Windows 11 brings a fresh and modern experience to PC users with its new design and features. However, one aspect that might bother some users is the automatic minimizing of windows. By default, when you hover over an open window, other windows automatically minimize, which can be distracting and disrupt your workflow. If you prefer to have more control over window management and want to stop windows from minimizing automatically in Windows 11, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
Step 2: In the Start menu, click on the "Settings" gear icon. This opens the Windows 11 Settings app.
Step 3: In the Settings app, select "Accessibility" from the left-hand sidebar.
Step 4: Scroll down in the main panel until you find the "Visual effects" section. Click on "More options."
Step 5: In the Visual effects options, toggle off the switch for "Minimize other windows when moving between windows." This will disable the automatic minimizing behavior.
Step 6: Close the Settings app and go back to using your computer. You’ll notice that windows no longer automatically minimize when you hover over them.
Step 7: If you ever want to enable the automatic minimizing behavior again, simply follow the same steps and toggle on the switch for "Minimize other windows when moving between windows."
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows for better control over window management. | 1. Some users might find the automatic minimizing behavior helpful for multitasking. |
| 2. Reduces distractions and interruptions while working. | 2. Users who prefer the automatic minimizing behavior might need to relearn their window management habits. |
| 3. Enhances productivity by providing a more focused workspace. | 3. Disabling automatic minimizing may increase the time needed for certain tasks that rely on window switching. |
By following these simple steps, you can customize your Windows 11 experience to better suit your preferences and optimize your productivity. Enjoy a clutter-free workspace without worrying about windows minimizing automatically.
Video Tutorial:How do I get to desktop without minimizing everything?
How do I display my Desktop without minimizing or closing?
To display your Desktop without minimizing or closing any windows, you can follow the steps below:
1. Click on an empty space on your taskbar, typically located at the bottom of your screen. This action will minimize all open windows and display your Desktop. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Windows key + D" to achieve the same result.
2. To restore the previously opened windows, click on an empty space on the taskbar again, or use the "Windows key + D" shortcut once more. This will bring back all your minimized windows and return you to your previous state.
By using these steps, you will be able to quickly access your Desktop without closing or minimizing any of your currently active windows. This can be helpful when you need to access icons, files, or shortcuts on your Desktop while keeping your work or applications visible and accessible.
How do I stop my window from automatically minimizing?
One way to prevent your window from automatically minimizing is by adjusting the settings in your operating system. Here’s a step-by-step guide for common operating systems:
For Windows:
1. Right-click on the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen) and select "Taskbar settings."
2. In the "Taskbar settings" window, scroll down to the "Multiple displays" section.
3. Toggle off the "Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode" option.
4. Click on "Advanced taskbar settings" at the bottom of the window.
5. In the "Advanced settings" window, locate the "Combine taskbar buttons" section and select "Never" from the drop-down menu.
6. Close the settings window, and your window should no longer automatically minimize.
For macOS:
1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences."
2. In System Preferences, click on "Dock."
3. Uncheck the "Automatically hide and show the Dock" option.
4. Close the System Preferences window, and your window should remain visible without automatically minimizing.
For Linux (GNOME desktop environment):
1. Click on the Activities overview or the Applications menu in the top-left corner.
2. Search for "Settings" and open it.
3. In the Settings window, click on "Dock."
4. Toggle off the "Auto-hide the Dock" option.
5. Close the Settings window, and your window should no longer minimize automatically.
By adjusting these settings according to your operating system, you can ensure that your window stays visible without automatically minimizing.
How do I stop Windows from minimizing games?
To stop Windows from minimizing games, you can follow these steps:
1. Adjust Windows settings:
– Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
– Click on the System option.
– In the left sidebar, click on Focus assist.
– Under the "Automatic rules" section, toggle off the option that says "When I’m playing a game."
2. Disable Game Bar:
– Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
– Click on Gaming.
– In the left sidebar, select the Game Bar option.
– Toggle off the "Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game Bar" option.
3. Configure Full-Screen Optimization:
– Locate the game executable file (.exe) on your system.
– Right-click on the file and select Properties.
– In the Compatibility tab, check the box that says "Disable full-screen optimizations."
