Easy Ways to Close Multiple Windows on Windows 11
Quick Clean Using the Desktop Button
This one’s a classic. Look for the Desktop button on the taskbar — you’ll recognise it as the small rectangle on the right, near the clock. Clicking it instantly minimises all your open windows, giving you a clear look at your desktop. Perfect if you just need to get a quick glimpse without closing anything. If that feels too slow, try pressing Windows + D. Hit the combo again to bring everything back — it’s a bit quirky, but it works like magic when you’re juggling multiple tasks.
Task Manager: Your Next Step
If some apps are refusing to close, that’s when Task Manager can help. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it. You’ll see all running processes — select the unresponsive one and hit ‘End Task’. Just a heads-up: avoid ending critical system processes unless you’re after a computer crash! Sometimes, getting Task Manager up and running might take a couple of tries on different devices, so hang tight.
If it’s not opening, you can access it via the Start menu > Settings > Privacy & security > Security. Click More details to find it, or right-click the Start button and select it from there.
Using Alt + F4 for Mass Closure
Want to close everything swiftly? Click on your desktop and press Alt + F4. Normally, this closes the active window, but if your desktop is highlighted, it’ll close all open apps. Keep in mind, if a specific window is focused, only that one closes. You can press it repeatedly to shut down multiple apps quickly. A handy tip? Task View can also help manage what stays open or gets closed, too.
Managing Windows Visually with Task View
If manually clicking on windows isn’t your thing, try Task View by pressing Windows + Tab. It displays all your open apps and desktops visually. From there, you can close apps by clicking the ‘X’ on their thumbnail or right-clicking for more options. This is especially useful if you’re using multiple monitors, as it gives you a clear overview and makes closing apps easier without hunting through clutter.
Keyboard Shortcuts for a Fresh Start
For quick tidying, Windows + D minimises everything instantly. It’s a favourite among multitaskers and can really simplify things. Press it again to restore all windows to their previous state.
- Windows + M: Also minimises all open windows.
- Windows + Shift + M: Restores any minimised windows. Handy, isn’t it?
Tips for Smooth Sailing on Windows 11
Using a few strategies can make managing your windows a whole lot easier. Virtual desktops are a great feature — they let you group related tasks, keeping your workspace tidy and focused. Create a new virtual desktop with Windows + Ctrl + D and switch between them using Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow. Just remember to save your work before closing anything — no one wants to lose unsaved documents!
You can also adjust themes and behaviour by going to Settings > Personalisation > Themes. Enabling Snap Windows helps organise your open apps when you drag them around, keeping everything neat and tidy.
And don’t forget — keep Windows up to date! Head to Settings > Windows Update to check for updates, which can fix bugs that interfere with shortcuts and help your system run smoother.
FAQs About Closing Windows on Windows 11
Can I reopen a window I’ve just closed?
Definitely! Most apps have a ‘recent documents’ list or session restore feature. Browsers like Microsoft Edge or Chrome let you right-click the tab bar and choose ‘Reopen closed window’ — a good way to recover after accidental closures.
How can I minimise everything without closing apps?
Easy. Just press Windows + D or click the Desktop button on the taskbar. It hides all open windows without shutting anything down, perfect for a quick break.
What if Task Manager doesn’t open?
If the usual shortcuts don’t work, try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting Task Manager. If that fails, bring it up via the Run dialog by pressing Win + R and typing taskmgr. If it keeps happening, there might be a deeper issue like system corruption or malware — which isn’t ideal.
Is it risky to close apps through Task Manager?
Closing apps this way can lead to data loss if you haven’t saved your work. Best to use it only for apps that are completely frozen. Always double-check what you’re ending to avoid losing important stuff.
Can I close windows on just one monitor?
Yes! If you’re using multiple screens, Task View helps manage apps across them all. You can choose which windows to close without affecting the other monitor, making organisation a breeze.
Wrapping Up: Mastering Window Closure on Windows 11
If you want to get even more out of Windows, exploring features like virtual desktops can seriously upgrade your workflow. Trust me — mastering these tricks makes using Windows 11 a much more seamless experience. Here’s to a clutter-free desktop and a more focused workday!