How do I prevent Word from redisplaying multiple minimized open documents when opening a new document?

Anonymous
2010-04-01T09:17:27+00:00

When I have multiple Word documents open, but minimized and I open an already created document, all of the minimized documents will get redisplayed (ie. maximized) to the screen.  Additionally, I believe the last edited document will be displayed on top and its listing on the start/task bar will begin flashing and it will not turn off until the flashing listing is clicked.  I then have to reminimize all of the documents and navigate to the document that I originally wanted open.

As a user, I would want all of the open minimized documents to remain minimized and the document that I'm opening to be presented without having to click anything on the start/task bar.

dmurf

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2012-08-11T17:55:48+00:00

Try this:  Right-click on the lower taskbar (the dark band that runs across the bottom of your screen), in an empty space, not on an icon.  You should see a small window open up that gives you different options for displaying the documents you are working on.  Cascade windows is sometimes helpful if you are going back and forth between different documents.  You can drag the edges of a document so that you can see two documents at the same time.  You just need to click on one to bring it more to the  front.  Stacked windows is another option.  Then you will see all of the documents at once.  That may be what you have had selected.  Side-by-side windows is another.  Experiment with these options.  It may help you.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2010-04-01T21:52:51+00:00

A newly opened document will not cause other minimized or open Word documents to come to the front. But the newly opened document will not come to the front itself, it launches as an open window. 

The easiest way to eliminate that is by using keyboard shortcuts:

To minimize all the windows and get back to the desktop:        Windows + D

To open a new word blank document                              :       CTRL + N

To open a word document from a location                       :       CTRL + O        

There's an option under Word Options / Advanced / Display, named Show all windows in the taskbar. Turning it off hides all Word icons in the taskbar but one. This way the described behavior disappears but at the same time goes the ease of restoring a minimized document.

Was this answer helpful?

10+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

208 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-30T03:17:05+00:00

    Since I bought Office 2010 recently, I was able to obtain Microsoft tech support for this question while under warranty.

    After working on the problem for many hours with level 1 and 2 technicians, I was ultimately transferred to level 3 support.

    My version of the problem involves Word 2010 maximizing one previously minimized file behind any new Word file that I open.

    After looking into it, the level 3 person explained that opening a prior file occurred BY DESIGN in Word 2010.  He said he believed it was part of the document recovery function.  He also confirmed that it happened on his computer at Microsoft and it happened as well on the not-yet-released Word 2013 program that he could access.

    He did agree it could be annoying and was perhaps unnecessary and said he would forward the problem to team that designs Word.  I did show him that Open Office (a competitor) does have a recovery function and does not open minimized windows unnecessary.  Also, I provided him the link to this discussion, and he said someone from Microsoft would post an official reply in coming days.

    Was this answer helpful?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-12-07T05:23:39+00:00

    Prajwal wrote:

    " There's an option under Word Options / Advanced / Display, named Show all windows in the taskbar. Turning it off hides all Word icons in the taskbar but one. This way the described behavior disappears but at the same time goes the ease of restoring a minimized document."

    This is the best solution I've found, thanks.  I've spent about three hours fooling around with this today, because it's driving me mad too.  I'm using Word 2007 on Windows 7.

    I've tried the registry fix outlined above, but got the same problem as another user -new documents only opened in greyed-out windows.

    i want to add to Prajwal's advice  that although only one word document is now displayed in the taskbar, you can right click on it and get a list of recently opened documents.  Then you just choose the document you want to switch to.  It's only slightly different from choosing from a visual / window menu.  I'm happy with it anyway - much better than having to re-minimize all your windows everytime you open a different document.

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2010-06-29T13:15:51+00:00

    I have the same issue, although in Office 2003...

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments