This wikiHow teaches you how to minimize a window displayed in full screen on PC and Mac, so that you can have access to the desktop again. It should be noted that some programs (for example video games) require more time to minimize their window than other types of applications.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Look for the button to turn off full screen view mode
If this option exists within the program window, you will be able to select it immediately to deactivate the full screen view mode. At this point click on the icon - placed in the upper right corner of the program window to minimize it.
In the case of a media player (such as VLC or YouTube) just double-click the video tile to exit the full-screen viewing mode
Step 2. Press the Esc key to turn off the full screen view mode
If you are watching a video or series of photos in full screen, pressing the "Esc" key may be able to switch to windowed view mode.
Step 3. Use the special "Windows" key (⊞ Win) to bring up the taskbar
This is the keyboard key with the Windows logo. This will bring up the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. At this point you can click on the icon of the program in question to minimize the corresponding window. Alternatively, you can choose the "Show desktop" option represented by a small button located at the far right of the taskbar.
Step 4. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + M to minimize all open windows at the same time
This will deactivate the full screen view mode and all open windows will be minimized to the taskbar. Remember that clicking again on any of the icons in these windows will automatically restore the full screen view mode.
Press the key combination ⊞ Win + ⇧ Shift + M to restore the windows of all the programs you had minimized
Step 5. Press the key combination Ctrl + Alt + Del to temporarily stop running a program
This is a very useful solution, especially in the case of programs that show operating problems or continuous blocks. To return to the Windows desktop, follow these instructions:
- Click on the option Activity management;
- Click on the tab Processes;
- Click on the name of the program that is using the full screen view mode;
- Click on the button End activity.
Step 6. Manually shut down your computer
If you're having trouble closing a program in full screen view, press and hold the power button on your computer until it turns off (if you're using a desktop, you can also unplug the power cord). In this way all previously running programs will be closed.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Press the key combination ⌘ Command + Ctrl + F
This command deactivates the full screen view of all open windows. At this point you will be able to click on the yellow circular icon (the "Minimize" button) located in the upper right corner of the window you want to minimize.
Step 2. Try pressing the Esc key to turn off full screen view mode
It is located in the upper left corner of the keyboard. This solution is perfect to stop YouTube videos from full screen mode or to restore computer window view mode when viewing images or photos. After reactivating the window display mode, you can click on the yellow "Minimize" button of the window you want to minimize.
In the case of video games, the Esc key may not be used to minimize the program window
Step 3. Press the key combination ⌘ Command + M to minimize the window currently in use
To restore the window in question after having minimized it, click on the corresponding icon appeared on the Dock next to that of the system recycle bin.
Some programs, after pressing the indicated key combination, will be displayed in window mode. This means that you will have to click on the yellow "Minimize" button to completely minimize the program window
Step 4. Hide the current window by pressing the key combination ⌘ Command + H
This way all the windows of the program you are using will be hidden from view. Some specific windows will not be placed directly on the Mac Dock. In this case you will have to click on the corresponding program icon, for example TextEdit or Safari.
Step 5. Turn off full screen view mode ⌘ Command + F or ⌘ Command + Enter.
If none of the previous solutions worked, try using one of the key combinations shown.
- If you are playing a video game in full screen mode, check if there is a key combination or a specific option to minimize the program window.
- If you are playing a game directly within the Steam app, the Steam app may interfere with your ability to minimize the program window.
Step 6. Force quit a program running in full screen mode
If the program is blocked and none of the solutions indicated so far has worked, press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + Esc, click on the name of the program in question, then click on the button Forced exit.
Step 7. Manually shut down your computer
If you're having trouble closing a program in full-screen view, press and hold the power button on your computer until it turns off (if you're using a desktop, you can also unplug the power cord). This will close all programs that were previously running.
Advice
- In some special cases, I dorai save the game and close the program to be able to view the desktop again without the game crashing or crashing.
- Most modern video games have a mode of operation called "Window Mode" or "Full Screen Window Mode" which allows you to play using the program window displayed in full screen without losing control over certain specific key combinations.
