How to Minimize a Game on PC: 10 Easy Ways for Faster Multitasking

In some PC games, full-screen mode is often used for the gameplay on both performance and looks sake.

However, as these games have no 'exit' city map of any sort to switch the endography at will, this can be uncomfortable; responding to messages with people in case touches like tips lookup changing music also involve instant obtrusions from time limits.

That's why many players are looking for solutions that can allow them to "minimize" games on their computer.

And it gets still more distressing when the game won't minimize or freezes, snatching away your windowing moment, or jumps back into full screen. These distractions bring not only irritation and loss of time, they can even induce crashes, particularly intense challenges where the stakes are high, and one's means of retreat is limited.

The good news is that you don’t need advanced skills or risky software to fix this. There are simple and safe ways to minimize games on PC.

This guide shares 10 easy methods to help you switch between games and other apps smoothly for faster, stress-free multitasking.

10 Easy Ways to Minimize a Game on PC

These are 10 easy steps that you can take to reduce the game on PC. The above-mentioned methods should be applied to most games and assist in switching to other apps without shutting down the game.

Each of them can be tried and applied to use the one that works most effectively with your system and game.

1. Use Alt + Tab to Switch Windows

If you use the following keyboard shortcuts, Alt + Tab allows you to toggle between applications in your own use.

If you want to check and see which applications or apps are on your computer, hit the status button (an interactive indicator that lights up when clicked).

This approach works with windowed games and most current titles, but some games that are only available in full-screen will suddenly lock up; then return itself center stage.

2. Use Windows Key + D to Show the Desktop

The other simple method of minimizing a game on PC Windows 11 is by typing Windows key + D, and this immediately displays the desktop.

This is the simplest shortcut available when someone wants to quickly look at notifications or open a file, and it is a technique that many gamers learn when learning about the PC in general and troubleshooting forums in particular, such as those found on cobracheats.

To go back, press Windows key + D again or just click the game icon in the taskbar, but the short screen refresh can happen, and will not normally have any gameplay effects.

3. Switch to Windowed Mode Using Alt + Enter

As one of the most frequently used shortcuts. It changes to windowed mode (which, due to comfort in the way we get things done, is preferred for multitasking) with the people who found that their personal computer could better handle a game this way than in full-screen mode.

This shortcut does not apply to all the games; though, when it occurs, it allows the ability to switch between applications easily.

4. Use Borderless Windowed Mode in Game Settings

For players who multitask often, borderless windowed mode is great. Though the largest the game on your monitor will look, during visual transitions and upon shutdown of pop-ups (for Netflix or Google search), it still acts as a window rather than a splash page, so that one can easily switch between other apps.

Why use borderless windowed mode:

• Allows quick switching between the game and other programs
• Reduces freezing or crashing when minimizing
• Works well on most modern PC games and Windows 11
• Keeps the game visually similar to full screen

5. Minimize the Game from the Taskbar

Others can be minimized from the taskbar. In case the game icon has the minimize option, you can hover over the game icon and then click it.

This is normally effective when the game is not in full-screen mode. This option may not be visible in case the taskbar is not displayed. In that instance, keyboard shortcuts can be used more effectively.

6. Use Task Manager for Stubborn Games

In case a game does not minimize, and other shortcuts do not work, Task Manager may assist. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to get into it and then change to any other application.

Otherwise, do not press End Task until the game has frozen. Quitting the game will kill the game and can even make you lose your progress. This approach is not to be applied all the time.

7. Use Windows Key + M and Windows Key + Shift + M

Windows key M minimizes all the windows, including games. To bring them back, press Windows key + Shift + M.

It comes in handy when you are inclined to empty your screen. This shortcut, in contrast to Windows key + D, is not automatically disabled after use, and thus, it is appropriate during longer breaks and not for brief inspections.

8. Use Alt + Esc to Switch Apps

The Esc + Alt key will change between the applications that are already opened in the sequence they were opened. It does not present a menu like Alt + Tab and just shifts the focus.

This is a shortcut that is effective in certain older or lightweight programs but not in current full-screen programs. Due to the lack of support, it should also be applied as a supplementary option.

9. Disable Full-Screen Optimization in Windows

There is an optimization function in Windows called Full-screen optimization. If games cannot be minimized properly in the background of Windows 11, this can prevent you from exiting a game on your PC. Such problems can be solved by right-clicking on the shortcut icon for a particular game, choosing Properties, then going to the compatibility tab and selecting "disable full-screen optimization".Games often run smoothly without changing settings that are too hard to change.

10. Use Built-In Overlays and Window Tools

One of these features is an overlay that, while gaming, allows you to switch back to other applications. With the game still playing, you will have the opportunity to open settings or even a set of tools, things up with prerecorded scope- tips and tricks are made easier, found here!

But while these overlays are convenient, they can not be satisfactorily applied to every game or application. It is better to use simple Windows hotkeys before resorting to even more remote options.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

While you can not quit correctly due to game resolution settings, and are unable to minimize it because of compatibility issues with Windows 11.

Games that immediately reopen after closing have often switched into exclusive full-screen mode, while crashes on exit usually occur in older games and ones poorly optimized for Windows Me.

If Alt + Tab doesn’t work, the game may be blocking system shortcuts.

Quick fixes to try:

• Switch the game to borderless windowed mode
• Disable full-screen optimizations in Windows
• Use Windows key + D or Windows key + M
• Update your graphics drivers
• Avoid minimizing during loading screens

To Sum Up

Throughout this article, you'll learn how to reduce a game on PC with easy and safe steps that apply to full-screen and windowed games. You have also seen how it is possible to have easier access to changing between games and other applications with the help of keyboard shortcuts, window mode, and simple window settings. With these tips, you can prevent such common pitfalls as crashes or restarting games automatically and multitask more productively and quickly when playing with your PC.