How to Minimize Your Screen in Windows 10

This article will show you how to minimize your screen in Windows 10.

Use the Minimize Button on the Application’s Title Bar

Minimizing windows that aren’t active helps you optimize the limited screen estate of computer screens.

1. Tap the minimize icon to hide the window to the taskbar. 

2. Tap the icon on the taskbar again to maximize the window. 

Where Are the Minimize and Maximize Buttons?

The Minimize and Maximize buttons are located in the top-right corner of the application window's title bar. The Minimize icon looks like a dash or an underscore. The Maximize/Restore icon is usually a square when maximized partially or two overlapping squares when it is maximized completely. The last icon in the group is the X button to close the app. 

Hover on the button to display a tooltip when you are confused. 

Use a Right-Click on the Application’s Title Bar

The right-click context menu is a shortcut to different commands. 

1. Move the mouse to the top of the application and its title bar. 

2. Right-click anywhere to display the menu.

3. Select Minimize to hide the window to the taskbar. 

Use the Taskbar Preview

There are quicker ways to control the view of an app window, but the little preview window can help when you open multiple browser windows. 

1. Hover the mouse over the taskbar icon of an open app to display the preview.

2. Right-click on the preview thumbnail. 

3. Select Minimize.

4. If the app is minimized, you can opt to select Maximize, Restore, or Close. 

How Do I Minimize My Screen Quickly?

The primary way to minimize a window is also the fastest method with a mouse. Every open app displays an icon on the taskbar. Tap on the icon once with the mouse to minimize the open app window and tap it again to get the full view. 

Keyboard shortcuts can also be a quick way to minimize and maximize your active screen. The different keyboard shortcuts are mentioned in the next section, but using Windows + D keys to toggle the windows is arguably the fastest way to minimize your screen and show your desktop. 

• Press Windows + D to minimize all open windows. 
• Press Windows + D again to restore the minimized windows. 

Alternatively, select the tiny slice of the Windows 10 taskbar next to the notification area. It's the “Show Desktop” button that makes all open windows disappear to reveal your desktop. Like the shortcut keys above, it also works as a toggle. 

What Is Peek at Desktop? 

The Aero Peek feature on Windows 10 is another quick way to bring up the desktop. 

1. Right-click on the Show Desktop area on the taskbar to display a small menu.

2. Select Peek at desktop. 

3. To display the desktop, hover the mouse over the Show Desktop button. Move your mouse away, and the open windows will reappear. 

Uncheck the feature from the menu to turn it off when you don’t need it. 

What Is the Shortcut Key for Minimize?

Shortcut keys are the only ways to minimize your screen without a mouse. Here are the combinations you can turn into a habit. 

Shortcut 1: Alt + Space + N

The Alt + Spacebar combination opens the tiny system menu with the minimize and maximize options. The extra “N” modifier selects the minimize option in the menu (you can see the letter underlined in the minimize command). This combination will only work if your PC’s default language is English.

Shortcut 2: Windows Key + M

This will minimize all open windows. Press Windows + Shift + M to restore all the minimized windows.

Shortcut 3: Windows Key + Home

This shortcut will minimize all apps except the active one.

Shortcut 4: Windows Key + Down Arrow

Press the Windows key and the down arrow key to slightly reduce the size of the open app window. Press Windows Logo + Up Arrow to restore to original size. 

How Do I Resize My Screen in Windows?

The minimize and the maximize button are the two extremes. There’s an in-between state where the icon resembles two overlapping boxes. The restore down option reduces the size of the window but does not minimize it to the taskbar. 

1. Select the Restore Down button to reduce the size of the application window.  

2. Drag the corners to resize the application window to any suitable dimension. 

3. Windows remembers this size, and tapping the Restore Down button from a maximized state shrinks the app's window to this shape and location.