If you have multiple windows open minimizing all windows can take some time to get back to the home screen. This can become annoying and slow down your workflow. Knowing How to Go Back to Home Screen on Mac with the press of a button can speed up your workflow.
In this post, I will show you 3 different ways how to go back to the Mac desktop.
It is not always easy following along with a how-to with a simple list. So I have the how-to with pictures and, if you look below, even video instructions.
How to Show Desktop Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The fastest way to get to your Mac home screen is to use a keyboard shortcut. There are hundreds if not thousands of Mac keyboard shortcuts.
Show Desktop Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
Pressing FN + F11 will minimize all windows on the Mac and will quickly get you back to the desktop.
If you have an older Mac this key may not work. There still is a keyboard shortcut for you and that is Command + F3. This again will quickly minimize all windows on the Mac.
How to Show Desktop Using Hot Corners
Not many know that you can use hot corners to do a multitude of different tasks. Moving your mouse to a corner will allow you to carry out tasks quickly.
You can use hot corners to minimize all the open windows. Which will get you to the desktop quickly speeding up your workflow.
To use hot corners to show the desktop you need to:
- In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()
- From the Apple menu select System Preferences
- On the system preferences select Desktop & Screen Saver
- Now select Hot Corners from the bottom right corner
- From the dropdown select Desktop in the corner you prefer
- Press OK to confirm the hot corner
Now when you move your mouse over the corner all windows will automatically be minimized. Placing the mouse back over the Hot Corner will then bring all the windows back.
While many do like this method myself included that’s not to say it doesn’t come without problems.
You can accidentally go to the desktop if you move the mouse to the hot corner. If you find yourself doing this a lot and want something different then we have one more method for you.
How to Show Desktop Using Trackpad Gesture
If you are using a MacBook or have an external trackpad then you can use this to carry out many quick actions. One of the many tasks you can achieve with the trackpad is to get back to the Mac homepage.
- Place your hand on the trackpad and spread your fingers moving the thumb down and your finger up. Which will clear all the open windows revealing the desktop.
- Moving your finger in the opposite direction will bring all the windows back.
This track gesture is enabled by default on the Mac. Yet, if you find the trackpad gesture doesn’t work you can check it is turned on.
How to Turn Trackpad Gesture On
- In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()
- From the Apple menu select System Preferences
- On the system preferences select Trackpad
- Now select the More Gestures tab
- Tick the checkbox Show Desktop
From the same window, you can see many other helpful trackpad gestures that you can turn on/off.
How to Show Desktop on Mac Video
If you prefer video, I have you covered with this simple-to-follow video on How to Show Desktop on Mac.
