An upcoming Windows 10 update will remove one of the operating system's least liked and least used features.
That's right: Shake to Minimize is leaving Windows 10 for good.
Why Is Microsoft Removing "Shake to Minimize?"
Although it is an underused Windows 10 feature, it is also one that drew considerable ire from users, usually after triggering the feature accidentally.
Shake to Minimize was first introduced with Windows 7. It allows users to close all windows on their screen bar one by moving their mouse back and forth rapidly.
Microsoft doesn't advertise the option widely, and many users only discover it when all of their windows disappear from the screen.
The feature, also known as Aero Shake, is the only existing Windows 10 option that allows a user to close all windows except the one you shake. As such, some users will definitely bemoan the loss of the feature, especially without a replacement.
Shake to Minimize will be removed in Windows 10 build 21277, which was pushed to Windows 10 Insider Preview users on the Dev Channel in December 2020.
Given the normal timetable of Windows 10 features moving from the Dev Channel into a proper release, you can expect to see the removal of Shake to Minimize in the Windows 10 21H1 update, expected in the first half of 2021.
Can You Switch Shake to Minimize Back On?
True to form, dedicated Microsoft users have already found a method to switch Shake to Minimize on again. The fix involves creating a new registry key, but it isn't a difficult process.
To switch Shake to Minimize on in Windows 10:
- Type registry in your Start menu search bar and select the Best Match.
- Browse to the following registry key:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- In the right pane, right-click and select New > Dword (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value DisallowShaking and set the value to 0.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your system.
Please note that this fix will only take effect on systems where Shake to Minimize has been disabled. If you're using Windows 10 on the standard release branch, as most users do, Shake to Minimize is still active on your machine.
The loss of Aero Shake leaves Windows 10 users with two alternative desktop minimization shortcuts. You can use Windows Key + D to show or hide the entire desktop, or Windows Key + M to minimize all open windows. Furthermore, you can restore all of your open windows using the Windows Key + Shift + M shortcut.