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How to get a minimised window back on a Mac

Minimised windows live at the right end of the Dock, or inside the app's icon. Every way to bring one back, including from the keyboard.

Guide · Updated 13 October 2026

Click the window's thumbnail at the right end of the Dock, beside the Bin. If you use Minimise windows into application icon, click the app's icon, or right click it and pick the window.

From the keyboard

  • Press ⌘ Tab, move to the app, and press ⌥ before letting go of ⌘. Its minimised window comes back.
  • Switch to the app and open its Window menu: minimised windows are listed there. Choose one to restore it.
  • ⌃ ↓ shows all of the app's windows; minimised ones appear at the bottom. Click one.

There is no single shortcut to unminimise. ⌘ M only minimises.

Stop minimising to make room

Minimising is often how people make space, and then windows get forgotten in the Dock. With ClutterFreeMac there is no need: windows you are not using wait off screen on the strip, one swipe away. See minimise vs hide.

Questions

How do I unminimise a window with the keyboard on a Mac?

Press ⌘ Tab, select the app, then press ⌥ before releasing ⌘. Or open the app's Window menu and choose the minimised window.