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How to Use Windows 7 Mouse Gestures (Tutorial)

How to Use Windows 7 Mouse Gestures (Tutorial)

If you still use Windows 7, you’ll be pleased to know that it supports multi-touch features and mouse gestures, making it more navigation-friendly. Three of its popular mouse gestures include the Aero Snap, Aero Shake, and Aero Peek.

This quick guide will discuss these two keyboard shortcuts that can make your day less time-consuming.

Quick Summary

  • Aero Snap fixes windows to each side of your screen.
  • Aero Shake minimizes or hides windows.
  • Aero Peek enables users to peek at their desktops with multiple windows open.

Aero Snap

Aero Snap feature in Windows 7

This mouse gesture automatically resizes active windows, snapping or fixing them to the edges of your computer screen. If you often operate with two or more windows active simultaneously, this feature can remove the headache of the Alt + Tab command.

Here is how to use the Aero Snap gesture:

  1. Drag a window to the edge of your screen, where it’ll take up half the desktop display.
  2. Drag another window to the other edge of the screen, where it’ll fill the rest of the space.

Aero Snap Shortcut Keys

Windows + Up Arrow Key: Maximize the window

Windows + Left Arrow Key: Snap the window to the left to take up half the desktop space

Windows + Right Arrow Key: Snap the window to the right to take up half the desktop space 

Windows + Down Arrow Key: Minimize the window or restore to standard size and position if the current window is maximized

Now, you can work with side-by-side windows for easy reference and comparison.

Aero Shake

If you run multiple windows at once, Aero Shake can minimize them all without the hassle of doing so individually. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Click on the window you want to keep open.
  2. Drag the window out, quickly shaking it back and forth to minimize it.
  3. Shake the open window again to restore the minimized window.

Aero Shake Shortcut Keys

Windows + Home: Minimize all windows except the active window

While it may seem tedious, Aero Shake is helpful if you want to minimize all windows except for one.

Aero Peek

If you have multiple windows open and can’t find the one you need, Aero Peek can solve this problem. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Search for “advanced system settings” and open “view advanced system settings.” Open the “system properties” window.
  2. Select “advanced” then “performance” and click “settings.”
  3. Activate “enable peek.”

Aero Peek will now be enabled on the lower right corner of your screen. Simply right-click to peek at your desktop. 

Now that you know how to use these Windows 7 mouse gestures, you can enjoy streamlined desktop management and arrangements. Let us know your favorite keyboard shortcuts in the comments below!