Imagine needing to quickly hand over your laptop to someone—maybe a colleague, IT support, or a family member—but worrying about leaving sensitive applications or documents visible. Currently, users have to manually minimize or close each window, which is both inconvenient and easy to forget in the moment. This gap becomes especially noticeable in shared workspaces, co-working environments, or casual settings where temporary access is common.

The Idea: One-Click Privacy for Shared Devices

One way to address this could be a software feature that, with a single click or keyboard shortcut, instantly hides all open applications (or a user-selected subset), effectively clearing the desktop. Optionally, it could also lock the screen to prevent further access. When the user logs back in, everything is restored exactly as it was—apps reopen in their original positions, minimizing disruption.

This could be implemented in several ways, such as:

• A system tray icon or keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+H).
• A login-screen button that triggers the feature before granting access.
• Integration with existing OS features like virtual desktops (e.g., moving apps to a temporary desktop).

The feature would appeal to professionals, students, and remote workers who frequently share devices but want to maintain privacy without hassle. For OS developers, it could be a differentiating feature, while IT departments might appreciate the reduced risk of accidental data exposure.

How It Compares to Existing Solutions

Current alternatives like Windows Virtual Desktops or macOS Mission Control require manual effort and don’t offer one-click hiding with restoration. Third-party window managers often lack this specific functionality, focusing instead on broader (and sometimes overly complex) features. By automating the process and ensuring session persistence, this idea fills a clear niche.

Getting Started

A simple MVP could be a script (e.g., AutoHotkey or AppleScript) that minimizes and restores windows. Testing this with a small group could validate demand. For a more polished version, native OS integration—like a Windows PowerToy or macOS utility—could add customization (e.g., selective hiding or auto-lock). Long-term, advocating for OS vendors to adopt the feature natively might be the most scalable path.

While challenges like unpredictable app behavior or OS restrictions exist, they could be addressed with warnings, exclusions for unsaved work, or leveraging existing APIs. The idea’s simplicity and focus on privacy give it a unique edge over manual or partial solutions.