Windows 11 Now Supports macOS-Style Click Desktop Feature With PeekDesktop

Windows 11 users can now replicate a familiar macOS feature thanks to a small third-party tool. As reported by Neowin, a new app called PeekDesktop brings the “click desktop to show desktop” behavior to Microsoft’s OS.

PeekDesktop brings macOS-style desktop interaction to Windows 11

PeekDesktop, created by Microsoft engineer Scott Hanselman, runs quietly in the background without a traditional interface. The app allows users to click on an empty area of the desktop wallpaper to instantly minimize all open windows.

Clicking again, or interacting with the taskbar or any open app, restores everything to its previous state. This mirrors the behavior macOS users have relied on for years, making it easier to quickly access desktop icons without manually minimizing windows.

Simple tool with flexible behavior options

Despite its lightweight nature, PeekDesktop includes several customization options. Users can choose how windows behave when clicking the desktop, including a macOS-style animation where apps “fly away,” or the classic Windows “Show Desktop” action.

The app also lets users switch between single-click and double-click activation. This helps prevent accidental triggers, especially for users who frequently interact with desktop files or drag items around.

Why this feature improves usability on Windows 11

PeekDesktop offers a more practical alternative to the small “Show Desktop” button located in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. The larger clickable desktop area makes the feature easier to use, particularly on larger monitors.

At the same time, the tool avoids interfering with everyday actions like dragging files or organizing icons. This makes it feel like a natural extension of the operating system rather than an intrusive add-on.

While it remains a third-party solution for now, the feature highlights a small but meaningful usability improvement. Many users hope Microsoft will eventually integrate similar functionality directly into Windows 11 or include it in PowerToys.

In other news, Microsoft recently released Windows 10 KB5082200 and Windows 11 updates KB5083769 and KB5082052, bringing several improvements, including enhanced RDP security protections.