How to quickly minimize applications on Windows 11

Windows 11 makes it easy to clear the view and return to the desktop with a simple keyboard shortcut or gesture. Whether you have multiple apps or browser tabs open, simply minimize the apps and you're back on your desktop. Here's how to minimize apps on Windows 11.

Using Show Desktop on Windows 11

Step 1:

You access Settings on Windows then click on Personalization . Next look to the right side and select Taskbar to adjust.

Step 2:

We continue to click on Taskbar behavior to adjust.

Now you need to check Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop .

When you need to minimize all applications, move your mouse to the far right of the Taskbar, then click on the vertical bar icon and you're done. As a result, all applications will be minimized.

Use shortcut keys to minimize applications on Windows 11

There is also another shortcut Windows + M to minimize all open windows. However, there is a difference between Windows + D and Windows + M, which is that pressing Windows + M will minimize all open application windows but will not restore them.

Lesley Montoya

Update 11 June 2025