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In computing, themenu key (≣ Menu), orapplication key, is a key with the primary function to launch acontext menu with the keyboard rather than with the usual right-mouse button.[1] It was previously found onMicrosoft Windows-orientedcomputer keyboards and was introduced in 1994, at the same time as theWindows logo key. The menu key was sometimes omitted on smaller keyboards.
In 2024, Microsoft announced that the button would be replaced with aMicrosoft Copilot key on computers promoted as "AI PCs".
In October 2024, Apple added the "Contextual Menu key" to its USB-C Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad models.[2]
On keyboards including the key, its symbol would usually have been a small icon depicting apointer hovering above a menu; it would typically have been found on the right side of the keyboard between the rightWindows logo key and the rightcontrol key (or between the rightAltGr key and the right control key). While the Windows key is present on the vast majority of keyboards intended for use with the Windows operating system, the menu key was frequently omitted in the interest of space, particularly on portable and laptop keyboards.
It was able to be used when the right-mouse button was not present on amouse.
Some Windows public terminals did not have a Menu key on their keyboard with the goal of preventing users from right-clicking; however, in many Windows applications, a similar functionality could be invoked with the⇧ Shift+F10keyboard shortcut, or sometimesCtrl+⇧ Shift+F10.
Some laptop computers include amenu function on thefn key (usually operated by typing⇧ Shift+Fn), however, this generally invokes functions built into the vendor's software and is not the same as the key described above. For example, the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard has anFN key where the menu key is usually found; pressingFN, together with the keyboard'sprint screen key(abovehome), produces the Menu key function.
Android devices formerly came with physical menu buttons, but with the 2011 release ofAndroid Honeycomb, this was deprecated in favor of an on-screen button.[3][4]
In January 2024, Microsoft announced aMicrosoft Copilot key that would replace the menu key on devices promoted as "AI PCs"—some SKUs branded as "Copilot+ PC".[5] If Copilot is disabled or not available in a user's market, this key would launchWindows Search.[6][7]
| Esc | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 | F7 | F8 | F9 | F10 | F11 | F12 | PrtScn/ SysRq | Scroll Lock | Pause/ Break | |||||||||
 | Insert | Home | PgUp | Num Lock | ∕ | ∗ | − | |||||||||||||||||
| Delete | End | PgDn | 7 | 8 | 9 | + | ||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ↑ | 1 | 2 | 3 | Enter | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ← | ↓ | → | 0 Ins | . Del | ||||||||||||||||||||