Do you often use the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut to quickly switch between different open windows on your computer? But lately, Alt + Tab hasn't been working and you don't know why? Don't panic, there are solutions to fix this problem and regain the use of this very handy shortcut.
Let's see how to fix the Alt + Tab key !
First, here's a quick video tutorial to fix Alt + Tab not working in Windows 10 and 11 !
Why doesn't the Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut work in Windows ?
There are several reasons why the Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut work correctly in Windows . Here are the main ones:
| Cause | Solution |
| A hardware problem | Check the keyboard's operation and connection |
| A software problem | Reinstall the keyboard driver or scan the system with an antivirus program. |
| A configuration problem | Check the accessibility options, tablet mode settings, or reset the Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut settings to default. |
| A problem with Windows Explorer | Restart Windows Explorer |
This article might interest you: How to insert special characters with custom keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10 & 11?
How do I fix the "Alt + Tab" shortcut that no longer works?
If you have identified the cause of the problem, you can try the following solutions to fix the "Alt + Tab" shortcut that no longer works:
Method 1: Reinstall your keyboard driver
Step 1: Right-click on the This PC icon on your desktop and choose Manage.
Step 2: Next, click on Device Manager in the left column.
Step 3: Expand the "Keyboards" category in the right-hand window and right-click on your keyboard.
Step 4: Select Uninstall device and confirm.
Step 5: Then restart your computer and let Windows automatically reinstall your keyboard driver .
Method 2: Restart Windows Explorer
Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and choose Task Manager.
Step 2: Find the Windows Explorer process in the Processes tab and right-click on it.
Step 3: Choose " Restart " and wait for Explorer to restart.
Step 4: Next, check if the "Alt + Tab" shortcut is working again.
Method 3: Check the multitasking settings
Step 1: Press the Windows + I Windows settings .
Step 2: Next, click on System and choose Multitasking in the left column.
"Press Alt+Tab to show open windows" option "Press Alt+Tab to show" .
Method 4: Check the keyboard settings
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I Windows settings .
Step 2: Next, click on “ Time and Language ” and choose “ Keyboard ” after clicking on “ Language ” in the left column.
Use right Alt key as AltGr key" option . You can also change the "Alt + Tab" shortcut using the Keyboard Shortcuts .
See also: Ctrl + Z: What is the purpose of this surprising keyboard shortcut?
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the "Alt + Tab" shortcut
Do you still have questions about the "Alt + Tab" shortcut no longer working ? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
How to use the "Alt + Tab" shortcut with one hand?
If you have trouble pressing the Alt and Tab keys simultaneously with one hand, you can use the right Alt key as an AltGr key. To do this, enable the " Use right Alt key as AltGr key Windows keyboard settings . You can then press the right Alt key and use your mouse wheel to switch between windows.
How do I use the "Alt + Tab" shortcut with multiple screens?
If you use multiple monitors on your computer, you can use the shortcut "Alt + Tab" to switch between windows on all monitors or only the active monitor. To do this, change the "Press Alt + Tab to show open windows" Windows multitasking settings . You can choose between "All desktops" or "Active desktop only."
How do I customize the "Alt + Tab" shortcut?
If you don't like the look or behavior of the "Alt + Tab" shortcut , you can customize it with third-party software. For example, you can use Alt-Tab Terminator , which replaces the horizontal bar with a vertical window displaying application thumbnails. Alternatively, you can use VistaSwitcher , which displays a detailed list of windows with their titles and icons.
How do I restore the default "Alt + Tab" shortcut?
If you changed the "Alt + Tab" shortcut Windows settings , you can restore it to the default by uninstalling the third-party software or resetting your multitasking and keyboard settings. To reset your multitasking settings Windows Settings , click System, then Multitasking, and select Reset. To reset your keyboard settings Windows Settings , click Time & Language, then Keyboard, and select Reset.
How do I activate tablet mode using the shortcut "Alt + Tab"?
If you're using a convertible or hybrid computer that can transform into a tablet, you can activate tablet mode with the shortcut "Alt + Tab". To do this, press the Windows and A simultaneously to open the Action Center. Then click the Tablet Mode to switch between desktop and tablet modes. Tablet mode lets you use your touchscreen like a tablet and view apps in full screen.
Conclusion
The "Alt + Tab" shortcut is a very handy tool for quickly switching between different open windows on your computer. However, it can sometimes stop working due to a hardware, software, or configuration issue. In this case, you can try the solutions we've provided in this article to fix the problem and restore the shortcut's functionality. If you still have questions or suggestions, feel free to leave us a comment.
