How do I quickly return to the desktop without closing my open windows?
Quick answer
On Windows, press Windows key + D to hide your open windows and show the desktop; press Windows key + D again to unhide the desktop and return to the windows. Microsoft distinguishes this toggle from Windows key + M, which minimizes all windows and has no separate restore-all shortcut documented on its keyboard tips page. Shortcuts may not work in every app. [S1]
The question, the details, the next step.
I need to get to a file on my Windows desktop, but I don’t want to close all the things I’m working on. What should I use?
Try Windows key + D. Microsoft documents it as hiding or unhiding the desktop, so the same shortcut can take you to the desktop and then bring the desktop view back. It is a suitable choice for a quick out-and-back when you want your open windows left available. [S1]
For example, assuming you have a document and a browser open: press Windows key + D to show the desktop, do what you need there, then press Windows key + D again. Think of it as a toggle, rather than a command to close your work.
Does that mean I should use Windows key + M? I’ve seen that described as minimize everything.
They are different shortcuts. Microsoft documents Windows key + M as minimizing all windows, while Windows key + D hides or unhides the desktop. The Microsoft keyboard tips page does not describe a separate restore-all shortcut for Windows key + M, so use Windows key + D for the simple show-desktop-and-return routine. [S1]
A useful distinction is: D = desktop toggle; M = minimize all. Don’t choose M expecting the same documented toggle behavior as D.
Could you give me a short routine I can remember, including what to do if the shortcut doesn’t respond?
Use this routine:
- Press Windows key + D once to show the desktop.
- Finish the desktop task without closing the apps you were using.
- Press Windows key + D again to unhide the desktop and return to your windows.
- If the shortcut does not work in the app you’re using, don’t keep repeating it blindly. Common shortcuts may not work in every app. Use the app’s ordinary window controls instead, or check the shortcut guidance for your Windows setup if you need more help. [S1]
The D shortcut is documented as hiding and unhiding the desktop; it may not respond in every app.
Can you show how I’d explain this to someone who keeps mixing up D and M?
Assuming they’re using Windows, you could send this:
Quick desktop tip: Press Windows key + D to show the desktop. Press it again to return to your open windows. Windows key + M minimizes all windows instead; Microsoft’s keyboard tips do not document a separate restore-all shortcut for M. Some shortcuts may not work in every app. [S1]
That wording keeps the two actions distinct without promising that every application will behave identically.
A practical checklist
Confirm that the device is running Windows before using this Windows-specific tip.
Press Windows key + D once to show the desktop.
Press Windows key + D again to return to your windows.
Use Windows key + M only when you intend to minimize all windows, not as the documented toggle.
If a shortcut does not respond, remember that it may not work in that app.
A few more useful answers
Will Windows key + D close my open apps?
Microsoft’s guidance describes it as hiding or unhiding the desktop, not closing apps. It also cautions that common shortcuts may not work in every app. [S1]
Is Windows key + M interchangeable with Windows key + D?
No. Microsoft documents M as minimizing all windows and D as hiding or unhiding the desktop. Its keyboard tips page does not describe a separate restore-all shortcut for M. [S1]
Does this shortcut apply to every operating system?
This guide covers the Windows shortcut documented by Microsoft. It does not establish shortcuts for other operating systems, so check the relevant official guidance for your device.
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Windows keyboard tips and tricks support.microsoft.com · Checked