How to quickly switch windows

Issue:

How to Quickly Switch Between Open Windows Using Alt + Tab

Description:

This article explains how to efficiently navigate and switch between all open applications and windows on your Windows computer using the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut. This method provides a quick visual overview of your active tasks, allowing for faster multitasking.

Applies To:

• Windows 10

• Windows 11

• Any Windows operating system with a graphical user interface

Resolution Steps:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Activate the Window Switcher:

   • Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.

   • While holding Alt, press the Tab key once.

   • You'll see a grid appear on your screen, displaying small thumbnail previews of all your currently open applications and windows.

2. Navigate to Your Desired Window:

   • Using Tab key: While still holding down the Alt key, repeatedly press the Tab key to cycle through the open windows. Each press of Tab will move the selection highlight to the next window in the grid.

   • Using your mouse: You can also move your mouse cursor over any of the thumbnail previews and click on the window you want to switch to.

3. Release Keys to Select:

   • Once the window you want to switch to is highlighted (or you've clicked it with the mouse), release the Alt key.

   • The selected window will immediately come to the forefront and become your active window.

Example Scenario:

Imagine you're writing an email but need to quickly reference information from a web browser or a document. Instead of minimizing windows, just press Alt + Tab, select the browser or document window, grab your information, and then Alt + Tab back to your email.

Troubleshooting / Additional Information:

• Closed Windows: Only currently open windows and applications will appear in the Alt + Tab switcher. Minimized windows will appear, but closed applications will not.

• Persistent Grid: If you just tap Alt + Tab and release both keys quickly, the grid will appear and stay visible until you select a window with your mouse. If you hold Alt and tap Tab multiple times, the selection will move, and the grid will disappear as soon as you release Alt.

• Task View (Windows 10/11): For a similar but often more detailed view of your open applications and virtual desktops, you can also click the Task View icon on your taskbar (it looks like two overlapping rectangles) or press Windows key + Tab.