To show the desktop in Windows 11, press Windows logo key + D. Every open window hides at once, and pressing the same keys again brings them back. If you prefer the mouse, select the far right corner of the taskbar instead.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on October 7, 2026.
Show the desktop with the keyboard
The keyboard shortcut is the fastest route because it works from any app and needs no setup. The Windows logo key is the key with the Windows symbol, usually between Ctrl and Alt.
- Hold down the Windows logo key and press D. All open windows disappear and you see your desktop wallpaper and icons.
- Open the file, folder or shortcut you came for, or just take a look at the desktop.
- Press Windows logo key + D again when you want your windows back. Microsoft describes this shortcut as one that displays and hides the desktop, so the same keys work in both directions.
Show the desktop from the corner of the taskbar
The taskbar is the bar along the bottom of the screen that holds the Start button and your app icons. Its far right corner, just past the clock, can act as a show desktop button.
- Move the pointer to the far right end of the taskbar, past the date and time.
- Select that corner. Your open windows minimize and the desktop appears.
- Select the same corner again to return to your windows.
If nothing happens, the option is turned off. The next section shows how to turn it on.
Turn on the taskbar corner option
- Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. The Settings app opens on the taskbar page.
- Scroll down and expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Check the box next to Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop. The far corner now works as a show desktop button.
To undo it, clear the same check box. This is useful if you keep hiding your windows by accident when you move the pointer toward the clock.
Other keyboard shortcuts that clear the screen
Windows 11 has several related shortcuts. They behave a little differently, so choose the one that matches what you want to do.
| Shortcut | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Windows logo key + D | Displays and hides the desktop | A quick trip to the desktop and back |
| Windows logo key + M | Minimizes all windows | Clearing the screen when you plan to stay on the desktop |
| Windows logo key + Shift + M | Restores minimized windows | Bringing windows back after Windows logo key + M |
| Windows logo key + comma (,) | Temporarily peeks at the desktop | Glancing at the desktop without leaving your app |
| Windows logo key + Home | Minimizes or restores all windows except the active one | Keeping one window open and hiding the rest |
The main difference between the first two is the way back. Windows logo key + D is a toggle, so one shortcut does both jobs. Windows logo key + M only minimizes, and you need Windows logo key + Shift + M to restore the windows.
Show the desktop with a touchpad or touchscreen
On a laptop touchpad, swipe down with three fingers to show the desktop. Swipe up with three fingers to show all your open windows again. The same three-finger swipes work on a touchscreen.
Microsoft notes that some touchpad gestures only work with precision touchpads, so an older laptop may not respond. To check or change what the swipe does, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad and expand Three-finger gestures. Microsoft lists every gesture on its touch gestures for Windows page.
If showing the desktop doesn’t work
- The taskbar corner does nothing. The option is off. Turn on Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop under Taskbar behaviors, as described above.
- You can’t find the corner. If Automatically hide the taskbar is on, the taskbar stays out of sight until you move the pointer to the bottom edge of the screen. Bring the taskbar up first, then select the corner.
- The shortcut does nothing. Make sure you are holding the Windows logo key and not Ctrl or Alt. Some gaming keyboards have a switch or mode that turns the Windows key off; check the keyboard maker’s instructions. The taskbar corner still works in the meantime.
- The three-finger swipe does nothing. Your touchpad may not be a precision touchpad, or the gesture may be set to something else. Check Three-finger gestures in the touchpad settings.
- Your windows did not come back. If you used Windows logo key + M, press Windows logo key + Shift + M. You can also select any app’s icon on the taskbar to reopen that window.
- The desktop is empty. The icons are hidden. Right-click an empty area of the desktop, select View, and check Show desktop icons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to show the desktop in Windows 11?
Press Windows logo key + D. Press it again to hide the desktop and return to your windows. Microsoft lists it with the other keyboard shortcuts in Windows.
Where is the show desktop button in Windows 11?
It is the far right corner of the taskbar, past the clock. There is no labeled button, which is why many people miss it. If selecting the corner does nothing, turn the option on in Taskbar settings under Taskbar behaviors. Microsoft covers these options in its guide to customizing the taskbar.
Does showing the desktop close my apps?
No. The windows are only minimized. Your apps keep running, and each one is still on the taskbar.
How do I look at the desktop for just a moment?
Press Windows logo key + comma (,). Microsoft describes this shortcut as a temporary peek at the desktop, so it suits a quick glance at a file name or a desktop note.
Why are there no icons on my desktop?
They are probably hidden. Right-click an empty area of the desktop and select View > Show desktop icons. To choose which system icons appear, such as the Recycle Bin, see how to change desktop icons in Windows 11.
Is this the same as switching desktops?
No. Showing the desktop hides the windows on the desktop you are using. Windows 11 also lets you create extra desktops, each with its own set of windows: press Windows logo key + Tab to open Task view and select New desktop. Our guide on how to switch desktops in Windows 11 covers that feature.
Try Windows logo key + D a few times so it becomes a habit, and turn on the taskbar corner option if you would like a mouse route as well.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.