The previous versions of Windows included a useful function in their Quick Launch toolbar called “Show Desktop”. As you probably know, when clicked this minimizes all your windows and displays only the desktop. At first glance, it would seem this is missing from Windows 7.
Of course this function is included in Windows 7, but the location is not immediately obvious. This function is available by clicking the small separated section on the far right of your taskbar (right next to the clock). By hovering your mouse over this, you will see the tool tip says “Show Desktop” and the preview of all windows being minimized will show on your screen.
To me, this is actually a much better location for this function but I still prefer using the keyboard shortcut of Windows Key + D.
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You can also right click anywhere on the task bar and ” show desktop” will appear in the menu.
Thanks for the short cut.
Never knew that.. =)
The “show desktop” feature really is helpful especially if you have a lot of programs opened. It’s kinda annoying to minimize everything before you get to see your desktop in the previous windows versions.
It’s completely unintuitive and poorly labeled, however.
It will do the “peek in” if you hover over it as well. I’ve had users get confused by this “feature” as well. Looks like disappearing windows…
I’ll never understand how Microsoft came up with adding an transparent box to the end of the taskbar for the “Show Desktop” button. It’s not obvious what it’s supposed to do at first glance and overall just seems kind of weird.