The minimize shortcut key in Windows is Win + Down. If the window is maximized, the first press restores it to a smaller size and the second press minimizes it to the taskbar. To minimize every open window at once, press Win + M.
Minimize and maximize work as a pair: Win + Up maximizes the window again. The table below lists the variants, including the one key that brings everything back.
Quick facts
Minimize window
Win + DownMinimize all
Win + MRestore all
Win + Shift + MDesktop toggle
Win + DMaximize
Win + UpMac
Command + M
Minimize and maximize shortcut keys
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Minimize the active window | Win + Down (twice if maximized) |
| Maximize the active window | Win + Up |
| Minimize all windows | Win + M |
| Restore all minimized windows | Win + Shift + M |
| Show the desktop, press again to bring windows back | Win + D |
| Minimize all except the active one | Win + Home |
| Window menu, then minimize | Alt + Space, then N |
Maximize has its own guide: maximize shortcut key.
Shortcut key to minimize a window step by step
- Click the window you want to put away.
- Keep the Windows logo key down and tap Down.
- If the window only got smaller, press Down once more. It drops to the taskbar.
- To bring it back, click its icon on the taskbar or use Alt + Tab.
Alt + Space followed by N does the same through the old window menu, and works in programs that block the Windows key.
Win + M or Win + D
Both clear the screen, but they behave differently. Win + M minimizes windows; dialog boxes and some apps ignore it, and Win + Shift + M brings them back. Win + D is a toggle that hides everything and shows the desktop; pressing it again restores exactly what was open. For quick peeks at the desktop, Win + D is the more reliable shortcut for minimizing a window set. Neither closes anything, so unsaved work in those programs is safe.
Screen minimize shortcut key in games and full screen apps
Full screen games and videos may not respond to Win + Down. Press Alt + Tab to switch away, or Win + D to jump to the desktop. Some games pause when they lose focus, which is useful if someone walks in. The switch windows shortcut guide covers moving between apps.
When minimize keys do not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Window only gets smaller | Press Win + Down a second time |
| Nothing happens | Gaming keyboards can lock the Windows key; switch game mode off |
| A dialog will not minimize | Close the dialog first; dialogs stay on top |
| Windows come back by themselves | An app is stealing focus with a notification |
Minimize on a Mac
On a Mac, Command + M minimizes the front window to the Dock, Option + Command + M minimizes all windows of that app, and Command + H hides the whole app. Apple's other window keys are gathered in Mac windows, and going the other way, filling the display, is covered under full screen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for minimize?
What are the minimize and maximize shortcut keys?
Minimize is Win + Down and maximize is Win + Up.
How do I minimize all windows at once?
Press Win + M or Win + D.
How do I restore minimized windows?
Is minimise shortcut key the same as minimize?
Yes, it is only the British spelling.