How to show the desktop on Windows 11
Here are three easy ways to show the desktop on Windows 11.
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OnWindows 11, getting lost in a sea of open windows and cluttered desktops is easy, and with multiple apps and files open at the same time, it can be frustrating to find what you need quickly. That’s why the option to show the desktop is so practical.
Using a few clicks, you can minimize all your open windows and quickly access your desktop icons and files. In addition, it’s a lifesaver feature that allows you to hide everything on the screen quickly when reviewing sensitive information and someone walks on you.
In thishow-to guide, I will show you the easy ways to show the desktop on Windows 11 quickly.
Three ways to show the Windows 11 desktop
On Windows 11, there are several ways to show the desktop, including using a keyboard shortcut, the Taskbar option, and the desktop settings.
Keyboard shortcut
The operating system offers at least twokeyboard shortcutsto show the desktop:
Taskbar button
On Windows 11, you can also click the button located in the bottom-right corner, next to theCopilot(or notification) icon.
If the option isn’t working, it’s probably not enabled, in which case, you have to follow these steps:
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Once you complete the steps, click the button in the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar, which will show the desktop.
It’s important to note that when Microsoft relocated the Copilot icon to the System Tray, the company disabled the option to show the desktop, but it didn’t remove it. However, after feedback, the original behavior is back.
Hide desktop icons
Alternatively, if you want to show the desktop without the icons, you must hide them. Here’s how:
After you complete the steps, you will have access to the desktop and a desktop without any icons.
You can show the icons again by right-clicking the desktop, accessing the"View"menu, and choosing the"Show desktop icons"option to turn on the feature.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
