Complete Guide to Minimizing All Windows in Windows 11: Best Shortcuts and Productivity Tips

Managing multiple open windows is common for any Windows 11 user. Often, our screen is filled with applications, folders and documents, and There comes a time when we need to clear it so we can focus on a specific task., quickly access the desktop or simply tidy up your workspace. Minimize all open windows It is a simple but essential action, and Windows 11 also introduces some additional features and shortcuts that are good to know to get the most out of the multitasking experience.

In this article, you will discover all the possible ways to minimize the windows you have on your screen, whether you want to hide them all or just need to leave one visible. We'll go over traditional tools, keyboard shortcuts, lesser-known features, and details that will make your day-to-day life easier with Windows 11.

Why is it useful to minimize all windows?

We often find ourselves with a desktop full of open programs. This can make it difficult to find a file, open a new application, or simply distract us from the main task. Minimize all windows helps free up space, reduce visual clutter and quickly access to the elements or shortcuts located on the desktop.

Additionally, in professional settings or during presentations, it can be useful to show the desktop with a single gesture, hiding all personal or confidential information that may be visible in other windows.

Traditional methods to minimize all windows in Windows 11

Windows has been improving its options for managing multiple windows for decades. Below, We review the best-known methods which are still valid in the latest version of the Microsoft operating system.

The secret button on the taskbar

One of the fastest and least known methods is to use a small vertical rectangle Located on the far right of the taskbar, right next to the clock and notifications. Clicking this button will all open windows are minimized immediately, leaving the desk clear.

This button goes unnoticed by many users, but once you get used to using it, it is quite useful. tremendously comfortable and functional. Clicking the same rectangle again restores the windows to their previous state.

Most useful keyboard shortcuts: speed with a key combination

For those who prefer to avoid the mouse, Windows 11 maintains a number of keyboard shortcuts classics and some new ones that can get you out of more than one tight spot:

• Windows+M: Minimize all open windows instantly. It is possibly the most direct shortcut to achieve this effect.
• Windows+D: Show or hide the desktopThis shortcut not only minimizes all windows, but also restores them if you press it again. It's ideal for quickly switching between the desktop and your applications.
• Windows + Home: Minimizes all windows except the one in the foregroundIf you press it again, the windows are restored.
• Windows + Down Arrow: Minimize the active window, useful if you want to close them one by one without reducing them all at once.
• Windows + Shift + M: Restores all minimized windows if you have previously hidden them using any of the above methods.

Mastering these shortcuts allows you to save a lot of time and greatly improve your workflow, especially if you tend to have many applications open at once.

Additional Windows 11 features for managing windows

Windows 11 brings nuances to classic window management, introducing features designed for productivity and visual organization In day to day.

Aero Shake: Shake to minimize all but one

One of the least known and most striking features is Aero Shake. This tool allows minimize all windows except the active one Simply shake the title bar of any window. That is, if you have an important application or document in the foreground and want to move everything else out of the way, just click on the top bar and move it sideways several times (give it a small "shake").

By default, in Windows 11 this feature may come disabledTo activate it, you must go to System > Multitasking within the Settings panel and enable the corresponding option (usually listed as “Shake title bar in windows”). Once activated, you can shake any window and you’ll see all the others minimize to the taskbar, leaving only the one you moved visible.

If you repeat the action by shaking the same window again, the windows that had been hidden will be restored exactly as they were before. This gesture allows you to quickly focus on a specific task without losing the context of the rest of the windows.

A curious detail is that, in previous versions such as Windows 10, this function was enabled by default, but after some complaints from users who activated it unintentionally, in Windows 11 it was decided to leave it disabled initially, although the system requires shaking the window for a little longer to avoid accidental activations.

Additional shortcuts and methods

In addition to the shortcuts mentioned above, Windows 11 offers Other advanced methods to organize your windows:

• Windows + Z: Opens the Window Layout Wizard, making it easy to tile or split-screen your windows. Learn more at How to organize windows in Windows 11.
• Windows + Right/Left Arrow: Quickly docks the active window to one side of the screen, which can be combined with minimizing to arrange the desktop to your liking.
• Windows + , (comma): It allows you to quickly glance at your desktop temporarily, without actually minimizing any windows. Very useful for quickly looking at something and returning to what you were doing.

Settings and Personalization: How to turn features on or off

Customizing the multitasking experience in Windows 11 is easy and allows you to adapt it to your preferences. If you need to enable or disable features like Aero Shake, you can do so from the Settings panel.

• Open Settings (Windows + I).
• Accede to System and then to Multitasking.
• Enable or disable the “Shake title bar in windows” option, depending on your preferences.

Other tips for working better with windows in Windows 11

In addition to shortcuts and hidden buttons, Windows 11 integrates several features to optimize window management and improve productivity.

• Take advantage of corners and edges to easily dock windows using the mouse.
• Use Snap Layouts (Windows+Z) to arrange windows in various predefined configurations, ideal for advanced multitasking or ultra-wide monitors.
• If you accidentally press any key combination, remember that you can restore the previous state with Windows + Shift + M or repeating the shortcut you used to minimize.
• Don't forget that you can restore minimized windows using the taskbar by clicking on their icons.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Sometimes shortcuts don't work as they should, either due to configuration conflicts, third-party programs, or accidentally disabling a feature. If you notice that one of your shortcuts isn't responding:

• Check the configuration of Multitasking on Windows (as explained above).
• Make sure your keyboard is working properly. You can try other combinations to rule out malfunctions on specific keys.
• Check for additional software, such as window management or desktop customization applications, that may be interfering.
• If in doubt, try restarting your system, resetting to factory defaults, or checking for pending updates.

Comparison of shortcuts to minimize windows in Windows 11

FAQs

Can I disable the button at the end of the taskbar?
No, Windows 11 doesn't currently allow you to hide the small button on the far right of the bar, although you can customize the rest of the bar quite a bit to your liking.

Is there a way to minimize only certain groups of windows?
Not natively, although Snap layouts allow you to organize windows into multiple groups, making it easier to switch between them.

What is the difference between Windows + M and Windows + D?
Windows + CODE minimizes only the windows, while Windows + D toggles between showing the desktop and restoring all previous windows.

Inspiration from alternative operating systems

Some new features in macOS, such as Visual Organizer, have brought similar functionality for focusing on a single window or group. However, Windows has been allowing these options for a while now. Thanks to shortcuts and Aero Shake, Windows 11 users now enjoy flexible and customizable management without the need for external tools.

Knowing all these methods and shortcuts, Working with many windows in Windows 11 is no longer chaotic.Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, the mouse, special features like Aero Shake, or the ever-useful taskbar, you can adapt your workflow to your needs and make your desktop a much more organized and productive place. Practice these tricks and choose the ones that best fit your daily routine.

Related article:

You'll soon be able to minimize windows on Android 16 without closing apps.

Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.