Do you often use the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut to quickly switch between the different windows open on your computer? But for some time now, Alt + Tab has stopped working and you don't know why? Don't panic, there are solutions to fix this problem and regain the use of this very practical shortcut.
Let's see how to fix the Alt + Tab key !
First of all, here is a quick video tutorial to fix Alt + Tab not working in Windows 10 and 11 !
Why Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut not working in Windows ?
There are several reasons that may prevent the Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut from working properly in Windows . Here are the main ones:
| Cause | Solution |
| A hardware problem | Check keyboard operation and connection |
| A software problem | Reinstall the keyboard driver or scan the system with an antivirus |
| A configuration problem | Check Ease of Access, Tablet Mode Settings, or Reset Alt-Tab Keyboard Shortcut to Defaults |
| A Windows Explorer problem | Restart Windows Explorer |
This article might interest you: How to insert special characters with custom keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10 & 11?
How to fix “Alt + Tab” shortcut that no longer works?
If you have identified the cause of the problem, you can try the following solutions to fix “Alt + Tab” shortcut no longer working:
Method 1: Reinstall your keyboard driver
Step 1: Right-click the This PC icon on your desktop and choose Manage.
Step 2: Then click on Device Manager in the left column.
Step 3: Expand the “Keyboards” category in the right window and right-click on your keyboard.
Step 4: Choose 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 launch again.
Step 4: Then check if the “Alt + Tab” shortcut works again.
Method 3: Check multitasking settings
Step 1: Press Windows + I Windows Settings .
Step 2: Then click on System and choose Multitasking from the left column.
Step 3: Make sure Press Alt+Tab shows open windows is enabled. You can also choose the number of windows to display in the Alt + Tab bar with the Press Alt + Tab displays .
Method 4: Check Keyboard Settings
Step 1: Press Windows key + I Windows Settings .
Step 2: Then click on “ Time & Language ” and choose “ Keyboard ” after clicking “ Language ” in the left column.
Step 3: Verify that the Use right Alt key as AltGr key option is disabled . You can also change the “Alt + Tab” shortcut with the Keyboard shortcuts .
See also: Ctrl + Z: What is this amazing keyboard shortcut for?
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the “Alt + Tab” shortcut
Do you still have questions about the “Alt + Tab” shortcut that no longer works ? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions on this subject.
How to use the “Alt + Tab” shortcut with one hand?
If you find it difficult to press the Alt and Tab keys simultaneously with one hand, you can use the right Alt key as an AltGr key. Use right Alt key as AltGr key option Windows keyboard settings . You can then press the right Alt key and use the mouse wheel to switch between windows.
How to use the “Alt + Tab” shortcut with multiple screens?
If you use multiple screens on your computer, you can use the “Alt + Tab” shortcut to switch between windows on all screens or just the active screen. To do this, change the Press Alt + Tab shows open windows Windows Multitasking settings . You can choose between All Desktops or Active Desktop Only.
How to 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 with app thumbnails. You can also use VistaSwitcher , which displays a detailed list of windows with their title and icon.
How to restore the default “Alt + Tab” shortcut?
If you changed the “Alt + Tab” shortcut Windows settings , you can return it to default by uninstalling the third-party software or resetting the multitasking and keyboard settings. To reset multitasking settings Windows Settings , click System then Multitasking and choose Reset. To reset the keyboard settings Windows Settings , click on Time & Language then Keyboard and choose Reset.
How to activate tablet mode with the “Alt + Tab” shortcut?
If you are using a convertible or hybrid computer that can turn into a tablet, you can activate tablet mode with the “Alt + Tab” shortcut. To do this, press the Windows and A keys simultaneously to open the Notification Center. Then click the Tablet Mode to switch between desktop mode and tablet mode. Tablet mode allows you to use your touchscreen like a tablet and view applications in full screen.
Conclusion
The “Alt + Tab” shortcut is a very practical tool for quickly switching between the different windows open on your computer. However, it may happen that it no longer works due to a hardware, software or configuration problem. In this case, you can try the solutions that we have proposed in this article to fix this problem and regain the use of this shortcut. If you still have questions or suggestions, please leave us a comment.
