How to fix if game stays minimized in Windows (2023)

It can be annoying when you're immersed in a game, but suddenly the game automatically minimizes. There can be many reasons for this problem, such as malware infecting the system or outdated graphics drivers.

If you are one of those who have encountered a similar problem, look no further. We have listed the reasons why your game suddenly minimizes along with solutions for the above reasons.

What causes Windows to suddenly minimize games?

How to fix Windows that suddenly minimizes your games?

Now that we know what the most likely causes are, let's talk about how to use the following methods to fix them.

change screen resolution

If the game resolution and screen resolution do not match, the game will be subject to a random minimization. To make sure you have the same resolution, you can:

1. Right clickon your desktop and selectdisplay setting.
2. Scroll to find "video resolution"possibility.
3. You can choose the resolution that works best for you, e.g. 1920×1080, or choose a resolution that matches your game.
   
4. If you choose the best resolution for your windows,start your gameandto create.
5. To search fordisplay settingAfter thescreen resolution.
6. change resolutionto the one that matches your screen resolution.
7. Make sure the game is minimized again.

disable tablet mode

Tablet mode is unnecessary for desktop gamers or laptops without touch capabilities. So Windows 11 lacks the above features.

However, if you're running Windows 10, your games and apps may remain minimized if Windows is in tablet mode.

1. Opento create.
2. to search fortabletindstillingerand turn it on.
3. hulk"when I log in"section, select"Never use or tablet mode”
4. Now check if the solution works.

These are the most common problems and their solutions that cause your game to crash randomly. Hope one of these solutions works for you and you can play without interruptions.

Update your graphics driver

Sometimes your graphics may skip updating or not automatically update your drivers. These bugs can also cause your game to randomly minimize.

Like many graphics drivers such as Nvidia or AMD have add-on apps for their graphics that allow you to update your graphics driver. So let's seeupdate driverFor easier instructions, use Nvidia's companion app, GeForce Experience.

1. OpenGeForce ExperienceSearches for the app in the search field.
2. OpendriverThe tabs are located in the upper left corner.
3. according tosearch for updatesIn the upper right corner.
   
4. The app will check and download the latest updates for your graphics card.
5. When the download is complete, GeForce will prompt you to runquick installationorspecialinstallation;Tap Quick Install to allow the app to complete updates automatically.

You can also update your graphics drivers using Device Manager. To do this you can:

1. Right clickexiststo beginand chooseDevice management.
2. anddisplay adapter.
3. Select your graphics card andRight clickOn the top.
4. selectupdate driver.
   
5. Click the button in the pop-up window that appearsSearch for drivers automaticallyLet Windows automatically download and install update files.
6. When the process is complete, you can close Device Manager.

Disable Cortana

Cortana may suddenly wake up, causing your game to automatically minimize. The most likely reason for Cortana to start is when you speak in-game and it recognizes certain words as commands.

you canStop CortanaActivate with voice command using the following steps:

1. Start Cortanathrough the search field.
2. according tothree hoursin the upper left corner and selectto create.
3. andvoice activated.
4. OpenPrivacy settings for voice activationFollow the instructions.
   
5. Disable CortanaCortana will stop responding to the search term "Cortana".

Disable Windows Game Mode

If you use a streaming service like OBS,Windows spiltilstandDisrupt such services and suddenly minimize your game.

Even though Windows Game Mode gets a Creators Update, it can still interfereStreaming services such as OBS.Then you can try to disable it to solve the current problem.

1. Opento createLooking in the search field or pressingWindows key + meon your keyboard.
2. andthat doctorin the left column.
3. selectgame mode.
   
4. turn off game modeSlides the slider to the left.

activate focus assist

Your game can be automatically minimized when your social media notifications appear on your desktop. If you have enabled notifications, they may come from installed apps or your browser.

Enabling Focus Assist on your PC will prevent pop-up notifications and minimize your games. Focus Assists hides your notifications when you go full screen in any app.

1. Opento createapplication pressureWindows key + me.
2. Select from the System menufocus assistant.
   
3. You can choose whether to show notifications from certain apps usingpreferenceand customize your list orTurn off everything except the alarm clock.
4. You can check if this solution solves your problem.

Show the taskbar on multiple screens

Another common issue that causes this type of problem is when you use multiple monitors. In that case, the game can run perfectly on one screen while remaining minimized on the other.

This solution is specifically for users with multiple monitors. If you also have a multi-monitor setup and encounter the aforementioned issues, try the following steps.

1. Right clickexistsmission boardSo gotaskbar settings.
2. expandthe behavior of the process linepossibility.
3. To search forShow my taskbar on all screensand select it.

Also, if you're running a 4K display,change the refresh rateof 60Hz to 30Hzcan also solve the problem.

update your windows

One of the problems that can cause the game to be minimized can also be dueoutdated windows.You can easily update Windows through settings.

1. Opento search forand go insideWindows update settings, then pressWriting.
2. according tosearch for updatesbutton on the right.
   
3. Windows will automatically download and install the latest updates.
4. After everything is installed,restart your deviceFollow the instructions to see if this fixes your problem.

close background apps

In some cases, an app running in the background will try to come to the foreground, causing your game to be minimized. You can close these apps using Task Manager.

1. according toCtrl + Shift + EscOpenJob list.
2. select appYou don't want it running in the background.
3. to knockfinish the taskThe button is located in the lower right corner.
   
4. Do the same for any apps you don't want running in the background.
5. Close the Task Manager and check if that solves your problem.

It is best to remember not to close important background apps that are running automatically. To avoid this, just tap on less details in the lower right corner and you will see a list of user applications that can be terminated.

reinstall the game

Your game may also randomly minimize at times if the game is not installed properly. You can uninstall and reinstall the game and make sure the game is installed correctly.

If you installed the game from a game launcher like Steam or Epic Games, you can go to yourlibrary,find the game,Right clickabove and selectuninstallThis way. Reinstall the game through the launcher and wait for it to install properly. Then check if this solves your problem.

Run an antivirus scan

The most likely reason why you are facing the issue in question is malware attack on your system. These types of malware can launch another program while you are playing, causing the game to be minimized.

Using commercially available antivirus software is the best way to deal with malware or viruses that infect your PC. You can use Windows Security or any third-party software. Let's see how to use Windows Security Center to check your device for malware.

1. open search and dropwindows security.
2. andVirus and threat protection.
3. find and clickscanning optionsLocated below the quick scan button.
4. selectMicrosoft Defender Offline Scan.
   
5. to knockScan nobutton. A confirmation box will appear where you can press the buttonscanningStart the scan.
6. Your PC will restart and Windows Defender will run to find malicious files hidden on your system. Once the process is complete, your PC will restart again.

It is better to implement onefull controlScan your system for viruses beforehand. These specific scans take a while, depending on your storage space. It is also recommended to fully update Windows before running Windows Security Center as it updates all antivirus and malware databases.