How to minimize all windows using hotkeys Windows XP 7 8 10 and MacOS

Moving your mouse and clicking here and there may not seem like much effort, but if you're a heavy user of hotkeys, you've probably noticed how they speed up your work, and they're also very convenient. It’s not possible to learn a huge list of keyboard shortcuts right away, it may be a little challenging at first, but perhaps you just need more practice, soon you won’t even notice how actively you use the keyboard shortcuts. Learning and using keyboard shortcuts is important and is a great way to improve your Windows 10 skills.

Keyboard shortcuts for copying, pasting, and other basic actions

Keys	Action
CTRL+X	Cutting the selected element
CTRL+C (or CTRL+INSERT)	Copying a selected item
CTRL+V (or SHIFT+INSERT)	Insert a selected element
CTRL+Z	Cancel action
ALT+TAB	Switch between open applications
ALT+F4	Closing an active item or exiting an active application
Windows key + L	Locking your computer
Windows key + D	Show or hide the desktop
F2	Rename the selected item
F3	Find a file or folder in Explorer
F4	Display the Address Bar List in Explorer
F5	Refresh the active window
F6	Cycle through screen elements in a window or desktop
F10	Activating the menu bar in the active application
ALT+F8	Displaying the password on the login screen
ALT+ESC	Cycle through items in the order they were opened
ALT+underlined letter	Execute the command corresponding to this letter
ALT+ENTER	Display properties of the selected element
ALT+SPACEBAR	Opening the context menu of the active window
ALT+LEFT ARROW	Back
ALT+RIGHT ARROW	Forward
ALT+PAGE UP	Move up one page
ALT+PAGE DOWN	Move one page down
CTRL+F4	Closing the active document (in applications that are maximized to full screen and allow multiple documents to be opened simultaneously)
CTRL+A	Selecting all elements in a document or window
CTRL+D (or DELETE)	Delete the selected item and move it to the Trash
CTRL+R (or F5)	Refresh the active window
CTRL+Y	Repeat action
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
CTRL+LEFT ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
CTRL+DOWN ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph
CTRL+UP ARROW	Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
CTRL+ALT+TAB	Use the arrow keys to switch between open applications
ALT+SHIFT+arrow keys	If a group or tile is in focus in the Start menu, move it in that direction
CTRL+SHIFT+arrow keys	If a tile is in focus in the Start menu, move it to another tile to create a folder
CTRL+arrow keys	Resize the Start menu if it's open
CTRL+arrow key (to move to item)+SPACEBAR	Selecting multiple individual items in a window or desktop
CTRL+SHIFT+arrow key	Selecting a piece of text
CTRL+ESC	Opening the Start menu
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC	Launching Task Manager
CTRL+SHIFT	Switch keyboard layouts if there are several of them
CTRL+SPACEBAR	Turn the Chinese input method editor on or off
SHIFT+F10	Open the context menu for the selected item
SHIFT+any arrow key	Selecting multiple items in a window or desktop, or highlighting text in a document
SHIFT+DELETE	Deleting a selected item without first placing it in the Trash
RIGHT ARROW	Open the next menu on the right or open a submenu
LEFT ARROW	Open the next menu on the left or close a submenu
ESC	Stop or exit the current task

Hotkeys for minimizing Windows windows

This method is the simplest, since it does not involve any actions related to the installation of specialized software. However, to implement it, the user must have a fully functional keyboard.

Hotkeys are used in the following way:

• in the lower left corner of the keyboard there is a Win button, which shows the Windows logo, it is pressed and held;
• Next we find the English letter D, after which it is pressed once.

This simple key combination allows you to minimize all active windows, immediately throwing the user to the desktop. It looks like Win+D . It is worth noting that you can maximize all windows using the same combination.

If, for example, the D key refuses to work properly, you can use a slightly different combination. It is carried out in the following way:

• To minimize all active windows, you need to hold down the Win+M ;
• to expand them, press the key combination Shift+Win+M .

It is worth noting that the Shift key on the keyboard can be used either on the left or on the right side.

There are several other hotkey combinations that also help simplify your computer work.

1. Win+Home . Used to minimize all windows except the one in which the user is working.
2. Space+Alt+C . The combination helps in the process of switching to the required window by minimizing them one by one. It doesn’t always work, because in some programs it is used to call other actions. For example, in Photoshop, such a combination opens the internal operation of the program itself.
3. Alt+Tab . Useful for simply switching between running windows, without minimizing them. The navigation bar is displayed, and each press of the Tab key while holding down the Alt key moves the selection frame.