– Click Apply and then OK.
4. Disable Notifications:
– Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
– Click on the System option.
– In the left sidebar, click on Notifications & actions.
– Scroll down and toggle off the option that says "Get notifications from apps and other senders."
5. Disable Power Saving Settings:
– Press the Windows key + X and select Power Options.
– In the Power Options window, click on the additional power settings link.
– Select High performance or a power plan that ensures maximum performance.
6. Update Graphics Drivers:
– Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
– Download and install the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model.
These steps should help prevent Windows from minimizing games or interfering with their full-screen performance. Remember to adjust these settings back or enable notifications when you’re done gaming to ensure you don’t miss important alerts.
How do I stop windows from maximizing automatically?
Windows maximizing automatically can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to prevent this behavior. Here’s how:
1. Check your screen resolution: Ensure that your screen resolution settings are set to the recommended resolution for your monitor. Right-click on the desktop, select "Display settings" or "Screen resolution," and adjust the settings as needed. Incorrect screen resolution can sometimes cause windows to maximize automatically.
2. Update your graphics drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can also lead to automatic window maximizing. Visit the manufacturer’s website for your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific model. Install the drivers and restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.
3. Disable "Snap" feature: Windows has a feature called "Snap" that automatically maximizes or resizes windows when dragged to the edges of the screen. If you’d like to disable this feature, follow these steps:
– Go to the Start menu and search for "Snap Assist Settings."
– Open the settings and toggle off the options for "When I snap a window, show what I can snap next to it" and "When I resize a snapped window, simultaneously resize any adjacent snapped window."
4. Adjust window settings: Some applications have their own window settings that may be causing automatic maximizing. To modify these settings:
– Open the application that maximizes automatically.
– Look for an option like "Maximize on startup" or "Start in full-screen mode" in the settings or preferences menu of the application. Disable these options, save the changes, and restart the application.
5. Run a system scan: Malware or a faulty system file could also be responsible for windows maximizing automatically. Run a thorough scan using your preferred antivirus software to check for any infections or system errors. If any issues are found, follow the recommendations provided by the antivirus software or use System File Checker (SFC) to repair corrupted system files.
By following these steps, you should be able to prevent windows from maximizing automatically on your Windows computer. Remember to restart your computer after making any changes for the settings to take effect.
Why is Windows 11 so glitchy?
Windows 11 has faced some glitches and issues since its release. Here are a few possible reasons why it has been perceived as glitchy:
1. Compatibility: One reason behind the glitches could be compatibility issues with older hardware or specific software applications. Windows 11 has stricter system requirements compared to previous versions, which means some older devices may not meet the necessary specifications and could experience compatibility problems.
2. Software optimization: Another factor contributing to the glitches in Windows 11 could be the need for software optimization. As with any new operating system, it takes time for developers to fine-tune their applications to work seamlessly with the new platform. This can lead to minor glitches and compatibility issues until software vendors can catch up with the changes.
3. Early adoption: Windows 11 is still a relatively new release, and early adopters often bear the brunt of any initial bugs and issues. As more users install and provide feedback, Microsoft can address and resolve these glitches through subsequent updates and patches. Therefore, it’s common for new operating systems to have some hiccups during their initial stages.
4. Complexity of the operating system: Windows is a complex operating system with numerous features and functions. The introduction of new features and a redesigned interface in Windows 11 could introduce complexities that need to be ironed out over time. Such complexities may lead to glitches as the operating system evolves.
5. Hardware diversity: Windows 11 needs to cater to a wide range of hardware configurations, which can add complexity to ensuring a smooth user experience. Varied hardware components and drivers from different manufacturers can sometimes result in compatibility conflicts, leading to glitches and instability.
6. User error: Sometimes glitches may appear to be a result of the operating system when, in fact, they might be caused by user error or a conflict with certain software installations. Troubleshooting such issues involves identifying whether the problem lies with the operating system or with third-party applications or user settings.
It’s important to note that Windows 11, like any software, is constantly evolving, and Microsoft frequently releases updates and bug fixes to address glitches reported by users. Over time, as the operating system matures and developers optimize their software, Windows 11 should become more stable and less glitch-prone.