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PattyBrown's avatar
PattyBrown
Iron Contributor
Aug 31, 2026

Win11 Show desktop button does not minimize all windows when a UWP app is pinned to the taskbar

When a UWP app is pinned to the taskbar, clicking the Show Desktop button or pressing the Win + D key combination does not minimize the window.

The UWP app remains visible even when all other windows are minimized. Unpinning the UWP app resolves this issue, but it reoccurs when the app is pinned again.

This behavior varies across different UWP apps and does not occur in Win32 applications.

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2 Replies

  • Michelle_Scott77's avatar
    Michelle_Scott77
    Brass Contributor
    Aug 31, 2026

    Pinning an app should not normally change how Show Desktop or Win + D works. Unless the app is using an always-on-top, picture-in-picture or compact overlay mode, its window should be hidden with the others.

    First, press Win + M as a test. This uses a different command to minimize all supported windows.

    • If Win + M minimizes the app but Win + D does not, the problem is probably with the Windows shell or taskbar.
    • If neither shortcut minimizes it, check the app for an Always on top, Mini view or Picture-in-picture option and turn it off.

    Try recreating the taskbar entry:

    1. Close the affected app and unpin it from the taskbar.
    2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    3. Find Windows Explorer, right-click it and select Restart.
    4. Open the Start menu, find the app there, and pin it to the taskbar again.
    5. Open the app and test Win + D.

    If the problem continues, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the app’s Advanced options, and try Repair. Use Reset only if Repair does not work, because Reset may remove the app’s local data and settings.

  • Jamony's avatar
    Jamony
    MCT
    Aug 31, 2026

    Win+D is expected to display or hide the desktop, so one Store app remaining visible is abnormal; pinning it should not make the window always-on-top. First compare Win+D with Win+M. In Task Manager, select Windows Explorer and choose Restart. Install Windows updates, then open Microsoft Store > Library and update affected apps. For each app, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Advanced options and select Repair; if the problem continues, select Reset, noting that Reset can clear local app data. Disable PowerToys Always On Top or any third-party window manager, and exit picture-in-picture or full-screen modes. Test with a new Windows user profile. If only one app fails, the defect is probably app-specific; if several Store apps fail while Win32 apps minimize normally, report a shell integration issue. Press Win+F after reproducing it and include the Windows build, app versions, pinned and unpinned comparison, and a recording.