How to Quickly Show the Desktop on Windows

By | 2024-06-12

To quickly view your desktop on Windows 11, you can use several methods.

Method 1: Using the “Show Desktop” Button

  • Hover over the bottom-right corner of the taskbar: Move your mouse to the bottom-right corner of the screen. There’s a small, almost invisible button there.
  • Click on this area: Clicking this area will minimize all open windows and show the desktop.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Press Windows Key + D: This will minimize all open windows and show the desktop. Press the same combination again to restore the windows to their previous state.
  • Press Windows Key + , (comma): This is a peek shortcut. It will temporarily show the desktop while you hold down the keys and return to the open windows when you release them.

Method 3: Using Task View

  • Press Windows Key + Tab: This opens Task View.
  • Click on the desktop thumbnail: This will take you to the desktop.

Method 4: Using Touchpad Gesture (if available)

Use a three-finger swipe down gesture: If your touchpad supports multi-finger gestures, swipe down with three fingers to show the desktop. Swiping up with three fingers will restore the windows.

Method 5: Adding a “Show Desktop” Shortcut

  • Right-click on the desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
  • Enter explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257} as the location of the item and click Next.
  • Name the shortcut “Show Desktop” and click Finish.
  • Drag the new shortcut to the taskbar for quick access.

These methods provide quick and efficient ways to view your desktop on Windows 11.

Author: dwirch

Derek Wirch is a seasoned IT professional with an impressive career dating back to 1986. He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that is invaluable to those embarking on their journey in the tech industry.

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