The Windows Key on a Mac
On a Mac the Command (⌘) key takes the role of both the Windows Ctrl key for shortcuts and, when you plug a PC keyboard into a Mac, the physical Windows key acts as Command.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main shortcut modifier (copy, paste, save) | ⌘ Command | Ctrl | |
| Physical Windows key on a PC keyboard | Acts as ⌘ Command | ⊞ Windows | |
| Open app launcher / search | ⌘ + Space (Spotlight) | ⊞ Windows (Start menu) | |
| Switch apps | ⌘ + Tab | Alt + Tab |
Command replaces Ctrl, not Windows
The confusing part for switchers: the everyday shortcut modifier on a Mac is Command (⌘), not Control. Copy is ⌘C, paste is ⌘V, save is ⌘S — where Windows uses Ctrl.
Plugging a PC keyboard into a Mac
If you connect a standard Windows keyboard, macOS automatically maps the ⊞ Windows key to Command and the Alt key to Option. You can swap them in System Settings › Keyboard › Keyboard Shortcuts › Modifier Keys if you prefer.
The Start-menu equivalent
The Windows key opens the Start menu; the closest Mac habit is ⌘ + Space, which opens Spotlight to launch apps and search.
FAQ
What is the Windows key equivalent on a Mac?
The Command (⌘) key. It is the main shortcut modifier, and a physical Windows key on a PC keyboard acts as Command when plugged into a Mac.
Does the Windows key work on a Mac keyboard?
Mac keyboards have no Windows key. If you attach a PC keyboard, macOS maps its Windows key to Command automatically.
How do I open the Start menu on a Mac?
There is no Start menu; press ⌘ + Space to open Spotlight for launching apps and searching.