Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-03

How to Fix: Keyboard shortcut for restoring applications from the Mac OS X Dock?

Restore minimised application window from Mac OS X Dock with keyboard shortcut.

Quick Answer: Use Command + Option + M to restore the minimised window and set focus.

The issue you're experiencing is that when you minimize an application window using the Apple + M command and then cycle through running applications with Command + Tab, selecting the minimized application does not restore its window or set focus to it. This can be frustrating as it requires you to reopen the application or manually restore the window.

This issue affects users of Mac OS X who rely on keyboard shortcuts for efficient task management. In this troubleshooting guide, we will walk you through the steps to resolve this issue and regain control over your minimized applications.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary cause of this issue is that the Command + Tab shortcut only cycles through running applications but does not restore their windows. This is a known limitation in Mac OS X.
  • Another possible cause could be related to the application's behavior when minimized, but this is less likely and may require further investigation.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Using the Command + Option + Tab shortcut

  1. Step 1: Press and hold the Command key along with the Option key, then release and immediately press and hold the Tab key. This will cycle through running applications, including minimized ones, without restoring their windows.
  2. Step 2: Once you've selected the minimized application, press the Spacebar to restore its window and regain focus.
  3. Step 3: Repeat this process for each minimized application you want to restore.

Using third-party alternatives

  1. Step 1: Consider using a third-party application that provides a more comprehensive set of keyboard shortcuts, such as Keyboard Maestro or Alfred. These applications can often provide additional features and workarounds for common issues like this one.
  2. Step 2: Download and install the chosen alternative, then configure its hotkeys to restore minimized windows.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue with restoring minimized application windows from the Dock. Remember to always keep your applications up-to-date and consider using third-party alternatives for more advanced features.

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