Setting Up Keyboard Shortcut For Restoring Minimized Windows

By Teresa, 16 January, 2022

Forum
macOS and Mac Apps

Hi, all. I'd like to set up a keyboard shortcut to zoom a window back to normal size. Some app windows, such as a VPN app, I minimize most of the time, but I want the option to access the controls quickly. If I add a keyboard shortcut in the All Applications category, what should i name the function? I've tried Zoome Window and Window > Zoome, but can't get either to work. Thanks in advance for any help.

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Comments

By dog on Friday, January 28, 2022 - 15:31

I recommend you to install Keyboard Maestro, that way you can assign a letter combination to bring any app to the front.

Example:
You can assign pressing "Control-A" to launch the VPN app and bring it to front.
So, if your VPN app is minimized, pressing Control-A will bring it to front. And, if the VPN is closed, pressing the key combination will launch the app.

That way, you can assign keystroke combinations to your most used apps, like "Control-M" for Mail, "Control-S" for Safari, and so on.

Keyboard Maestro link: https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/

Note: Keyboard Maestro is capable of doing much more things, like launching a defined set of apps every time you start your computer, and so much more.

By Teresa on Friday, January 28, 2022 - 15:31

Hi. I'd like an OS-specific fix for this, or a free or low-cost (under $5) app for this. I don't do much automation, so I don't feel I need an intensive app for this purpose. Thanks.

By Teresa on Friday, January 28, 2022 - 15:31

I appreciate all your info and help. I'll check out these options.

By Blade Runner on Friday, January 28, 2022 - 15:31

In the Window menu, all of the minimized open windows should have a black diamond beside them. Select the one you want to maximize.

By Teresa on Friday, January 28, 2022 - 15:31

Oh, yes, I am familiar with the window menu. I just figured that if it's possible to minimize a window with command-m, a keyboard command could be set up to restore it in the keyboard shortcuts area of system preferences. I'm not finding that option, though.

By Blade Runner on Friday, January 28, 2022 - 15:31

There isn't any maximize function in macOS. You could have several minimized windows in a single application. That is why you would need to select one from a menu.
Another way that might be a little quicker would be to find the window in question using mission control. Assuming you have it set up, control-down will show all of the windows in the currently focused app. All of the minimized windows will be in their own list.