How to quickly get to the Windows desktop

When Windows first starts, it loads to the desktop. However, as you open files and programs on the computer, it becomes hidden. Thankfully, there are different ways to get back to the desktop without closing any of your open programs. We've listed all the different methods below in the order we find easiest.

Desktop shortcut keys

Press Windows key+D to get to the Windows desktop. Press the same keys again to restore the hidden windows.

Press the Windows key+M to minimize all open programs. To undo all minimized windows, press the keys Windows key+Shift+M.

Aero Peek

If you are using Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11, there is a feature called Aero peek. To use Aero peek, move your mouse cursor to the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar, and click the tab. Once done with the desktop, you can repeat these steps to restore the open windows.

Minimize all open windows

You can also minimize all open windows to get to the desktop. If you only have one or two windows open, minimizing the window may be the fastest solution. However, if you have several windows open, we suggest using one of the previously mentioned suggestions.