The most recent 23H2 update for Windows 11 has ruffled some feathers among its dedicated user base. On the new update, Microsoft’s AI companion, Copilot, sits at the bottom corner of the screen, replacing the small ‘Show Desktop’ button on the taskbar. Users who can’t be bothered about AI are particularly enraged by this decision. The good news is that it is easily reversible. Read along to find out how you can bring back the ‘Show Desktop’ button on your Windows 11 PC or laptop’s taskbar.
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In This Article
Other ways to go to the Desktop in Windows 11
Before we show you how to bring back the ‘Show Desktop’ button, you might want to explore other ways to go directly to the desktop from any Window. This will be beneficial to users who like the convenience of going to the desktop with a single click but do not want to trigger the action while trying to use Copilot.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
- Windows Key + D: This keyboard shortcut minimises all the active windows and takes you to your desktop. Pressing the key combination again brings you back to the window you were working on.
- Windows Key + M: This shortcut also minimises all the active windows, but pressing it again will not maximise them. Once you are on the desktop, you will need to manually go to the previous window.
- Windows Key + ,: The Windows key and comma button combination gives you a quick look at your desktop. When you release the Windows key, you will go back to your previous screen. Clicking on the desktop while using this key combination will also bring back the previous window. You cannot interact with the desktop using this key combo.
Use the Windows icon on the taskbar
The Windows icon on the taskbar also lets you go to the desktop at any given time. Simply right-click on the icon and select ‘Desktop’ to go there from any screen. You can also trigger the Power Menu using the Windows Key + X combination, then press D to go to the desktop.
Create a Shortcut
You can also create a shortcut that takes you to the desktop and pin it to the taskbar for easier access. Here’s how.
Step 1: Right-click on the desktop and go to New>Shortcut.
Step 2: Copy the following text and paste it into the box.
explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}
Step 3: Hit Next.
Step 4: Give the Shortcut a name and hit Finish.
Step 5: Right-click on the shortcut and select Show more options>Pin to taskbar.
Here’s how you can bring back the ‘Show Desktop Button’ in Windows 11
Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Step 2: Click on Taskbar behaviours.
Step 3: Click on the checkbox for ‘Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop’.
Bonus Tip: Remove Copilot from the taskbar
Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Step 2: Under Taskbar items, turn off the toggle switch for Copilot (Preview).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I bring back the ‘Show Desktop’ button in the Windows 11 taskbar?
Right-click on the taskbar, select ‘Taskbar settings’, go to ‘Taskbar behaviours’ and click the checkbox for ‘Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop’.
What is the key combination to go to the desktop on Windows 11?
Win + D, Win + M, and Win + X followed by D will take you to the desktop from any screen.
How do I remove Copilot from the taskbar?
To remove Copilot from the taskbar, right-click on the taskbar, select ‘Taskbar settings’, go to ‘Taskbar items’ and turn off the toggle switch for Copilot.
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Conclusion
This is how you can bring back the ‘Show Desktop’ button on your Windows 11 laptop or PC’s taskbar. If you know any other way to go about this task, let us know in the comments! Also, let us know your favourite key combinations to go to the desktop from any screen or window on your PC.
