You can minimize all windows on Windows 11 using the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + M.
Here's a breakdown of different methods to minimize all windows, along with some helpful alternatives:
Methods to Minimize All Windows
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Windows Key + M: This is the most straightforward way to minimize all open windows on your desktop. It essentially "minimizes everything".
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Windows Key + D: This keyboard shortcut shows the desktop. It minimizes all windows. Pressing it again will restore the windows to their previous state. Think of it as a toggle to show or hide the desktop.
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"Show desktop" Button (Far right of Taskbar): By default, hovering over the small, thin vertical rectangle at the far right edge of the taskbar will peek at the desktop. Clicking on it will minimize all windows, similar to Windows Key + D. Clicking it again will restore them.
Alternatives and Considerations
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Snap Layouts (Windows Key + Z): Windows 11 features snap layouts that allow you to quickly arrange windows on your screen. While not minimizing, this can help organize your workspace. Press
Windows Key + Zto show the snap layout options for the active window. -
Aero Shake: Although less efficient than a direct minimize command, you can click and hold the title bar of a window and shake it to minimize all other windows. Shake it again to restore them. This feature might need to be enabled in Settings if it doesn't work by default.
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Minimize Individual Windows: You can always minimize individual windows by clicking the minimize button (the "–" icon) in the top-right corner of each window. This is more time-consuming if you need to minimize many windows at once.
Summary
For a quick and universal way to minimize all windows on Windows 11, Windows Key + M is the simplest and most effective method. Remember that Windows Key + D acts as a toggle, showing and hiding the desktop, which can be useful in different situations.
