How to View the Desktop in Windows 11 Using Shortcuts & Gestures

Navigating to your desktop in Windows 11 is something you do multiple times a day but minimizing every window manually is slow and unnecessary. Windows 11 provides several quick shortcuts, gestures, and built-in tools to instantly show the desktop.

How to Quickly View Your Desktop on Windows 11?

In this article, we'll explore 6 Ways to Show the Desktop in Windows 11.

1. Show the Desktop Using the Show Desktop Button

Windows 11 includes a tiny hidden button on the far-right corner of the taskbar.

Step 1:

• Right click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

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Step 2:

• In taskbar setting, Expand the Taskbar behaviors by clicking on it.

Step 3:

• Then check the Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop option.

👁 Show-the-Desktop-by-Clicking-the-Show-Desktop-Button

Step 4:

• Move your mouse cursor to the right end of the taskbar, and hover over the thin vertical line.
• You will see a small tooltip that says “Show desktop”.

👁 Show-the-Desktop-by-Clicking-the-Show-Desktop-Button-1

2. Create a Custom Show Desktop Taskbar Shortcut

If you want a dedicated icon on your taskbar:

Step 1:

• Right-click on a space on your desktop.

Step 2:

• Choose "New" and then "Shortcut."

Step 3:

• In the location field, type "explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}" and click "Next."

👁 Show-the-Desktop-With-a-Custom-Taskbar-Shortcut

Step 4:

• Provide a name for your shortcut and click "Finish."

Step 5:

• Right-click the Show desktop shortcut, choose "Show more options," and then select "Pin to taskbar."

👁 Show-the-Desktop-With-a-Custom-Taskbar-Shortcut-1

Now, click on "Show Desktop" icon it will take to Desktop

3. Use the Power User Menu (Win + X)

Windows 11’s Power User Menu also includes a direct path to the desktop.

Step 1:

• Right-click the Start button or press Win + X

Step 2:

• Select Desktop to minimize all open windows.

👁 Show-the-Desktop-With-the-Power-User-Menu

4: Show the Desktop With Keyboard Shortcuts (Win + D)

Keyboard enthusiasts can make use of the shortcut "Win + D" on their keyboards to quickly minimize and restore all windows.

Note:- Simply press the "Win + D" keys together to toggle between the desktop and open windows.

👁 _Show-the-Desktop-With-Keyboard-Shortcuts-(Win-and-D)

5: Use Minimize Windows Keyboard Shortcut (Win + M)

Note:- Press the "Win + M" keys at the same time to make all windows go away and show only desktop.

👁 Use-Minimize-Windows-Keyboard-Shortcut-in-Windows-11-(Win-and-M)

6: Show the Desktop With Touchpad and Touch Gestures

Windows 11 helps you control your computer with a touchpad and swipes for an easier to use desktop.

Note:- Simple, drag down with three fingers on your touchpad to make all open windows disappear and show the desktop.