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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1I use as my media Play/Pause button– wjdpCommented Mar 22, 2015 at 15:50
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try CTRL + Fn + B– antonioCommented Jun 26 at 2:44
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8 Answers
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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One use was to interrupt to the command line (i.e. so it would pause/break processes). Generally we just use
Ctrl+Cfor killing command line statements nowadays (this is also quite a relic, since it does not "copy" selected text as is otherwise the universal expectation today). Commented Dec 27, 2021 at 4:50 -
@Matt, Modern keyboard do not have the Pause/Break key. For device specification in "Modern Keyboard" press WinKey + Fn + B– antonioCommented Jun 26 at 2:41
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@antonio modern in 2009 was different than on Jun 26 of the year 2024 when you decided to comment.– sean eCommented Jun 30 at 1:04
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 Commented Jul 24, 2009 at 21:31
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2For sure. You could remap it to anything you want without affecting its functionality at boot time.– AuxonicCommented Jul 28, 2009 at 17:44
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@Auxonic, as the title say "modern keyboard", do not have the Pause/Break Key– antonioCommented Jun 26 at 2:35
Here are a couple common keyboard alternatives (please feel free to contribute to this list)
- General -Pause
- General -Shift + Pause
- Lenovo - Ctrl + Fn + F11
- Lenovo - Ctrl + Fn + B
- Lenovo - Fn + B
- Logitech - Fn + B
- Logitech - Ctrl + Fn + B
- Samsung - Fn + B
- HewlettPackard - Ctrl + Fn + Pause
- HewlettPackard - Ctrl + Fn + Right-Shift
- Dell - Fn + B
- Dell - Ctrl + Fn + B
- Framework - Fn + B
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Thank you. Ctrl + Fn + Pause works for Break on my Dell Precision M6800 laptop. Commented Nov 22, 2019 at 19:43
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2While this doesn't answer the original question, this was what I was looking for when google sent me here. Thanks. Also added to the list.– matliCommented Jan 24, 2020 at 9:19
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1Also on Logitech Ergo K860,
Fn + WM/SC(Windows Menu / scroll lock key in top right corner) works as break key. ForCtrl+Break == Ctrl+Fn+WM/SLCommented May 25, 2021 at 21:50 -
Fn+B on this Dell Precision 5501 according to en.key-test.ru Adding Win opens Windows properties. Commented Jun 22, 2021 at 7:52
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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.
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.
answered Jul 24, 2009 at 21:02
The command prompt still accepts this key in XP, as other OSes.
You can remap any key to do just about anything if you install AutoHotkey.
answered Jul 24, 2009 at 21:18
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2
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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read the title "modern keyboard" which do NOT have the "Pause/Break" key– antonioCommented Jun 26 at 2:38
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