Best Free Application Minimizer

Wed, 07/02/2008 - 14:45 — joe.bennett

It seems today that more people than ever are taking advantage of the multitasking features of today PC's, but with the PC's ability to handle more and more programs running simultaneously, managing all of those open programs can be confusing. Enter the application minimizer. Each of the minimizer programs listed here allow you to send programs to the system tray instead of the task bar, making it easier to manage all your running programs.

TrayIt! impressed me with its combination of simplicity and effectiveness. First, it requires no installation; just double click the program file and it's up and running. Second, it can minimize open windows to the tray either temporarily or permanently with just one click. Third, it handles "difficult" windows such as skins, with ease. Fourth, it works with all versions of Windows (95 through Vista). Fifth, it's a tiny 35KB! Finally, it's free. It is quite a little gem.

A good alternative is PowerMenu. It works slightly different because it gives the option to minimize to system tray on a context menu rather than by using the Ctrl key. It also has additional options to keep the window always on top and also set priority and transparency. Like Trayit!, it doesn't need to be installed, making it extrememly portable. Note that PowerMenu hasn't been updated for some time and has some features that only work for Windows NT and later.

Of the programs reviewed here, 4T Tray Free is the only one that allows you to minimize programs to the system tray multiple ways: Either by using keyboard shortcuts or by clicking on additional buttons on the applications title bar. This feature alone will make it an attractive option for some people. It is highly configurable, easy to use and very intuitive.

This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Joe Bennett. Registered site visitors can contact Joe by clicking here.

Product Specifications:

TrayIt!
Website: http://www.teamcti.com/trayit/trayit.htm
Download page: http://www.teamcti.com/trayit/trayit.htm
Author: Igor Nys
Version: 4.6.5
Version date: 7/26/2007
Download File size: 35 kb
License: Freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 95-Vista
64 Bit version available: No, but this program will run with reduced functionality in a 64 bit environment
Portable version available: Program is portable
Additional Software Required: None
Non-English version available: Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Russian and Spanish
Other relevant information: None

PowerMenu
Website: http://www.veridicus.com/tummy/programming/powermenu/
Download page: http://www.veridicus.com/tummy/programming/powermenu/
Author: Thong Nguyen
Version: 1.5.1
Version date: 11/23/2002
Download file size: 109 kb
License: Freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 95-Vista
64 Bit version available: No
Portable version available: Yes - Available here
Additional Software Required: None
Non-English version available: None
Other relevant information: None

4T Tray Minimizer Free
Website: http://www.4t-niagara.com/
Download page: http://www.4t-niagara.com/tray.html
Author: 4T Niagra Software
Current version: 4.40
Version date: 3/24/2007
Download File size: 801 kb
License: Free for Personal Use
Operating systems supported: Windows 95-Vista
Additional software required: None
64 Bit version available: No
Portable version available: No
Additional Software Required: None
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None

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#1Submitted by jojoyee on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 14:11.

I notice that the developer's website of TrayIt! is still there. check it out here http://www.teamcti.com/trayit/trayit.htm
One of the advantages of TrayIt! is that it can pre-set an application to minimize upon running.

XNeat Windows Manager can minimize an application only after its window is opened, but it has more other functions such as make a window on top, etc. Very helpful when you're running a small application such as calculator or notepad and you want it to stay on while other windows are opened. Website:- http://www.xneat.com/windows-manager/index.htm

I use TrayIt! to pre-set a window to minimize, and use XNeat to send a window to tray or keep it on top after it is opened. Both work very well for me.

#2Submitted by joe.bennett on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 14:38.

Thanks for the information on TrayIt!. I've updated the review.

#3Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 06/29/2008 - 05:36.

XNeat Windows Manager is a much better candidate. On top of minimizing to tray, it has more functions.

Right click at a window title, I've a convenient choice of the following:
1. Send to tray
2. Make on top
3. Hide Windows
4. Set transparency

http://bestfreeware.blog.com/3216322/

#4Submitted by JonathanT on Sun, 06/29/2008 - 07:12.

I tried that a while back but found it incredibly confusing and it didn't even seem to work.

#5Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 14:17.

It works for me. OS requirement: Windows XP or Vista 32 bits.

#6Submitted by Bob on Sun, 05/18/2008 - 16:13.

XP (or Vista) users who keep a reasonably clean desktop but don't enjoy squinting at system tray or taskbar clutter might like miniMIZE. This little programme simply lines up minimized windows on the desktop as thumbnails (with adjustable transparency), which you can then move around as you please. Resource light, but XP (and Vista it seems) only:
http://aquaria.za.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=133

#7Submitted by Bob on Mon, 07/28/2008 - 17:55.

Perhaps also worth mentioning that miniMIZE's configuration options allow exclusions.

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