There are several ways to minimize all open windows on a Windows computer without having to use the "Windows" key on the keyboard. Press the key combination Alt + Tab ↹ to minimize all windows individually or use the taskbar button to minimize all open windows at the same time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Taskbar to Access the Desktop
Step 1. Select an empty spot on the taskbar with the right mouse button
The Windows taskbar is docked to the bottom of the screen. Select it with the right mouse button to display the corresponding context menu.
Step 2. Click on the "Show Desktop" option
All open windows will be minimized to display the computer desktop.
Step 3. Select the taskbar again with the right mouse button to be able to display the open windows again
Click on the "Show open windows" option to restore all windows of currently running programs.
Method 2 of 3: Using the "Show Desktop" Button
Step 1. Move the mouse cursor to the taskbar location in the lower right corner of the desktop
In more modern versions of Windows, there is a small rectangular button in the indicated place that is almost invisible until it is used.
Step 2. Click on the taskbar button
When you click on the button in question it appears opaque, but all the windows currently open will be minimized automatically.
Step 3. To restore all the windows that you have minimized, click again on the small rectangular button located at the far right of the taskbar
All open windows will be made visible again.
Method 3 of 3: Using Keyboard Commands
Step 1. Click on the window you want to minimize to make it active
Step 2. Press the key combination Alt + Tab ↹ to minimize the active window
Step 3. Click on another window to select it
To minimize all other open windows, you will need to click them one at a time and press the key combination Alt + Tab ↹ until all have been minimized.
Step 4. Restore the display of a minimized window by pressing the key combination Alt + Tab ↹
To redisplay a previously minimized window, press the key combination Alt + Tab ↹ before selecting a new window.
The hotkey combination Alt + Tab ↹ only works to minimize or restore one window at a time
Advice
- If you are using a Mac, press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + M to minimize the currently active window.
- If you are using a Mac, press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + H to minimize all open windows except the currently active one.
- If you are using a Mac, press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⌥ Option + H + M to minimize all open windows and make the desktop visible.
- If you are accessing a Windows system from a Mac via the Remote Desktop app, press the key combination Alt + Page Up to minimize only the remote desktop windows, while to minimize only the windows on the Windows computer press the key combination Alt + Tab ↹.