Keyboard shortcuts in Explorer

Keys	Action
ALT+D	Selecting the address bar
CTRL+E	Selecting a search field
CTRL+F	Selecting a search field
CTRL+N	Opening a new window
CTRL+W	Closing the active window
CTRL+mouse scroll wheel	Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons
CTRL+SHIFT+E	Display all folders that contain the selected folder
CTRL+SHIFT+N	Creating a new folder
NUM LOCK+asterisk (*)	Show all folders under a selected folder
NUM LOCK+plus sign (+)	Display the contents of the selected folder
NUM LOCK+minus sign (–)	Collapse the selected folder
ALT+P	Displaying the Preview Pane
ALT+ENTER	Open the Properties dialog box for the selected element
ALT+RIGHT ARROW	View next folder
ALT+UP ARROW	View the folder that contains this folder
ALT+LEFT ARROW	View previous folder
BACKSPACE	View previous folder
RIGHT ARROW	Show the selected item (if collapsed) or select the first subfolder
LEFT ARROW	Collapse the selected item (if it is expanded) or select the folder in which the folder is nested
END	Display the bottom edge of the active window
home	Show the top edge of the active window
F11	Maximize or minimize the active window

Hot keys, simply put, “Keyboard shortcuts” in Windows 10 will help significantly speed up your work on the computer, because instead of doing two, or even three or four actions, you can press just a couple of keys and some specific the function will be executed.

Let's look at the hotkeys by category.

Working with text, copying, pasting and other basic actions

CTRL + X

: Cut the selected item
CTRL + C
: Copy the selected item
CTRL + V
: Paste the selected item
CTRL + Z
: Undo the last action (Undoes one action at a time)
ALT + TAB
: Switch between open windows and programs
ALT + F4
: Close the active window, or applications
Win + L
: Session Lock (PC Lock)
Win + D
: Minimize (Maximize) all windows
ALT + Space
: Open window context menu
ALT + Page Up/Page Down
: Switch page up/down
CTRL + Right Arrow/Left Arrow
: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word / Previous word
CTRL + Down Arrow / Up Arrow
: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph / Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
CTRL + ALT + TAB
: Move between applications
CTRL + Select multiple items with the cursor
: Ability to select multiple items items
CTRL + SHIFT + ESC
: Open task manager
SHIFT + Any arrow key
: Select multiple items on the desktop, as well as select text in a document

Working with the F1, F2, etc. keys Attention, if you have a “fn” key on your keyboard, then the f keys will most likely work in conjunction with fn.

F2

: Rename the selected item
F3
: Start searching in from folder (In Explorer)
F4
: Highlight the address bar in Explorer
F5
: Refresh
F6
: Switch between items on your desktop
F10
: Bring up a menu in the selected item
ALT + F8
: Display the password on the login screen into the system

Hotkeys in combination with the Windows key

Win+A

: Open Action Center
Win + D
: Collapse and expand items on the desktop
Win + E
: Open Explorer (Folder)
Win + I
: Open Settings
Win + K
: Quick device connection
Win + L
: Lock your computer, or switch account
Win + M
: Minimize all windows
Win + P
: Select presentation display mode
Win + R
: Open the Run window
Win + S
: Open the search menu
Win + SHIFT + S
: Take a screenshot of part of the screen
Win + Y
: Select an application from the taskbar, loop toggle
Win + X
: Quick Links Menu (Similar to right-clicking the Start button)
Win + Yu (dot .)
: Open the emoticon panel (Emoji)
Win + CTRL + F
: Search for computers on the local network
Win + Digit
: Open applications pinned to the taskbar with the specified digital sequence number from left to right
Win + SHIFT + Digit
: Open a new instance of an application pinned to the taskbar with the specified digital sequence number from left to right
Win + TAB
: Graphically switch between open windows, as well as history of open applications.
Win + Left Arrow
: Docks the current window to the left half of the screen.
Win + Right Arrow
: Docks the current window to the right half of the screen;
Win + Up Arrow
: Docks the current window to the top half of the screen;
Win + Down Arrow
: Docks the current window to the bottom half of the screen.
Win + Home
: Minimize all windows except the active window on the desktop
Win + Space
: Switch language layout
Win + CTRL + Space
: Return to the previously selected input language.
Win + (+ sign)
: Launch Magnifier
Win + (- sign)
: Disable Magnifier

