Windows 10 hot corners are screen regions that trigger specific actions when you move your mouse pointer to them, providing quick access to common system functions. By default, the top-left corner shows all open windows, the top-right opens Action Center, the bottom-left opens Start or Task View, and the bottom-right opens Cortana or Search, depending on settings. This explainer covers how hot corners behave on different桌面 states, how to enable or disable them, and how they compare with task view, virtual desktops, and Snap layouts for efficient window management.
What are hot corners in Windows 10
Hot corners are screen edges you can move your mouse to in order to launch system actions quickly. They work on the desktop, tablet mode, and certain Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps that support pointer interactions. Instead of clicking multiple buttons or using keyboard shortcuts, you move the cursor to a predefined corner to trigger a behavior. Hot corners are related to window management features such as Snap, Task View, virtual desktops, and in some configurations, the Windows Search or Cortana experience.
Default hot corners and their actions
By default, Windows 10 assigns the following actions to each corner. If a feature is not enabled or has been changed in settings, the behavior may fall back to showing the Start menu or opening Task View.
| Corner | Default action | Notes when behavior differs |
|---|---|---|
| Top-left | Show all open windows (Peek at desktop) | Moving mouse away restores windows; clicking switches to that window |
| Top-right | Open Action Center | Second use in some configurations toggles Tablet Mode |
| Bottom-left | Open Start menu or switch to Tablet Mode Start screen | In Tablet Mode, may open Task View depending on settings |
| Bottom-right | Open Cortana (if enabled) or Search box | Can be changed to open Task View on some devices |
How to enable or change hot corners
Windows 10 does not expose hot corner settings in the default Settings app as of recent builds. You can enable, disable, or change their behavior using the desktop Control Panel or third-party tools that override default pointer gestures.
Using Control Panel to enable hot corners
To adjust hot corner behavior on Windows 10:
- Open Control Panel and go to Navigation > Mouse pointers and touch.
- Click Pointer Options, then Enable hot corners.
- In the Hot Corners dialog, choose a corner for Show the desktop, Switch between open windows, or Start Tablet Mode.
- Save changes and test by moving your cursor to the selected corner.
Managing task view and virtual desktops
Hot corners that trigger Task View or virtual desktops can help you manage multiple workspaces. You can create and name virtual desktops, move windows between them, and use Task View to organize apps. Combining hot corners with Snap Layouts allows rapid rearrangement of apps, especially on large or multi-monitor setups.
Practical use cases for hot corners
Hot corners are most useful when you want fast, muscle-memory access to common tasks without covering your keyboard. Typical scenarios include quickly showing the desktop to access widgets or files, opening Action Center to toggle Airplane Mode or Wi-Fi, and switching between virtual workspaces to separate projects. On tablets or 2-in-1 devices, bottom corners can be reassigned to Tablet Mode tasks for touch-first workflows.
Comparison with Snap Layouts and Task View
Snap Layouts and Snap Assist let you organize windows using drag-and-drop or keyboard shortcuts, while Task View provides an overview of all desktops and apps. Hot corners act as a shortcut to these features, reducing the number of clicks or key presses. Unlike Snap, which arr windows immediately, hot corners can perform multiple actions such as peeking at the desktop or opening the Action Center, depending on configuration.
Troubleshooting hot corners
If hot corners do not respond, check that Tablet Mode is set correctly, that no full-screen or immersive apps are blocking the desktop, and that third-party pointer software is not overriding defaults. Some touch drivers or remote desktop sessions may limit hot corner behavior. If a corner keeps triggering unintentionally, assign it to a less disruptive action or disable it in Control Pointer Options.