How to Enable or Disable Show Desktop Windows 11 Taskbar
The ‘Show Desktop’ button in Windows 11 lets you quickly minimize all open windows or see them again.
This small button sits at the far right of your taskbar, acting like a quick shortcut.
Clicking it once hides every window, showing you just your desktop and icons. Click it again, and your windows pop back up just as they were. For instance, on Windows 11 build 22621, this button is a handy way to clear your screen for a fresh view or to grab a file on your desktop.
To enable or disable the ‘Show Desktop’ button, open Settings, go to Personalization, then Taskbar, expand Taskbar behaviors, and check or uncheck “Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop.” This feature minimizes all windows with one click.
Method 1Use the Settings App
You can easily turn the ‘Show Desktop’ button on or off in Windows 11 using the Settings app. This feature, often called the ‘peek’ at desktop, lets you quickly see your desktop by moving your mouse to the far right corner of the taskbar.
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
- Click Personalization on the left menu.
Windows 11 Personalization in the Settings app - Select Taskbar on the right side.
Windows 11 Taskbar settings in Personalization for auto-hide. - Click Taskbar behaviors to expand the menu.
- Check or uncheck the box labeled Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop.
Windows 11 select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop
Method 2Use the Registry Editor (Advanced)
For more control over the ‘Show Desktop’ button in Windows 11, you can use the Registry Editor. This advanced method lets you change how the ‘peek’ at desktop feature works, but you need to be careful because you’ll be editing system files.
- Press Windows key + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - Find TaskbarSd. If missing, right-click, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it TaskbarSd.
- Double-click it and set the value to 1 to enable or 0 to disable.
Windows 11 select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop registry - Restart your computer to apply changes.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Instant Access
You do not always need a button to clear your screen. Use these shortcuts:
- Windows key + D: Toggles between showing the desktop and showing your open windows.
- Windows key + M: Minimizes all windows. Use Windows key + Shift+M to bring them back.
Is the ‘Desktop’ Toolbar Available in 🪟 Windows 11?
Windows 11 no longer includes the old ‘Desktop’ toolbar found in Windows 10 that let you see files right from the taskbar.
PowerShell Automation
Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced' -Name 'TaskbarSd' -Value 1
Summary
The ‘Show Desktop’ feature in Windows 11 helps you quickly clear your screen, and you can manage it through Settings or the Registry Editor.
How do I restore the Show Desktop icon if it disappears?
If the button seems missing, first check the Taskbar settings to ensure the feature is enabled. If it is already checked, try unchecking and re-checking the box. If that fails, restart the Windows Explorer process via the Task Manager or restart your computer to refresh the taskbar interface.
What is the difference between Show Desktop and minimizing all windows?
The ‘Show Desktop’ button acts as a toggle. Clicking it once minimizes everything, and clicking it again restores the windows exactly where they were. Minimizing all windows manually using shortcuts like ⊞ Win+M does not always provide the same ‘toggle’ behavior to restore them instantly.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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