Minimized Startup for OpenPWAs on Windows and Edge

Minimized Startup of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in Windows Edge

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that load like regular web pages or websites but can offer the user functionality such as working offline, push notifications, and device hardware access traditionally available only to native applications. PWAs are a perfect solution for businesses looking to reach their customers on multiple platforms with a single codebase.

Minimized Startup of PWAs in Windows Edge

By default, when a user opens a PWA in Windows Edge, it launches in a new window, taking up valuable screen real estate. However, it is possible to configure the PWA to launch in a minimized state, freeing up space on the user's desktop. This article will explore how to achieve this using various methods, including using the system tray.

Using the Windows 10 Start Menu

One way to launch a PWA in a minimized state is to use the Windows 10 Start menu. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Pin the PWA to the Start menu.
2. Right-click on the PWA tile in the Start menu.
3. Select "More" > "Open file location" from the context menu.
4. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties" from the context menu.
5. In the "Properties" window, click on the "Shortcut" tab.
6. In the "Run" dropdown, select "Minimized" instead of the default "Normal window" option.
7. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Now, when the user clicks on the PWA tile in the Start menu, it will launch in a minimized state.

Using a Batch File

Another way to launch a PWA in a minimized state is to use a batch file. This method involves creating a batch file that launches the PWA using the "start" command with the "/min" switch. Here's an example:

Save the above code as a .bat file and double-click it to launch the PWA in a minimized state.

Using the System Tray

It is also possible to launch a PWA in the system tray, which can help declutter the user's desktop. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Create a shortcut to the PWA on the user's desktop.
2. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties" from the context menu.
3. In the "Properties" window, click on the "Shortcut" tab.
4. In the "Run" dropdown, select "Minimized" instead of the default "Normal window" option.
5. Click "OK" to save the changes.
6. Download and install the "AutoHotkey" scripting language from https://www.autohotkey.com/.
7. Create a new AutoHotkey script file with the following code:
   ```vbnet #NoEnv SendMode Input SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% #SingleInstance, Force ; Replace "PWA Name" with the name of the PWA #IfWinExist, PWA Name ^!SPACE:: WinMinimize, PWA Name WinHide, PWA Name WinShow, Tray WinActivate, Tray WinMinimize, Tray return #IfWinExist ```

   Save the script file with a .ahk extension and double-click it to run the script.

   Now, when the user presses Ctrl + Alt + Space, the PWA will minimize to the system tray. To restore the PWA, click on the system tray icon.

   • PWAs are web applications that offer the functionality of native applications.
   • It is possible to launch a PWA in a minimized state using the Windows 10 Start menu, a batch file, or the system tray.
   • Using the system tray can help declutter the user's desktop and provide a more seamless user experience.

   References

   • Microsoft Edge PWAs
   • AutoHotkey