Aero Peek

Updated: 10/30/2017 by Computer Hope
Aero Peek

Aero Peek, also called Show Desktop, is a feature introduced in Windows 7, and available in Windows 8 and Windows 10. It allows the user to view their desktop by placing (and not clicking) their mouse over Aero Peek in the far right-side of the taskbar.

When the desktop is shown, if you click with your left mouse button, all open windows are hidden, and you are back on the desktop. If you click Aero Peek again, you are returned to all previously opened windows.

Tip

If you right-click Aero Peek, you are given the option for "Show Desktop" and "Peek at Desktop." If you select "Show Desktop," it opens the desktop.

Tip

In Windows 10 the available area for Aero Peek is reduced to almost nothing. We recommend moving the mouse to the very bottom right corner of the screen when the taskbar is visible to access Aero Peek.

Note

If any other window is fullscreen and hiding the taskbar, Aero Peek does not work.

Operating system terms