Windows 11 provides a highly customizable user interface, allowing you to manage and arrange your windows in various ways. However, this flexibility can sometimes lead to confusion when windows become hidden, minimized, or resized. Understanding the difference between these states is key to effectively restoring your workspace.
Minimized windows are those that have been reduced to an icon on the taskbar. These windows are still open and running in the background, but they are not visible on your screen until you restore them. Hidden windows, on the other hand, might be running but are not immediately accessible or visible, perhaps because they are behind other open windows or have been minimized to the system tray.
Additionally, some windows might not be in full-screen mode or might have been resized unintentionally. These windows occupy only part of your screen, and you might want to restore them to their full-screen or previous size to maximize productivity.
This tutorial covers various methods to restore windows that fall into these different categories. Whether your window is minimized, hidden, or just needs to be resized back to full-screen mode, we’ll guide you through each process step by step. We’ll cover everything from simple keyboard shortcuts to using the taskbar’s advanced features, ensuring that no matter your level of expertise, you’ll find a method that works for you.
How to Restore Windows in Windows 11 With Keyboard Shortcuts
Restoring windows using keyboard shortcuts is one of the fastest methods available. This is particularly useful for users who prefer to navigate without relying on the mouse.
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Press Win + Down Arrow to minimize the window
To restore the window, simply press Win + Up Arrow. This will maximize the minimized window.
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Press Win + D to show the desktop and restore minimized windows
Pressing Win + D once will minimize all open windows and show the desktop. Press it again to restore all minimized windows to their previous state.
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Press Win + D to show the desktop and restore minimized windows
Pressing Win + D once will minimize all open windows and show the desktop. Press it again to restore all minimized windows to their previous state.
How to Restore All Windows Using the Show Desktop Button on the Taskbar
The “Show Desktop” button on the far right of the taskbar provides a quick way to minimize all windows and then restore them with a single click. This method is particularly useful if you want to temporarily clear your desktop to view files or icons and then restore all windows back to their previous state.
- Click the small rectangular “Show Desktop” button on the far right of the taskbar
This button is located at the very edge of the taskbar, just to the right of the date and time display. Clicking it will minimize all open windows, instantly showing the desktop. - Click the “Show Desktop” button again to restore all windows
Clicking the button a second time will restore all previously minimized windows to their original positions and sizes.
How to Restore a Window using the Restore Caption Button
Click the Restore button in the upper-right corner of the window
This button is usually positioned between the minimize and close buttons. Clicking it will restore the window to its previous size and position.
How to Restore a Window using Double Click
Double-clicking the title bar is another quick and effective method to restore a window to its original size.
Double-click on the title bar of the minimized window
This action will instantly restore the window to its maximized size.
How to Restore a Window using Drag
Dragging the title bar allows you to restore a maximized window and also reposition it as needed.
Drag down the title bar of the maximized window
Click and hold the title bar, then drag it downwards. This will restore the window to its normal size and allow you to move it around the screen.
How to Restore a Window using the Title Bar Menu
The Title Bar Menu provides additional options for window management. It is especially useful if you prefer using the mouse or trackpad over keyboard shortcuts.
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Right-click on the title bar
This will open the title bar context menu. Choosing “Restore” will revert the window to its previous state.
- Alternative: Press “Alt + Space” and then press “R”
This keyboard shortcut also accesses the title bar menu, allowing you to restore the window with minimal effort.
How to Restore a Window using the Taskbar Icon
Using the taskbar icon to restore a window is a convenient method for users who have minimized their windows and want to bring them back with a single click.
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Click the window’s icon on the taskbar
This action will restore the minimized window.
How to Restore a Window using the Taskbar Menu
The taskbar menu offers additional control over your open windows, making it easier to manage multiple applications.
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Right-click the window’s icon on the taskbar
This will open a context menu.
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Select “Restore” from the taskbar menu
Clicking “Restore” will bring the window back to its original size and position.
How to Restore a Window from the Taskbar Thumbnail Preview
This method is perfect If you want a visual preview before restoring a window.
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Hover over the window’s icon on the taskbar to see a thumbnail preview
Move your cursor over the taskbar icon to view a small preview of the minimized window. Clicking the thumbnail will restore the window to its previous state.
How to Restore a Window from the Taskbar Thumbnail Preview Menu
The taskbar thumbnail preview menu provides additional options, including the ability to restore a window directly from the thumbnail.
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Right-click on the thumbnail preview
This will open a context menu specific to the thumbnail. Choosing “Restore” will bring the window back to its maximized or default size.
