Use the Minimize Button on the Application’s Title Bar
Minimizing windows that aren’t active helps you optimize the limited screen estate of computer screens.
Where Are the Minimize and Maximize Buttons?
The Minimize and Maximize buttons are located in the top-right corner of the application window’s title bar. The Minimize icon looks like a dash or an underscore. The Maximize/Restore icon is usually a square when maximized partially or two overlapping squares when it is maximized completely. The last icon in the group is the X button to close the app. Hover on the button to display a tooltip when you are confused.
Use a Right-Click on the Application’s Title Bar
The right-click context menu is a shortcut to different commands.
Use the Taskbar Preview
There are quicker ways to control the view of an app window, but the little preview window can help when you open multiple browser windows.
How Do I Minimize My Screen Quickly?
The primary way to minimize a window is also the fastest method with a mouse. Every open app displays an icon on the taskbar. Tap on the icon once with the mouse to minimize the open app window and tap it again to get the full view. Keyboard shortcuts can also be a quick way to minimize and maximize your active screen. The different keyboard shortcuts are mentioned in the next section, but using Windows + D keys to toggle the windows is arguably the fastest way to minimize your screen and show your desktop.
Press Windows + D to minimize all open windows. Press Windows + D again to restore the minimized windows.
Alternatively, select the tiny slice of the Windows 10 taskbar next to the notification area. It’s the “Show Desktop” button that makes all open windows disappear to reveal your desktop. Like the shortcut keys above, it also works as a toggle.
What Is Peek at Desktop?
The Aero Peek feature on Windows 10 is another quick way to bring up the desktop. Uncheck the feature from the menu to turn it off when you don’t need it.
What Is the Shortcut Key for Minimize?
Shortcut keys are the only ways to minimize your screen without a mouse. Here are the combinations you can turn into a habit. Shortcut 1: Alt + Space + N The Alt + Spacebar combination opens the tiny system menu with the minimize and maximize options. The extra “N” modifier selects the minimize option in the menu (you can see the letter underlined in the minimize command). This combination will only work if your PC’s default language is English. Shortcut 2: Windows Key + M This will minimize all open windows. Press Windows + Shift + M to restore all the minimized windows. Shortcut 3: Windows Key + Home This shortcut will minimize all apps except the active one. Shortcut 4: Windows Key + Down Arrow Press the Windows key and the down arrow key to slightly reduce the size of the open app window. Press Windows Logo + Up Arrow to restore to original size.
How Do I Resize My Screen in Windows?
The minimize and the maximize button are the two extremes. There’s an in-between state where the icon resembles two overlapping boxes. The restore down option reduces the size of the window but does not minimize it to the taskbar.
