If you want to quickly see the shortcut icons on your desktop in Windows, you need to hide or minimize any open windows. There are several quick ways to do this using keyboard shortcuts or a dedicated button on the taskbar, as referenced from Digital Citizen.
Here are the primary methods:
Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Show the Desktop
Windows offers convenient keyboard combinations to instantly reveal your desktop.
- Win + D: This is a common and effective shortcut. Pressing the Windows key and the D key simultaneously will immediately minimize all open windows and show your desktop. Pressing Win + D again will restore the windows to their previous state.
- Win + M: Another shortcut to show the desktop by minimizing windows is pressing the Windows key and the M key. This action also minimizes all currently open windows.
- Win + Shift + M: While Win + M minimizes windows, Win + Shift + M performs the opposite action for windows minimized by Win + M. It restores all windows that were minimized using the Win + M shortcut.
These keyboard shortcuts offer a rapid way to switch between your open applications and the desktop.
Here's a quick summary of the shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + D | Show/Hide Desktop (Minimize/Restore) |
| Win + M | Show Desktop (Minimize All Windows) |
| Win + Shift + M | Restore Minimized Windows (by Win+M) |
Using the Taskbar Button
For those who prefer using the mouse, Windows also provides a dedicated button on the taskbar to show the desktop.
- Show Desktop Button: On horizontal taskbars, look for a small, often barely visible button located all the way to the right end of the taskbar, usually past the notification area (system tray). Clicking this button will show the desktop by minimizing all open windows. Clicking it again will restore the windows.
By using these methods, you can easily show your desktop and access any shortcuts or icons you have placed there.
