How in the Tech

Closing Multiple Taskbar Windows Quickly

Ever increasing computing power and high resolution, large screen displays have allowed for true multi-tasking goodness. I would consider myself a power user; at any given time I have at least a dozen applications running, often with multiple copies of the same program – like my Firefox browser or Windows Explorer. There was a time when I would be self conscious and diligently exit out of programs if I knew I wouldn’t be using them again in the next hour or so. Those days have long passed, now with Quad Core 4GB RAM machines being realitvely cheap. However, at the end of the work day I do take a moment to clean-up and organize my running workspace on my PC. Typically this involves closing out of 3 Word sessions, an Excel session, and a couple of Explorer windows. Click the window in my taskbar to bring the application to the forefront, mouse to the red X to exit. Rinse. Repeat.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this ritual, and if my assumptions are correct you might interested in this little Windows tip. You see, it’s actually possible to select multiple taskbar windows at once, much the same way you select multiple files in explorer – actually, it’s the same way! If you hold CTRL and left-click on each taskbar window you will see the windows become depressed. After you’ve select all the application windows you wish to close, right-click on the last selected window and chose Close Group. Pretty handy no?

© 2008 How in the TECH.