for FREE

Dealing with lots of opened windows on your desktop can get really frustrating if you're having serious problems with productivity. As it happens, apps like Hide Window Hotkey can prove useful in offering a way to better manage all your opened windows by toggling visibility for them, on and off, through the use of hotkeys.

Ugly, outdated interface, but helpful functions

Generally speaking, when dealing with applications that serve as tools for various undertaken actions, one doesn't really expect the developer to pay much attention to looks. Still, in this particular case, the interface is definitely old and out of sync with the more modern Windows minimalist interface. If you don't care much about the looks, and functionality is more important, there should be no problem.

After launching the application, you'll immediately be presented with a list of active windows. Check the ones you'd like to hide, unhide or close. Selection is the first part after which you have to decide on the particular action you'll follow. Simply select from the top app toolbar what you want to do. Closing any of the windows will erase them from the program list as well. Hiding any of the windows will modify the status of the said chosen programs in the app, allowing one to revert the action at any given time. 

Hotkeys to further make life easier

In case you forgot the fact that the application's name mentions the use of hotkeys, when you open the options menu, you'll instantly be reminded of that. As a result, you can choose to customize specific keys or key combinations that will hide, show, or close your desired windows. One can also create a key shortcut for hiding current active windows. One can also opt for using the mouse keys in any of the combinations.

Other, more general options you could set up have to do with starting the application at the same time your OS does, muting sound when hiding an application, auto-selecting new windows, and verifying your password when the tray icon is clicked. You can also opt to close hidden applications when shutting down the app or having them resurface as if nothing had happened.

The bottom line with this application is that while it is useful, the outdated look and some small issues, such as the artifacts you might encounter when navigating the options menu, do make this app look as if it hasn't been polished enough. Depending on your stance, you might opt for better, even though paid, applications or you'll simply keep this as a tool at hand for emergency scenarios only.