what do the double boxes button in the top right of a computer window do

The "double boxes" button in the top right of a computer window is theMinimize/Restore** button** (often next to a single square for Maximize and an X for Close).

It toggles a window between maximized (full-screen) and restored (resized) states. When your window fills the screen, clicking the double boxes shrinks it back to a smaller, movable size; click again to expand it fully. This standard layout powers Windows, macOS (with slight icon variations), and Linux desktops like GNOME—making multitasking smoother since the '90s.

Everyday Functions

Here's what each top-right button typically does across major OSes:

Button Icon| Action| Windows| macOS| Linux (GNOME/KDE)
---|---|---|---|---
Single □| Maximize| Fills screen 3| Yellow "miniaturize" to Dock 2| Maximize window 1
Two □□□| Restore/Minimize toggle| Returns to prior size 38| Toggles full/normal 2| Same as Windows 7
Red/×| Close| Exits app/window 5| Quit app 2| Closes window 6

• Pro tip : Double-click the title bar (blue/gray area above buttons) for the same maximize/restore effect—handy for quick resizing without mousing to the corner.

• Keyboard shortcuts speed it up: Windows key + arrows (Up for max, Down for min); on Mac, green button hover reveals options.

Common Mix-Ups & Fixes

Users often confuse it with the taskbar's tiny rectangle (bottom-right "Show Desktop" button), which hides all windows instantly—like a "boss key" for clean desks. If yours stopped working (e.g., stuck maximized), toggle Tablet Mode off or restart Explorer.exe—common glitch since Windows 10.

"Double-clicking the top bar to max/restore has saved my workflow since Windows 3.1—feels ancient but irreplaceable!" – Reddit users reminiscing.

TL;DR : Double boxes = resize toggle for one window; master it alongside single box (expand) and X (exit) for pro-level window control.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.