Thanks for the help, I'm new to macOS, using it for work now. F11 is a volume key on macbook which I use frequently but fn+F11 does minimize to desktop, so that's good to know although not ergonomic.

I usually end up using the track pad gestures too, and they work well in laptop mode but since my MacBook is usually docked on my desk and I'm using a BT keyboard/mouse it's annoying having to take my hands off the keyboard and look up every time.

I'm frustrated that I can't even alt-tab since it won't select any program that is minimized or has more than 1 window open so I have to use mission control every time and hunt for the right window. I'll give Stage Manager a try in the new update.