6
When closing a window (like notepad or Windows Explorer), I've been realizing that when I do Ctrl-W there will be a short lag but when I do Alt-Space-C there will be no lag.
Does anyone know what exactly is the difference between these 2 shortcuts?
Pacerier
Posted 2011-05-09T10:54:13.140
Reputation: 22 232
8
Alt+Space, C is a sequence that uses Alt+Space to open the window controls menu1, and then C to select the Close option.
Activating the Close option in this way is normally the equivalent to using Alt+F4, and so Windows will issue the process a WM_CLOSE signal, telling it to terminate.
As with Alt+F4, a program can catch and/or ignore this command (often for very good reasons - think of Word's "do you want to save before you quit?" dialog box, for example).
1. I've just made this name up for it, it probably has a real one somewhere.
Ctrl+W is a shortcut only provided by the program, and the program can choose to handle the shortcut in whatever way it sees fit.
This involves no action by the operating system.
DMA57361
Posted 2011-05-09T10:54:13.140
Reputation: 17 581
2Actually, I was somewhat mistaken in my previous comment above. Pressing space while holding Alt will work it every program (with some very specific exceptions that I can't name right now). However, using Alt, then space, then C will not work with all programs. – MBraedley – 2011-05-09T12:37:36.533
@MBraedley, yes you're right. Using Alt+Space together is much more reliable at opening the window controls menu (as I'm calling it). Have now edited the answer to use than instead, thanks. – DMA57361 – 2011-05-09T12:43:34.767
3Why aren't you using Alt-F4? Alt-Space-C will not work with every program, nor will Ctrl-W. – MBraedley – 2011-05-09T11:03:42.723
1@MBraedley the F4 key is too far. either Ctrl-W or Alt-Space-C is much much faster with some practice. Alt-Space-C works with every program that i use though.. – Pacerier – 2011-05-09T11:33:25.387
except Notepad z – Pacerier – 2011-05-15T15:56:06.040