Xfce Forum

BNeo

Member

Registered: 2024-07-03

Posts: 6

WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

My windows key doesn't work.
This is the first time I have installed Debian 12 with XFCE 4.18, GTK 3.24.38
Can any help me with this ?
I tried searching the XFCE desktop forum for Superkey and the 3 results were for requests re: superkeys with bash scripts etc.
I am a newbie so I didn't understand it.
Thanks.

ToZ

Administrator

From: Canada

Registered: 2011-06-02

Posts: 11,313

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

Hello and welcome.

What are you expecting that the windows key will do? You may need to set that up first.

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BNeo

Member

Registered: 2024-07-03

Posts: 6

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

I believe the windows key (super key) is supposed to act similarly to the CTRL or ALT. It's used in keyboard shortcuts.
I would like it to bring up the APPLICATION FINDER.
Can You help me with that ?

ToZ

Administrator

From: Canada

Registered: 2011-06-02

Posts: 11,313

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

Install the xcape package and follow these instructions to make sure it start on login. Then create a keyboard shortcut (Settings Manager > Keyboard > Application Shortcuts) to run "xfce4-appfinder" with only the left super key.

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BNeo

Member

Registered: 2024-07-03

Posts: 6

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

I was told NOT to install anything other than deb approved software (very frustrating).
I am running:
OS name: Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm)
type: 64bit
Xfce version: 4.18
GTK version: 3.24.38
Kernel version: 6.1.0-22-amd64

When I search for xcape in the Synaptic Package Manager I get the following:

Package: xcape
installed version:
latest version: 1.2-3+b1
Description: xcape
Configure modifier keys to act as other keys when pressed and released

Should I install this ?
I was told not to break my system and only install approved deb applications.
If it is in the package manager that means I can install it , right ?

BNeo

Member

Registered: 2024-07-03

Posts: 6

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

Hello and welcome.

Thank you for welcoming me, I am also from Canada.

CwF

Member

Registered: 2018-01-28

Posts: 301

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

If it is in the package manager that means I can install it , right ?

Yes.

BNeo

Member

Registered: 2024-07-03

Posts: 6

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

Thanks.
I went to the instructions link and it says the following:
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1. Go to Settings > Keyboard > Application Shortcuts, and add or modify the shortcut to xfce4-popup-whiskermenu (don't keep it as "Super", make it a combo: in my example it's Alt+F1). Test the shortcut.
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The problem is I already have a   shortcut called      xfce4-popup-applicationsmenu       not       *whiskermenu.
Is this the same thing or do I create an entirely NEW shortcut named   xfce4-popup-whiskermenu    ??

ToZ

Administrator

From: Canada

Registered: 2011-06-02

Posts: 11,313

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

The problem is I already have a   shortcut called      xfce4-popup-applicationsmenu       not       *whiskermenu.
Is this the same thing or do I create an entirely NEW shortcut named   xfce4-popup-whiskermenu    ??

Just change the shortcut to run xfce4-appfinder instead. Double-click the command to change it.

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BNeo

Member

Registered: 2024-07-03

Posts: 6

Re: WindowsKey doesn't work XFCE version 4.18, Debian 12 bookworm New

Thank you very much.
P.S.  Been busy with the family.