Microsoft to Remove Handy Windows Feature in Upcoming Update – MakeUseOf

The window minimizing feature is set to leave Windows 10 in early 2021.

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.

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.

Related: The Most Important Things to do After Installing Windows

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:

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.

Related: How to Clean Up Your Computer Without Reinstalling Windows

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.

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Gavin is the Junior Editor for Windows and Technology Explained, a regular contributor to the Really Useful Podcast, and was the Editor for MakeUseOf's crypto-focused sister site, Blocks Decoded. He has a BA (Hons) Contemporary Writing with Digital Art Practices pillaged from the hills of Devon, as well as over a decade of professional writing experience. He enjoys copious amounts of tea, board games, and football.

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Microsoft to Remove Handy Windows Feature in Upcoming Update - MakeUseOf