On a Windows PC, clicking the Show Desktop button on the taskbar minimizes all open windows and applications. For Mac users who wish to discover whether they can instantly access the desktop with a single click or shortcut, this article from MiniTool Software will provide several solutions.

When you have numerous windows and programs open on your Mac, you might desire to clear the screen to view the desktop icons and shortcuts. This means you want to display the desktop on your Mac.

On Windows, the Show Desktop button is positioned on the right side of the taskbar. Simply clicking it reveals the desktop on your Windows machine. However, this isn't the case on a Mac. Instead, you'll need to use a Mac show desktop shortcut to achieve this. Naturally, there are alternative approaches available.

Now, we’ll demonstrate various methods to show the desktop on a Mac. Regardless of whether you’re using an iMac, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, these techniques will work.

How to Access the Desktop on a Mac?

1. Use keyboard shortcuts
2. Utilize a hot corner
3. Employ a trackpad gesture

Using Shortcuts to Reveal the Desktop on a Mac

1. If you're using a modern Mac computer, you can use this shortcut to display the desktop:

   • Press Command-Control-Up Arrow (typically F3 with three small squares on the key).

2. If you're using an older Mac computer, you can press the F11 key to go to the desktop. On older Macs, F11 is used to show the desktop. On newer models, that key reduces the volume. If the previous method doesn't work, try this one.

3. You can also assign a different key on your Mac to show the desktop:

   Click the Apple menu, then go to System Preferences > Mission Control to choose another key to Show Desktop.

Additionally, you can configure a mouse button for showing the desktop on your Mac.

Assign a Hot Corner for Showing the Desktop on a Mac

Though there’s no dedicated show desktop button on your Mac, you can designate a specific corner for accessing the desktop.

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Navigate to System Preferences > Mission Control.
3. Click the Hot Corners button (located at the bottom-left corner of the interface).
4. A small popup window will appear where you can select a corner for the desktop. In this example, we’ve chosen the bottom-left corner for the desktop.
5. Click OK to save the setting.

Once configured, moving your mouse cursor to the bottom-left corner of the screen will immediately display the desktop.

Use a Trackpad Gesture to Quickly Display the Desktop on a Mac

If you’re using a Mac laptop with a trackpad or a Magic Trackpad, you can also use a trackpad gesture to swiftly view the desktop. Here's how:

Spread your thumb and three fingers apart to show the desktop.

This feature is enabled by default on your MacBook. However, if it doesn’t work, click the Apple menu, then go to System Preferences > Trackpad > More Gestures to ensure the Show Desktop option is checked. If it isn’t, tick the box to activate this feature.

Hide Windows for Only One Application on a Mac

If you've opened multiple windows for a single application and wish to close them, a keyboard shortcut can help:

1. Select a window for that app.
2. Press Command-H, and all windows related to the app will close.
3. To restore these windows, simply click the app icon in the Dock.

By now, you should know how to display the desktop on a Mac using keyboard shortcuts or a hot corner. It’s straightforward to accomplish. If you encounter any other issues, feel free to leave a comment below.

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