Single key shortcut to minimize window?

Question

So i'm looking for a way to assign a specific key on my keyboard as a shortcut for minimizing all open windows. I know such shortcut is Wind + down arrow or + M, but I would like to use a single key for that command, like let's say I dedicate the Tab button for that. Is there any way or program that does that?

Answer 1

AutoHotKey can help assign a specific key to an action/shortcut

• Install AutoHotKey or extract the portable app to suitable location

• Create an AHK file - an empty text file with .ahk extension instead of .txt (I usually go to Desktop > Right click > New > AutoHotkey Script)

• Modify the following lines as needed and add to AHK file

  ; lines beginning with semicolon (;) and characters appearing after a semicolon are considered as comments and are not executed
  ; some common key modifiers are ! for ALT, ^ for CTRL, # for WIN, + for SHIFT
  
  PrintScreen::#m ; printscreen button simulates Win + M to minimize all windows and show desktop
  

(Replace Tab instead of PrintScreen in the above line if that is what you prefer, but printscreen is a better option as it is less used)

• save AHK and run it in one of several ways -
  • move the file or create a shortcut to the file in startup folder %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup so that your remapped keys are enabled every time you login, or
  • you can create a new task in Task Scheduler for more customized triggers, or
  • run the AHK manually by double clicking on it whenever you need it

See AutoHotKey help for more information on how to remap keys and change the AHK file to suit your needs.

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