I'm looking for a way to use a keyboard shortcut to minimize all the windows on the monitor that currently has my mouse on it. I found this page: http://vbcity.com/forums/t/163339.aspx but that appears to be hardcoded to minimize windows on a specific monitor, rather than the active monitor. Plus, I have no idea how to compile that code (not a VB coder). Anybody know a way that I can make this happen? I'm on Windows 7 ultimate, 3 monitors.

link|improve this question
Have you already tried "Windows Key + D" which is the shortcut to show desktop? I do not have multiple monitors at the moment, that might minimize all windows across desktops. Is it important to just do it on only 1 monitor? – Web Design Hero Oct 19 '11 at 18:35
Yeah, I use Windows+D all the time, but when I'm working, I often want to minimize a single monitor so I can get to my desktop files on that monitor. I have virtual machines running all the time, so it's unhelpful to have those disappear when I'm just trying to get to some files. – Jake Oct 19 '11 at 18:47
I took that code and starting working on a sample application to do what you want, though it appears to be a bit quirkly because it's finding windows by process instead of by active window. I'll have to play around with it a bit more. – Chris Thompson Oct 19 '11 at 21:18
Awesome! Post it as an answer if/when you finish! – Jake Oct 20 '11 at 4:14
feedback

1 Answer

up vote 8 down vote accepted
+100

Under Windows 7, here is the list of the keyboard shortcuts that manage multiple windows :

Win+m
Minimize all windows on current Monitor

Win+d
Minimize all windows on all Monitors. Press again to restore previous state

Win+Shift+m
Restore previously minimized windows on current Monitor

Win+Home
Set all windows to Minimized on current Monitor except active

Win+Space
Preview Desktop / make windows transparent (May not work with all Settings)

Source : 127 useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 7.

The OP notes that Actual Multiple Monitors has an option for "Minimize All command affects only the monitor with mouse".

image

link|improve this answer
On my Win7, Win+m is minimizing all windows on all monitors – csauve Apr 27 at 19:06
This works for me. @csauve - I had another person try it and it didn't work for them. I have Windows Ultimate, dunno if that makes a difference. – Jake Apr 27 at 20:07
Win7 Pro x64 here – csauve Apr 27 at 20:07
@csauve: Do any of these shortcuts work for you? – harrymc Apr 27 at 20:08
1  
Done as asked . – harrymc May 6 at 17:20
show 15 more comments
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.