Hotkeys for working in Explorer (in a folder)

CTRL + E

: Select a search field
CTRL + F
: Open a new window
CTRL + W
: Close the active window
CTRL + Mouse wheel scroll
: Change the zoom
CTRL + SHIFT + N
: Create a folder
ALT + Enter
: Open the property of the selected item
ALT + Left Arrow
: View previous folders
ALT + Right Arrow
: Browse to the next folder
ALT + Up Arrow
: Browse the folder in which this open folder is nested
END
: Move to the bottom of the active window
HOME
: Move to the top of the active window

Hotkeys for virtual desktops

Win + TAB

: Graphical switching between open windows, as well as the history of open applications and display of existing desktops.
Win + CTRL + D
: Create a virtual desktop
Win + CTRL + Left / Right Arrow
: Switch between virtual desktops to the left, or to the right
Win + CTRL + F4
: Close the virtual desktop in use

That's all, these keyboard shortcuts work on all editions of Windows 10 (Pro, Home, Enterprise, etc.). If you have not yet installed Windows 10, then you can also purchase a license activation key at the lowest prices! Keys are delivered instantly, immediately after payment to your email. Warranty and 24/7 technical support. You can purchase an activation key for Windows 10 of various editions in our catalog using the following link.

Hotkeys using the Windows key

Keys	Action
Windows logo key	Open or close the Start menu
Windows+A	Opening the Support Center
Windows + B	Setting notification area focus
Windows+ C	Open Cortana in listening mode Note This combination is disabled by default. To enable this feature, go to Start > Settings > Cortana and turn on the switch under Allow Cortana to listen to my commands when I press the Windows logo key . Cortana is only available in certain countries/regions. Some Cortana features may be limited. If Cortana is unavailable or turned off, you can use search.
Windows+Shift+C	Calling up the charms menu
Windows+D	Show or hide the desktop
Windows+Alt+D	Show or hide the date and time on the desktop
Windows + E	Opening Explorer
Windows + F	Open the Feedback Hub and take a screenshot
Windows+G	Opening the menu of a running game
Windows + H	Start dictation
Windows + I	Opening the Settings section
Windows + J	Set the focus to the Windows tooltip when it is available. Sets the focus to the Windows tooltip when it is displayed. Press the keyboard shortcut again to set focus to an on-screen item that has a Windows Tooltip associated with it.
Windows+K	Calling the “Connect” quick action
Windows+L	Blocking your computer or changing your account
Windows+M	Minimize all windows
Windows+O	Locking the device's orientation
Windows+P	Selecting a presentation display mode
Windows+R	Open the Run dialog box
Windows+S	Opening the search window
Windows+T	Cycle between apps on the taskbar
Windows+U	Opening of the Accessibility Center
Windows+V	Cycle between notifications
Windows+ SHIFT+V	Cycle through notifications in reverse order
Windows+ X	Opening the quick links menu
Windows + Y	Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and desktop
Kavisha Windows + Z	Show commands available in an app in full screen mode
Windows + period (.) or semicolon (;)	Opening the Emoji Panel
Windows+ comma (,)	Temporarily enable desktop display on hover
Windows+PAUSE	Displaying the System Properties dialog box
Windows+CTRL+F	Search for computers (if there is a network)
Windows+SHIFT+M	Restoring minimized windows on the desktop
Windows+ digital	Opening the desktop and launching the application pinned to the taskbar with the specified serial number. If the application is already running, switch to this application.
Windows +SHIFT+digit	Opening the desktop and launching a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar with the specified serial number
Windows + CTRL + number	Opening the desktop and switching to the last active application window pinned to the taskbar with the specified sequential number
Windows +ALT+digit	Opening the desktop and jump list for an application pinned to the taskbar with the specified sequential number
Windows + CTRL + SHIFT + number	Opening the desktop and a new instance of the application located in this location on the taskbar as an administrator
Windows +TAB	Opening Task View
Windows +UP ARROW	Maximizing a window
Windows +DOWN ARROW	Remove the current application from the screen or minimize the desktop window
Windows +LEFT ARROW	Expand an application or desktop window to the left edge of the screen
Windows +RIGHT ARROW	Expand an application or desktop window to the right edge of the screen
Windows +HOME	Minimize all windows except the active desktop window (restore all windows on a second click)
Windows +SHIFT+UP ARROW	Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom edges of the screen
Windows +SHIFT+DOWN ARROW	Restore or minimize active desktop windows vertically while maintaining width
Windows +SHIFT+LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW	Move an application or desktop window from one monitor to another
Windows + SPACEBAR	Switching input language and keyboard layout
Windows +CTRL+SPACEBAR	Return to the previously selected input language
Windows + CTRL + ENTER	Launch Narrator
Windows + plus sign (+)	Launch Magnifier
Windows + forward slash (/)	Running IME reconversion
Windows Key + CTRL + V	Showing direct connections

