Learn how to reduce or minimize the size of a window in Windows using keyboard shortcuts, manual resizing, and Windows Snap feature. Regain control of your screen real estate for a clutter-free workspace and increased productivity.
To create a guide for reducing or minimizing the size of a window in Windows in tabular form, I’ll outline the steps along with their descriptions. This table will help you understand the process:
| Step Number | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the Window | Find the window that you want to minimize or resize. |
| 2 | Minimize Window | Click the “Minimize” button (a small line) in the top-right corner of the window to minimize it to the taskbar. |
| 3 | Resize Window | Hover your mouse over any corner or side of the window. When the cursor changes to a double-sided arrow, click and drag to resize the window. |
| 4 | Adjust to Desired Size | Continue dragging until the window is at your desired size. |
| 5 | Release Mouse Button | Release the mouse button to set the window in its new size. |
This table provides a straightforward guide to either minimizing or resizing windows in the Windows operating system. The steps are easy to follow and will help you manage your windows effectively.
How to reduce or minimize the size of a window in Windows with keyboard.
- Method 1: making use of the direction arrows . To minimize a window in Windows, simultaneously press the “Windows” + “Down arrow” keys.
- If the window is maximized, doing this combination will reduce its size, but will still display its content. To minimize it completely and hide it on the taskbar, perform the combination of these keys twice.
- On the other hand, you can also use the other arrows to control the size of the windows . For example, if you press “Windows” + “Left or Right Direction Arrow”, the window you are working on will go to that position.
- This is ideal for those times when you need to have two windows open simultaneously. With the up arrow you can maximize a window and place it in full screen. That way you can fully focus on what you are working on. If this in particular interests you, you can learn what the Windows 10 concentration assistant is and how it works .
- Method 2: using the letters on the keyboard . You can quickly minimize all the windows you have open by simultaneously pressing the “Windows” + “M” keys.
- You can also use “Windows” + “D” to show or hide the desktop. While with the first you can only minimize the windows, with the second combination you can return them to their original state, as it will maximize them all at the same time.
- Undoubtedly, these useful shortcuts will help you save time and be more efficient when using your computer. However, these are not the only key combinations that allow you to be more agile with your device.
Know these keyboard shortcuts in Windows and make better use of your time
Here’s a summary of the most useful keyboard shortcuts you can use in Windows. These are divided into categories in order to better understand their purpose.
It should be noted that this operating system also gives you the ability to create your own custom keyboard shortcuts , in case you don’t like the ones shown below.
General keyboard shortcuts
- Windows + L: block the active user.
- Windows + E: open a new file explorer window.
- Windows + F: open a new search window to find files and folders.
- Windows + I: open the configuration menu. Only on Windows 8 and 10.
- Windows + P: open the screen sharing function management menu on other monitors.
- Windows + Q: Activate Cortana. Only on Windows 10.
- Windows + R: pull down the “Run” menu.
- Ctrl + Alt + Del: open the menu to control the actions lock, switch user, log off and task manager. It is one of the most useful, so we recommend that you expand your knowledge about it by learning what it is and what its key combination is for .
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: open a new task manager window.
- Windows + plus (+): activate the magnifying glass. You can control the magnification with Windows + plus (+) and Windows + minus (-). To close the application press Windows + Esc].
- Windows + number: Start the program that is docked in the corresponding location on the taskbar.
- Windows + Ctrl + Shift + number: Start as administrator the program that is anchored in the corresponding location on the taskbar.
Keyboard shortcuts for window management
- Alt + F4: close all windows of the active program in the foreground.
- Alt + Tab: show a view of all open windows (press the Tab key again to switch windows)
Keyboard shortcuts for application management
- Ctrl + A: select all items in a window, be it files, text, folders, etc.
- Ctrl + X: cut.
- Ctrl + C: copy.
- Ctrl + V: paste.
- Ctrl + Alt + V: paste and open paste options.
- Ctrl + Z: undo.
- Ctrl + Y: redo changes.
- Ctrl + F: open search box.
- F5: In file explorer and browsers, refresh the active window.
- Windows + period (.): Insert emojis, only in Windows 10.
These are not all the combinations that exist. If you want to become a professional using your computer, learn the best combinations or keyboard shortcuts in Windows and MacOS.
Mastering the art of resizing and minimizing windows is essential to optimize your Windows experience. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, manual resizing, or utilizing specialized features like Windows Snap, having control over your windows ensures a clutter-free workspace and increased productivity. So, next time a window takes up too much space, remember these simple techniques to efficiently reduce or minimize its size in Windows.
