Assign a key to "Show Desktop" in Windows 7

manveruppd · 21 Jun 2010 at 12:23

Back in Windows XP, there was a little shortcut on the quick launch toolbar which minimised everything and showed the desktop. I edited that shortcut's properties and assigned ctrl-shift-f1 as its shortcut key, so I could minimise every single window with a single keystroke.

Now, in Windows 7, that shortcut no longer seems to be a shortcut, but a button embedded on the taskbar, like the Start button - it has no file- or shortcut-like attributes, and right-clicking doesn't bring up a "properties" option in the context menu. So, is there another way to assign a keystroke to "show desktop"?

SiriusB · 21 Jun 2010 at 12:30

Eh?

You do know Win Key + M minimises everything. Win Key + Space does Aero Peek.

Easy and one key less to press

Vince · 21 Jun 2010 at 12:34

I second this, the place that they have put the show desktop in windows 7 is just annoying. I have reverted back to the old windows key + D while I wait for way to move that button into a sensible position.

More to the point who decided it was a good idea to have it bottom right? I can't think of a single time where my mouse would be anywhere close to that position when wanting to quickly drop to desktop.

deadite66 · 21 Jun 2010 at 12:44

buy a usb stealth switch

SiriusB · 21 Jun 2010 at 12:46

Sensible people use my aforementioned shotcuts rather than the oddly placed button.

Ricochet J · 21 Jun 2010 at 12:58

Win + D surely? It even works in Win XP :confused:

manveruppd · 21 Jun 2010 at 13:49

Now I feel silly, why didn't I know this in the 8 years I've been using XP?

cokecan · 21 Jun 2010 at 17:02

win key + D is def the way to go

SubFocus · 21 Jun 2010 at 17:22

Aye. I used to swear by Win + M but Win + D minimizes the windows and then brings them back on a second press. Woo yeh!

Pho · 21 Jun 2010 at 18:54

If you want the quick launch back see this tutorial. You should also get the show desktop shortcut back doing this too.

Also, Win+D doesn't work so well with multiple monitors as it minimises stuff on all your screens, even a fullscreen VLC window which is rather annoying

.

SiriusB · 21 Jun 2010 at 19:45

Window grouping would be nice in Windows 7. Sometimes I just want to minimise only a particular set of Windows and keep others open. Hell, even a monitor-specific minimise shortcut would be good!