Summary
- Windows 11 users can bring back the Desktop Peek feature through a Windhawk mod.
- The mod restores the hover to show desktop functionality that was removed by Microsoft.
- Users can switch back to Windows 11’s default show desktop method by uninstalling the mod or using keyboard shortcuts.
Since its debut in 2021, Windows 11 has seen a steady stream of updates and new features from Microsoft. However, the company has also faced backlash for removing certain functionalities that users had come to rely on. Among the many requests for reinstatement, the absence of the Desktop Peek feature—a beloved element from Windows 10—has been particularly vocalized. While Microsoft has responded to some user concerns by reintroducing features like the option to separate taskbar buttons, the ability to move the taskbar remains elusive.
Windhawk brings back Windows 10’s hover to show desktop feature to Windows 11
Fortunately, a solution has emerged in the form of a third-party mod known as “Taskbar Show Desktop Button Aero Peek.” This innovative tool allows Windows 11 users to regain the convenience of showing the desktop by simply hovering their mouse over the far right end of the taskbar. Upon installation, users can effortlessly make all open windows vanish, revealing the desktop beneath.
It’s important to note that while Microsoft altered the method of accessing the desktop, the functionality itself was not entirely removed. In Windows 11, users can still click the far right end of the taskbar to achieve the same effect. However, this new mod reverts back to the previous hover method, providing a more fluid user experience.
For those who prefer the classic functionality, the Windhawk mod offers a seamless transition. Users can hover over the taskbar to display the desktop, and moving the cursor away will restore the open windows. If one wishes to keep the desktop visible, a simple click is all that is needed. To install the Windhawk mod, follow these straightforward steps:
- Download and install Windhawk on your PC.
- Click Explore.
- Type “Taskbar Show Desktop Button Aero Peek” in the search box.
- Install the mod.
However, users should be mindful of the potential for accidental activation, as hovering over the taskbar’s edge can inadvertently reveal the desktop. For those who find this behavior cumbersome, reverting to the original settings is as simple as uninstalling the mod. Alternatively, keyboard shortcuts remain a reliable option: pressing Win + D will show the desktop, while Win + , (comma) offers a quick peek.
