How Do You Minimize Apps in Windows 10?

You can minimize apps in Windows 10 using the minimize button in the window title bar, by clicking the taskbar icon, or with various keyboard shortcuts.

Minimizing an app in Windows 10 moves its window off the screen and places its icon on the taskbar. This keeps the app running but out of view, allowing you to access other windows or your desktop. There are several quick and easy ways to do this.

Common Methods to Minimize Apps

Here are the most frequent ways to minimize an application window:

Using the Minimize Button

Every standard application window in Windows 10 has control buttons in the top-right corner.

• Locate the three buttons on the top-right of the window: _, square, and X.
• Click the leftmost button, which looks like an underscore (_). This is the Minimize button.
• Clicking this button will immediately send the window to the taskbar.

Clicking the Taskbar Icon

When an app is open, its icon appears on the taskbar. You can use this icon to minimize the window.

1. Find the icon for the running app on your taskbar.
2. Click the app's icon on the taskbar.
3. If only one window of that app is open, clicking the icon will minimize it.
4. If multiple windows of the same app are open, clicking the icon might show a preview or minimize the active window, depending on your taskbar settings. Clicking the icon again typically restores the minimized window.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Minimizing

Keyboard shortcuts offer a fast way to minimize windows without using the mouse.

Minimize Active Window

• Press WIN + Down Arrow:
  • According to our reference, on a maximized window, pressing WIN + Down will resize the window to a normal state (not maximized, also known as "restored down").
  • Pressing WIN + Down again will minimize it.
  • If the window is already restored (not maximized), pressing WIN + Down once will minimize it.
• Press ALT + Space, then press N: This is a classic Windows shortcut sequence. Pressing ALT + Space opens the window's system menu, and N is the shortcut letter for "Minimize".

Minimize All Windows

• Press WIN + M: This will minimize all open windows and show the desktop.
• Press WIN + D: This is a toggle. Pressing it once minimizes all windows to show the desktop. Pressing it again restores all windows to their previous size and position.

Here is a quick summary of common methods:

Method	Action
Minimize Button	Click the _ icon in the top-right corner.
Taskbar Icon	Click the app's icon on the taskbar.
Keyboard Shortcut 1	WIN + Down Arrow (may require two presses).
Keyboard Shortcut 2	ALT + Space, then N.
Minimize All (Method 1)	WIN + M.
Minimize All (Method 2)	WIN + D (toggle).

Using these simple techniques allows you to efficiently manage your open applications in Windows 10, keeping your workspace organized and easily accessible.