Some key combinations cannot be sent to a remote desktop or published application, regardless of the language that you use.

Chrome allows some key presses and key combinations to be sent to both the client system and the destination system. For other keys and key combinations, the input is processed only locally and is not sent to the destination system.

The following keys and keyboard combinations often do not work in remote desktops.
  • Ctrl+T
  • Ctrl+W
  • Ctrl+N
  • Command key
  • Alt+Enter
  • Ctrl+Alt+any_key
    Important: To input Ctrl+Alt+Del, use the Send Ctrl+Alt+Delete toolbar button at the top of the sidebar.
  • Caps Lock+modifier_key (such as Alt or Shift)
  • Function keys on a Chromebook
  • Windows key combinations

If you enable the Windows key for remote desktops, the following Windows key combinations work in remote desktops. To enable this key, click the Open Settings Window toolbar button in the sidebar and turn on Enable Windows Key for Desktops.

After you turn on the Enable Windows Key for Desktops, you must press Ctrl+Search to simulate pressing the Windows key.

These key combinations do not work for published applications. These key combinations do work for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2016 remote desktops and published desktops.

Some key combinations that work in remote desktops that have a Windows 8.x. or Windows Server 2012 R2 operating system do not work in remote desktops that have a Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating system.

Table 1. Windows Key Shortcuts for Windows 10 Remote Desktops and Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktops
Keys Action Limitations
Win Open or close Start.
Win+A Open Action center.
Win+E Open File Explorer.
Win+G Open game bar when a game is open.
Win+H Open the Share charm.
Win+I Open the Settings charm.
Win+K Open the Connection quick action.
Win+M Minimize all windows.
Win+R Open the Run dialog box.
Win+S Open Search.
Win+X Open the Quick Link menu.
Win+, (comma) Temporarily peek at the remote desktop.
Win+Enter Open Narrator.
Table 2. Windows Key Shortcuts for Windows 8.x and Windows Server 2012 R2 Remote Desktops
Keys Action Limitations
Win+F1 Open Windows Help and Support.
Win Show or hide the Start window.
Win+B Set focus on the notification area.
Win+C Open the Charms panel.
Win+D Show and hide the remote desktop.
Win+E Open File Explorer.
Win+H Open the Share charm.
Win+I Open the Settings charm.
Win+K Open the Devices charm.
Win+M Minimize all windows.
Win+Q To search everywhere or within the open app, if the app supports app search, open the Search charm.
Win+R Open the Run dialog box.
Win+S To search Windows and the Web, open the Search charm.
Win+X Open the Quick Link menu.
Win+Z Show the commands available in the app.
Win+, (comma) Temporarily show the remote desktop, as long as you continue pressing the keys. Does not work on Windows 2012 R2 operating systems.
Win+Shift+M Restore minimized windows on the remote desktop.
Win+Home Minimize all but the active remote desktop window (restores all windows when you press Win+Home a second time).
Win+Enter Open Narrator.
Table 3. Windows Key Shortcuts for Windows 7 Remote Desktops
Keys Action Limitations
Win Open or close the Start menu.
Win+D Show and hide the remote desktop.
Win+M Minimize all windows.
Win+E Open the Computer folder.
Win+R Open the Run dialog box.
Win+Home Minimize all but the active remote desktop window.
Win+G Cycle through running remote desktop gadgets.
Win+U Open the Ease of Access Center.