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Is there still a use for this key in modern operating systems? I know back in the days of the rapid fire dir /s on ten thousand files in DOS 5.5 this key was indispensable, but is it needed anymore? If not, can I remap it to do something else? If so, what?

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In Windows, Windows + Pause/Break opens up the System Properties window. Not exactly relevant to what the key was originally designed for, but still quite useful!

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+1 because I never knew that shortcut. – John Rudy Jul 24 '09 at 21:38
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The Pause/Break key can also be used during boot to pause a POST screen so you can read it before continuing. I find it useful when I'm trying to double check that something is detected properly by the BIOS.

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ok thats a given. I figure any remapping i do wouldn't effect that – NoCarrier Jul 24 '09 at 21:31
For sure. You could remap it to anything you want without affecting its functionality at boot time. – Auxonic Jul 28 '09 at 17:44
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up vote 3 down vote

The command prompt still accepts this key in XP, as other OSes.

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If you ever have to configure equipment using a terminal emulator, you might wish you had kept the key. You need that key to halt the cisco boot process to recover the IOS or the configuration. I have had to do this to get into cisco devices people have forgotten the password on quite a few times.

Now if you never ever do this sort of thing then you have no disincentive to remap the key. I find it more practical to map key combinations that you never ever use. This is particularly the case in multi-clipboard apps I have used doing repetitive tasks.

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up vote 3 down vote

Windows supports remapping keys itself: howtoogeek article

Ctrl + Break is still useful on the command prompt to send a break character; but Ctrl + C is a little easier.

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You can remap any key to do just about anything if you install AutoHotkey.

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ctrl+alt+break is a useful shortcut to toggle between full-screen and windowed remote desktop sessions.

ctrl+break is a useful shortcut for stopping a build in Visual Studio.

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