How to minimize all windows using mouse manipulations

If at certain moments you use the mouse more often, then using it you can easily and quickly minimize all windows on Windows at once.

On Windows 7 and higher, there is a small rectangle at the bottom right of the taskbar. If it is visible in the seven, then in the latest versions of the ten it merges with the background of the taskbar. To highlight it, you need to point the mouse cursor there. When hovered, the message “Minimize all windows” will appear (Windows 7 only).

Just click on this “option” with the left mouse button, then all windows will leave the desktop, and your gaze will be directed to your beautiful wallpaper.

If you right-click on this icon, several items will appear: “Show desktop” - the same thing when we minimize program windows and “Show desktop on hover” - everything is clear here, check the box, hover the mouse and the windows appear become completely transparent to us. When we remove the cursor, windows appear.

In Windows XP, you can minimize all windows using the icon located on the taskbar next to the Start Menu. If there is no such icon, then do it as follows:

• Right-click on the taskbar.
• Hover over the Toolbars tab.
• ABOUT.

Command Prompt Keyboard Shortcuts

Keys	Action
CTRL+C (or CTRL+INSERT)	Copy selected text
CTRL+V (or SHIFT+INSERT)	Insert selected text
CTRL+M	Switch to tagging mode
ALT+select key	Starting a selection in blocking mode
Arrow keys	Move the cursor in a specified direction
PAGE UP	Move the cursor up one page
PAGE DOWN	Move the cursor down one page
CTRL+HOME (in marking mode)	Move the cursor to the beginning of the buffer
CTRL+END (in mark mode)	Move the cursor to the end of the buffer
CTRL+UP ARROW	Move up one line in the output log
CTRL+DOWN ARROW	Move one line down in the output log
CTRL+HOME (journal navigation)	Moves the viewport to the top of the buffer (if the command line is empty). Otherwise, deletes any characters located to the left of the cursor on the command line.
CTRL+END (journal navigation)	Moves the viewport to the command line if it is empty. Otherwise, deletes any characters located to the right of the cursor on the command line.

Keyboard shortcuts for dialog boxes

Keys	Action
F4	Displaying Active List Items
CTRL+TAB	Move forward through tabs
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB	Go back through tabs
CTRL+number (1 to 9)	Go to nth tab
TAB	Move forward through parameters
SHIFT+TAB	Go back through parameters
ALT+underlined letter	Execute a command (or select an option) that begins with this letter
SPACE	Select or clear a checkbox if the active option is a checkbox
BACKSPACE	Open a folder one level above the folder selected in the Save As or Open window
Arrow keys	Selecting a button if a button group is active

List of hotkeys in Windows 10

Surely you know a lot of combinations, but in this list we have collected as many as possible, thus forming the ultimate list of Windows 10 hotkeys.

Win key combinations

For reference: the Win is a button with the Windows logo in the left (there are options with a duplicate key on the right) part of the bottom row of the keyboard.

