7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop

Discover the quickest methods to access your Windows 11 desktop From keyboard shortcuts to touchpad gestures, we'll show you how to take a quick glance, minimize all windows, and even add a large show desktop icon to your taskbar Plus, find out how you can view your desktop in File Explorer

To access the desktop screen on Windows 11, there are several easy ways to do so. One of the quickest ways is by using a keyboard shortcut, Windows+D. This shortcut will immediately take you to your desktop, regardless of the app you are currently using.

Another way to access the desktop is by holding down the Windows key and pressing the comma key. This will give you a quick glance at your desktop screen. Additionally, you can click on the "Show Desktop" button located at the far right of your taskbar to access the desktop.

No matter which method you choose, accessing the desktop on Windows 11 is a simple and straightforward process.

Pressing the keys while on the desktop will take you back to the previously open app window, making app switching and desktop navigation effortless.

- Take a Quick Glance at Your Desktop

To view your desktop without accessing any item stored on it, simply press and hold the Windows+ (comma) keys. This will display your desktop screen until the keys are released.

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


Upon releasing the keys, your attention will be redirected to the currently active window.

- Minimize All Windows and Display the Desktop

Another quick and efficient way to access your desktop is by using the keyboard shortcut Windows+M. By doing so, all open application windows will be minimized and you will be presented with an unobstructed view of your desktop.

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


Use the “Show Desktop” Button

If you prefer a visual method, Windows 11 provides a button located in the bottom-right corner of your screen called “Show Desktop”. Simply click this button to access your desktop and then click it again to return to your previously opened app windows. Another helpful shortcut to restore all your open app windows is to press the Windows+Shift+M keys.

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


Add a Large “Show Desktop” Icon to Your Windows Taskbar

If you're having trouble clicking the small "Show Desktop" button in the bottom-right corner of your screen, there's a simple solution. You can add a larger button to your taskbar that takes you directly to your desktop.

To create this button, you'll need to create a desktop shortcut and then pin it to your taskbar. First, go to your desktop and right-click on an empty space. From the dropdown menu, select "New" and then "Shortcut."

.

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop

To create a shortcut, start by opening the "Create Shortcut" window. Once it's open, click on the "Type the location of the item" box and enter the following code:

explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


Enter "Show Desktop" as the name for this shortcut in the "Type a Name for This Shortcut" field on the next screen of the wizard. Any name can be used as it will not be displayed in the taskbar; only the icon will be displayed. Finally, click "Finish" at the bottom of the window to complete the process.

To ensure that you can easily identify your desktop shortcut, you'll need to customize its icon. By default, it uses a File Explorer icon, which can be confusing. You want an icon that stands out from the rest on your taskbar.

To change the icon, simply right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties." From there, go to the "Shortcut" tab and click on "Change Icon."

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


You can choose an icon from the list provided. If you want more options, check the "Look for Icons in This File" box, enter the following, and hit Enter:

Make sure to click “OK” when you’ve chosen an icon.

%SystemRoot%\System32\imageres.dll

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


On the “Properties” window, select “Apply” and then “OK.”

Right-click on the newly-created desktop shortcut and select "Show More Options" followed by "Pin to Taskbar". This will add a large button to your Windows taskbar, giving you quick access to your desktop whenever you need it.

Use the Power User Menu

Accessing your desktop on your PC is easy with the “Power User Menu”. You can access this menu by either pressing Windows+X or right-clicking on the “Start” menu icon. Once the menu opens, simply select “Desktop” from the options available.

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


Your desktop can be easily accessed on your Windows 11 PC. If you have a touchpad, the gesture for viewing the desktop is swiping down with three fingers. To return to your previously active app window, simply swipe up with three fingers on your touchpad.

7 Lightning-Fast Ways to Reach Your Windows 11 Desktop


Use a Touch Gesture

For those using touch-enabled devices, accessing the desktop is made simple with a touch gesture. A quick swipe down with three fingers will bring you to your desktop, while swiping up with three fingers will allow you to access your previously opened app windows.

View Desktop in File Explorer

To access your desktop while in a File Explorer window, there's no need to close or minimize your current window. Simply click on "Desktop" in the left sidebar of File Explorer. This will display all of your desktop files within your current open window, allowing you to easily access and work with them without having to leave your file manager. It's a convenient way to manage your desktop files. Additionally, these are just a few of the many ways to quickly access your Windows 11 PC's desktop screen.