Bring back Show Desktop icon

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The Show Desktop shortcut in the quick-launch bar is one of the most useful shortcuts for me. Most of my shortcuts are on the desktop, which means that I use Show Desktop every now and then to see the desktop to click some shortcuts.

Last time I deleted the icon, I was quite irritated. I dragged my mouse instinctively, only to find no shortcut. I went hunting for a way to bring back the Show Desktop icon, and soon enough, found one(in the offline world).

Here’s how to bring back the Show Desktop icon.

  1. Open a new notepad file and type the following text:
    [Shell]Command=2
    IconFile=explorer.exe,3
    [Taskbar]
    Command=ToggleDesktop
  2. Save this file as “Show Desktop.scf” - remember to use the quotes, else notepad may save it with a .txt extension.
  3. Use the mouse to drag the Show Desktop.scf icon to the Quick Launch toolbar or another location where you want the shortcut to appear.

If you want a keyboard shortcut, use Windows key+D. There is also the Win+M shortcut, to minimize all windows with minimize buttons. The only difference is that Win+D minimizes all windows, even those without ‘minimize’ button.

12 Comments
  1. I still prefer Windows+D over the quicklaunch button. Anyway, this is a good how to.

  2. Post authorSumesh said on July 15th, 2007

    Shankar, Win+D is good, but only for keyboard junkies. I am not one of those, so I prefer Quicklaunch button.

  3. you can call me keyboard junkie! I’ve removed that shortcut from the true launch bar. I love the WIN+D the most!

  4. I too use the Win + D button. :D

  5. Post authorSumesh said on July 16th, 2007

    Why do I find myself alienated from the clan?

    It seems everyone like Win+D more than the shortcut! Poor me, I am so alone ;)

  6. I would love to use Win+D but unfortunately my old computer and office laptop didn’t have Win Key :-)

  7. Post authorSumesh said on July 16th, 2007

    Laptop without Win key? Strange!

  8. Those who like to really see that show desktop icon, follow the instruction in above blog post.

    Those who do not want to spoil your brain, by doing all those weired job… be happy… Press Windows + D

    You are done!

  9. Post authorSumesh said on July 17th, 2007

    Linu, how dare you insult me ? just kidding ;)

  10. Sumesh, It is not strange. Thinkpad series doesn’t have Win key instead they have Function Key :P
    Linu, I don’t have any other option than having a desktop icon :)

  11. Post authorSumesh said on July 25th, 2007

    Well, I am not much of a guy for laptops ;)

  12. tommyx said on May 28th, 2008

    thx, it was a great help! :)

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