• Win + Up/Down/Right/Left Key . Move the current window to the right, left, top, bottom, bottom right, top right, top left, or bottom left of the screen.
• Win + Shift + left / right – move a window from one monitor to another. Relevant for computers with two monitors.
• Win + Q – start listening to Cortana voice command. Tap to speak (if Cortana is enabled).
• Win + W – open Windows Ink (Anniversary Update 1607 and higher).
• Win + E – open Explorer.
• Win + R – launch the “Run” window.
• Win + T – switch between running applications on the taskbar. Switch the arrows and then press Enter to confirm.
• Win + U – launch accessibility options.
• Win + I – open Windows 10 Settings.
• Win + P – switch monitor mode (duplicate, expand, disable second, disable main).
• Win + A – open the notification center.
• Win + S – search in Windows (entering a query from the keyboard).
• Win + D – show desktop.
• Win + F – take a screenshot and send it to Feedback Hub. Convenient when you notice a bug and want to report it to Windows developers.
• Win + G – open the game bar.
• Win + H – open the Share window.
• Win + K – open the wireless connection window.
• Win + L – lock the computer.
• Win + M – minimize all windows.
• Win + Shift + M – restore all windows.
• Win + O – lock screen orientation.
• Win + X – open the Start context menu.
• Win + V – switch between notifications.
• Win + Shift + V – switch between notifications in reverse order.
• Win + B – open the notification area on the taskbar.
• Win + Ctrl + D – create a new virtual desktop.
• Win + Ctrl + left / right – move between desktops.
• Win + Ctrl + F 4 – close the current desktop (open windows will go to the main desktop).
• Win + Tab – view all open desktops and applications.
• Win + Shift + M – restore windows.
• Win + Home – minimize all windows except the active one.
• Win + Enter – launch Screen Narrator.
• Win + , – show the desktop. Displayed as long as you hold down the keys without minimizing the active windows.
• Win + 1 / 2 / … / 9 – launch an application pinned to the taskbar. The number keys control the order of attached applications.
• Win + Shift + 1 / 2 / … / 9 – re-launch the application pinned to the taskbar.
• Win + Space – change input language (default).
• Win + PrintSc (variants of the key name PrScr / PrtScr are possible) – take a screenshot of the screen and place it in the Images – Screenshots library.
• Win + Alt + G – start recording the current window (via the game bar).
• Win + Alt + R – stop recording the current window.
• Win + Alt + D – open the calendar interface on the taskbar.
• Win + + – zoom in using Screen Magnifier.
• Win + – – zoom out using Screen Magnifier.
• Win + Esc – exit Magnifier mode.

Combinations with Ctrl, Alt and Fx keys

• F2 – rename the selected object.
• F 3 – activate search in Explorer.
• F 4 – display the address bar in Explorer.
• F 5 – refresh the current window. Duplicated by the combination Ctrl + R.
• F 6 – select elements of the current window.
• F 10 – activate the menu of the current window. Duplicated by the Alt key.
• Alt + F 8 – show the password on the Windows login window.
• Alt + Esc – switch between windows in the order they open.
• Alt + Space – open the context menu of the current window.
• Alt + left / right – back / forward.
• Alt + PgUp / PgDn (PageUp / PageDown) – one screen up / down.
• Alt + Enter – open properties of the selected object.
• Alt + Tab is similar to Win + Tab , only in a slightly different form.
• Ctrl + F 4 – close the current document.
• Crtl + A – select all.
• Ctrl + D – move the selected object to the trash. Duplicated by the Delete key.
• Ctrl + Y – return the undone action.
• Ctrl + Tab – move forward through tabs. Browser tabs, for example.
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab – move back through tabs.
• Ctrl + number – go to the tab corresponding to the number. For example, the fourth one.
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc – launch Task Manager.
• Ctrl + Alt + Tab – analogous to Alt + Tab , only allows you to select the desired window using the arrow keys and does not require holding down the keys.
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + arrows – move a tile or group of tiles in the desired direction (tiles must be selected).
• Ctrl + arrows + Space – select several different objects. You need to hold down Ctrl , move to the desired object with the arrow, press Space to select and while holding Ctrl, move with the arrows to the next object.
• Ctrl + Shift + arrows – select a block of text.
• Ctrl + Esc – open the Start menu.
• Shift + F 10 – display the right-click menu on the selected object.
• Shift + arrows – select multiple elements.

Keyboard shortcuts for virtual desktops

Keys	Action
Windows key +TAB	Opening Task View
Windows key +CTRL+D	Adding a virtual desktop
Windows Key +CTRL+RIGHT ARROW	Switch between created virtual desktops from left to right
Windows key +CTRL+LEFT ARROW	Switch between created virtual desktops from right to left
Windows key +CTRL+F4	Closing the virtual desktop you are using

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

Keys	Action
SHIFT+press the taskbar button	Launch an application or quickly open another instance of the application
CTRL+SHIFT+click the taskbar button	Running the application as administrator
SHIFT+right-click the taskbar button	Display a menu window for an application
SHIFT+right-click a grouped taskbar button	Displaying a Window Menu for a Group
CTRL+clicking a grouped taskbar button	Cycle between group windows