How can I minimize all windows so I can see the Desktop clearly (Option-Command-M didn't work) on Catalina?

This page (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236) says Option-Command-M will minimize all open windows. It minimized only one, and then does nothing more? I'm running Catalina.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 18, 2020 10:59 PM

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Posted on Jul 19, 2020 5:45 AM

It only minimizes all of the open windows of the active app, not every window of every app.

In Mission Control System Preferences, you can set a shortcut key to Show Desktop (it may already be set).

If you have a Trackpad, you can enable a gesture to show the desktop in the Trackpad System Preferences.

Both will still leave small tabs for open windows all around the outside.


If you are just trying to get to files on the Desktop, just open the Desktop folder in Finder.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 19, 2020 5:45 AM in response to Drazinut

It only minimizes all of the open windows of the active app, not every window of every app.

In Mission Control System Preferences, you can set a shortcut key to Show Desktop (it may already be set).

If you have a Trackpad, you can enable a gesture to show the desktop in the Trackpad System Preferences.

Both will still leave small tabs for open windows all around the outside.


If you are just trying to get to files on the Desktop, just open the Desktop folder in Finder.


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How can I minimize all windows so I can see the Desktop clearly (Option-Command-M didn't work) on Catalina?

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