How to Restore a Window That Is Off-Screen
For various reasons, applications can start with their window stuck off screen, where you can’t move or interact with it. In our other guide, we show you five ways to move an off-screen window in Windows 11 to its original position.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Handling Windows
What should I do if a window is unresponsive after restoring it?
If a window is unresponsive, first try to close and reopen the application. Right-click on the application’s taskbar icon and choose “Close window” or use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to end the task. Should the problem occur regularly, check for updates for the application or system updates from Microsoft. Restarting the computer can also solve issues caused by system resource overload.
How can I restore a group of windows from the same application at once?
To restore multiple windows from the same application simultaneously, right-click the application’s icon in the taskbar, and if supported, options like “Restore all windows” or similar will appear. This is particularly handy for managing multiple document windows in applications like Microsoft Word or Excel.
Is there a way to stop Windows 11 from automatically minimizing windows?
Windows 11 should not automatically minimize windows without user action. If this is happening, check your screensaver settings, power settings, and any third-party software that might be affecting window behavior. Adjust these settings by navigating to Settings > System > Power & Sleep or System > Personalization.
How do I change the default behavior of the ‘Minimize’ and ‘Maximize’ actions?
Direct modifications to the default Minimize and Maximize actions are limited in Windows 11. If you need advanced customization, consider third-party tools like Window Manager which allow you to define new behaviors for window actions based on your preferences.
What are the benefits of using keyboard shortcuts over mouse clicks for managing windows?
Keyboard shortcuts offer a faster alternative to mouse interactions by reducing the need to switch between input devices, which can enhance workflow efficiency. They allow for quicker execution of commands and can help streamline tasks that involve repetitive window manipulation.
Can I customize the keyboard shortcuts for window management in Windows 11?
Windows 11 doesn’t support customizing native keyboard shortcuts, but tools like AutoHotkey provide a powerful scripting language for creating custom keyboard shortcuts. These can be programmed to perform almost any window management task, offering a like-custom user experience.
How do I prevent certain apps from minimizing when I click “Show Desktop”?
Currently, Windows 11 does not support selectively preventing apps from minimizing when using the “Show Desktop” feature. All active applications will minimize, except those set with “Always on top” functionality available in some software settings or obtainable via third-party utilities.
How do I access window management settings directly from the keyboard?
Press “Win + I” to open Windows Settings, from there navigate to System > Multitasking. This section allows you to manage settings related to Snap windows, virtual desktops, and setting up how windows resize when docked in split screen.
What is the function of ‘Aero Shake’ in window management?
‘Aero Shake’ is a feature that lets you quickly minimize all other open windows by clicking and shaking the title bar of the window you want to focus on. To re-display the minimized windows, shake the title bar again. This feature can be enabled or disabled in Settings under System > Multitasking.
Can I restore windows that were closed during the previous session upon startup?
Windows 11 itself does not have a session restore feature for all apps, but most browsers and some other applications like Microsoft Office can restore previous sessions. For broader Windows session management, consider third-party solutions that can restore window placements and conditions from previous sessions.
How can I use the taskbar to open new instances of an application rather than restoring an old one?
To open a new instance of a program rather than restoring a minimized one, hold down Shift and click on the program’s icon on the taskbar. Alternatively, you can middle-click with the mouse on the taskbar icon to achieve the same result.
What does right-clicking the taskbar offer in terms of window management?
Right-clicking on the taskbar offers quick access to several window arrangement options such as “Cascade windows,” “Show windows stacked,” or “Show windows side by side.” These are useful for quickly organizing multiple open windows for improved visibility and access.
How can I quickly switch between open windows?
To switch between open applications, use “Alt + Tab” which shows thumbnails of open windows. Hold “Alt” and press “Tab” repeatedly to cycle through the list. Release “Alt” to switch to the selected window. For quick switching back and forth between two programs, press “Alt + Tab” once.
What is the best way to manage windows when using multiple displays?
To manage windows effectively across multiple monitors, ensure that display settings are configured to either extend or duplicate the displays as needed via Settings > System > Display. Use “Win + Shift + Arrow keys” to quickly move windows from one monitor to another.
How do I restore window positions and sizes to their defaults without resizing manually each time?
There is no built-in function in Windows to automatically remember and restore window positions and sizes specific to each application. For this functionality, consider third-party desktop management tools like DisplayFusion or WindowGrid which can save and recall window arrangements effectively.
Related: How to Switch Between Desktops in Windows 11 or Windows 10
Windows offers several methods to switch between desktops, each tailored to different user preferences. In our other guide, we show you how to switch between desktops in Windows 10 or Windows 11, unsing hotkeys, Task View, or touchpad gestures.
