerous keyboard shortcuts available on Windows that utilize different combinations of keys to perform specific actions or access various features.

Is there a way to speed up the opening of the start menu with Ctrl Esc?

The speed at which the start menu opens with Ctrl Esc is dependent on the performance of your computer. If you find that there is a delay in opening the start menu, it may be worth optimizing your system's performance by closing unnecessary applications or running maintenance tasks such as disk cleanup and system optimization.

Does Ctrl Esc work if I have a different language keyboard layout?

Ctrl Esc works regardless of the language keyboard layout you are using. The combination of Ctrl Esc is recognized by the Windows operating system regardless of the specific keys on your keyboard.

Can I use Ctrl Esc on a Windows tablet or touchscreen device?

On Windows tablets or touchscreen devices, you can still use Ctrl Esc to open the start menu. If your device supports touch gestures, you can swipe from the bottom of the screen towards the top to open the start menu as well.

Can I use Ctrl Esc to open the start menu in Windows Safe Mode?

Yes, you can use Ctrl Esc to open the start menu in Windows Safe Mode. When your computer is in Safe Mode, pressing Ctrl Esc will still open the start menu, allowing you to access various system tools and settings.

Does Ctrl Esc work in older versions of Windows, such as Windows XP or Windows 7?

Ctrl Esc works in older versions of Windows, including Windows XP and Windows 7. The combination of Ctrl Esc has been a part of the Windows operating system since the early versions and remains consistent across different versions.

Is there a way to change the start menu appearance using Ctrl Esc?

Ctrl Esc itself does not provide a way to change the start menu appearance. However, you can customize the start menu by right-clicking on the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," and navigating to the "Start" tab. From there, you can personalize the appearance and behavior of the start menu.

Should I use Ctrl Esc to switch between virtual desktops in Windows?

No, Ctrl Esc is not used to switch between virtual desktops in Windows. By default, you can use the Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow keys to navigate between virtual desktops on Windows.

Does Ctrl Esc have any effect on full screen applications or games?

Ctrl Esc does not have any direct effect on full screen applications or games. However, pressing Ctrl Esc while in a full screen application may minimize the application and bring you back to the desktop where the start menu will be visible.

Can I use Ctrl Esc on a remote desktop connection?

Yes, you can use Ctrl Esc on a remote desktop connection. When connected to a remote desktop session, pressing Ctrl Esc will open the start menu on the remote computer, allowing you to access its programs and features.

Can I use Ctrl Esc to close individual programs or windows?

Ctrl Esc is primarily used to open the start menu and does not have a direct function to close individual programs or windows. To close a program or window, you can use the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut or click the X button in the top right corner of the window.

Does Ctrl Esc work in other operating systems besides Windows?

Ctrl Esc is specific to the Windows operating system and its graphical user interface. Other operating systems may have their own keyboard shortcuts or methods to access similar functionalities, but Ctrl Esc itself is not applicable to non-Windows systems.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

  • Legion 7i Gen 9 (16″ Intel) Gaming Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,699.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (15ʺ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,127.97
    Learn More
  • Yoga Book 9i (13” Intel)
    Starting at
    $1,999.99
    Learn More
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14″ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,420.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (16″ Intel) Mobile Workstation
    Starting at
    $1,871.22
    Learn More
  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and packaging, and available CO2 Offset Services.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For ...

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing op...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace of Mind

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power through your day with our Smart Performance and extended battery solutions.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Fast & Secure

    Get the most from your laptop with Lenovo’s state-of-the-art Smart Performance, delivering powerful, all-in-on...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Outlet
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Cloud Security Software
    • Windows 11 Upgrade

    Resources

    • Legion Gaming Community
    • Lenovo EDU Community
    • Lenovo Pro Community
    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Lenovo Trade-in
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Policy FAQs
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Order Lookup
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacyCookie Consent ToolSite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-800-426-7235
    Select Your Store
    Add items to your cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in the new store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro