Disable auto-unminimize when switching back to an app

Hi,


When you switch back to an app with all of its windows minimized, the most recent one gets automatically unminimized.

This only works when switching back to an app by clicking on its dock icon or via spotlight activation. Cmd-tab switching does not unminimize any window.


This is a pretty annoying issue when, for example: You are at your workplace, switch back to Safari to look something up on Google and have your 27-inch Thunderbolt Display filled with your last evening's web page about your recent role playing game acquisition. Of course, this happens just when your boss comes to see you (Even if you loose the next half-hour listening to him about how he slayed a dragon while being chased by mammoths*).


So, I am looking for a way to disable this behavior.


Maybe there is some hidden prefs that can be changed from command line? But I am not sure if this is a system-wide or app behavior. It might as well suits me to just disable it for Safari only. Altough I see no usability gain to have windows being automatically unminimized when switching back to apps.


Any idea welcome!


* Totally fictitious story ;-)

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jan 20, 2012 5:04 AM

Reply
4 replies

Jan 20, 2012 5:22 AM in response to softwater

Oh! I thought you had it!


I was preparing to uncompliment myself about not searching far enough in the system prefs. But I'm afraid that has not effect. :-(


Here's how to reproduce the thing:


1. Open Safari with a unique window

2. Minimize that window with Cmd-M or the yellow window button

3. Switch to the finder by clicking on the desktop

4. Switch back to Safari with Cmd-tab: Nothing appears, the minimized window stay minimized (Intended behavior)

5. Repeat step 3, switch to the finder

6. Switch back to Safari by clicking its dock icon: The minimized window is brought back to screen (I don't want this)


May it be a bug that those two switching methods yield different results?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Disable auto-unminimize when switching back to an app

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.