Switching between multiple apps in Windows 10-based devices can be made by combining two keyboard buttons: Alt-Tab, which together make up a computer shortcut. However, many users reported that Alt-Tab is not working, and that’s what we’ll be fixing today.

Seamlessly navigate between apps using Alt-Tab with these solutions

  • The Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut is not working on your computer due to incorrect system settings.

  • If the Alt-Tab keys combination is not functioning in Excel or other programs, ensure that your multitasking settings are correct.

  • Enabling and disabling your hotkeys using registry entries can solve this error.

  • When the Alt-Tab shortcut is not working, disconnecting other hardware devices may do the trick.

  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

  • Click Start Scan to find Windows 10 issues that could be causing PC problems.

  • Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

The problem is neither new nor very complex. On the contrary, it has been in pretty much all recent iterations, and a handful of solutions work for all users.

So, let’s find out why Alt-Tab is not working in Windows and its most effective solutions.

 Why is Alt tab not working?

Here are some of the reasons why Alt-Tab may have stopped working in Windows 10:

  • Issues with the Windows Explorer process: In most cases, it was an issue with the Windows Explorer process that was behind Alt-Tab not working on a laptop.
  • Connected peripherals creating conflicts: Other devices connected to your PC, for instance, a speaker, external drive, or printer, may cause conflicts and lead to the issue.
  • Misconfigured settings: Alt-Tab has its own settings, and if these are misconfigured, you won’t have the desired result.
  • Problems with the keyboard: In a few cases, it was either of the two keys or the keyboard driver responsible for the Alt-Tab not working.

Also, you may come across the following issues with Alt-Tab, which, too, can be fixed with our solutions.

  • Alt-Tab not switching in Windows 10 – Several users reported that Alt-Tab doesn’t switch windows on their Windows 10 PC. This can be an annoying problem, but you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions
  • Alt-Tab not working in Excel – Sometimes, this issue can affect other applications such as Microsoft Excel. It’s worth mentioning that this problem also affects other third-party applications
  • Alt-Tab not working in games – One of the most common problems reported was that the shortcut stopped working in games. Switching to Windowed Mode fixed things for most.
  • Alt-Tab disappears quickly – This is another issue related to the Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut. A few users reported that the Alt-Tab menu disappears quickly, and some even have the same issue with the start menu
  • Alt-Tab not working in remote desktop – For those facing the problem on a remote desktop, first press Ctrl + Alt + Break followed by Alt + Tab.

How do I fix Alt-Tab if it’s not working in Windows 10?

Before trying the slightly complex solutions, let’s go through a few quick checks:

  • Why is Alt tab not working?

  • How do I fix Alt-Tab if it’s not working in Windows 10?

    1. Restart Windows Explorer
    1. Fix the problem by modifying Registry Values
    1. Make sure you have enabled the App Switching feature
    1. Use an alternative software solution
    1. Make sure that the Peek option is enabled
    1. Disable/enable the hotkeys
    1. Reset Windows

  • How to configure Alt+Tab settings in Windows 11?

  • Windows 11 Alt-Tab not working: How do I unlock Alt-Tab?

  • Restart the computer.

  • Verify that the other keys on the keyboard work. For example, if the left Alt-Tab is not working, try the right one.

  • Check for issues with the keyboard connection.

  • Disconnect all non-critical peripherals, like external mice (on laptop), printer, speaker, and microphone.

In case none of these work, head to the following solutions:

1. Restart Windows Explorer

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  • Now locate the Windows Explorer process, right-click it and choose Restart from the menu.

After that, your Windows Explorer should restart, and the Alt-Tab shortcut will start working again. Again, remember that this might be just a temporary solution, but it has worked for most users.

2. Fix the problem by modifying Registry Values

It’s possible to resolve the Alt Tab issue by changing the Registry values in your Registry Editor following the next steps.

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit in the input field, and press Enter or click OK.

  2. Paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

  3. In the right pane, look for AltTabSettings DWORD.

  4. If this DWORD isn’t available, you need to create it. Right-click on the right pane, hover the cursor over New, select DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AltTabSettings.

  5. Double-click the AltTabSettings DWORD and change its Value Data to 1. After doing that, click on OK to save the changes.

Several users reported that they already had this value in their registry, and they fixed the problem simply by deleting the AltTabSettings DWORD. 

To delete, right-click it and choose Delete from the menu. When the confirmation prompt appears, click on Yes to proceed.

3. Make sure you have enabled the App Switching feature

  • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then click on System.
  • Choose Multitasking from the left, and then select the desired option from the two drop-down menus about Alt-Tab.

The Alt-Tab shortcut to switch between various apps is enabled by default in Windows 10. But if you’re using several monitors, you need to change slightly.

4. Use an alternative software solution

Another option is to use a dedicated clipboard manager tool. These can remove the function of the Alt-Tab shortcut.

Such software such as allows you to create a clipboard history by saving, organizing, and accessing files, folders, or text from the same place.

You can use it to save texts, links, files, or images into a dedicated space that you can customize and access with just one click.

You can save an unlimited number of fragments in the clipboard history. Moreover, you can customize your favorite clipboard fragments and set sound alarms for specific processes.

Comfort Clipboard is such a software that additionally creates a safety net in case of crashes for all already copied items. It’s compatible with all clipboard formats so you can use it with any other software.

5. Make sure that the Peek option is enabled

  • In the Search bar, enter advanced, and select View advanced system settings.
  • Click the Settings button in the Performance section.
  • Now make sure that Enable Peek option is checked. Finally, click on OK to save changes.

Many users reported that the Alt-Tab command didn’t work on their PC, but they managed to fix it simply by enabling the Peek option. After allowing the option to be, the Alt-Tab command should start working again.

Comfort Clipboard

Keep all your important data in one place and smartly organised.

6. Disable/enable the hotkeys

  • Press Windows + R, enter gpedit.msc and click OK.
  • Group Policy Editor will now start. In the left pane, navigate the following path: User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Windows Components \ File Explorer
  • In the right pane, double-click on Turn off Windows Key hotkeys.
  • Next, select Enabled and click on OK to save changes.

If that doesn’t work, repeat the same steps, but this time select Disabled. Now check if your hotkeys work. Again, if nothing works, select Not Configured and save changes.

If you can’t access Group Policy or want to make these changes quickly, you can perform them using a registry file.

To do that, you need to download the registry files for disabling the Windows hotkeys and also for enabling the Windows hotkeys back. (You would need to sign up to download the registry files)

After downloading the registry files, double-click the registry file to run it. When the confirmation dialog appears, click on Yes.

Several users reported that they solved the issue after using the Registry file to disable Windows Key hotkeys, so be sure to try that.

7. Reset Windows

If none of the methods work, performing a factory reset for Windows 10 might do the trick, though it should rarely come to that.

You will lose app installed apps and configured settings after the reset, and even personal files when doing a complete reset. So, make sure to back up your files.

How to configure Alt+Tab settings in Windows 11?

  • Use your keyboard’s Windows + I shortcut to open the Settings app.
  • In the System tab, select Multitasking.
  • Unfold the menu corresponding to the Alt + Tab section and complete the setup per your needs.

Along with all the exciting features introduced by Windows 11, the Alt+Tab interface also went through an overhaul and now boasts a more polished look with blurred backgrounds as opposed to the old one, which practically took over the entire screen.

Innovation did not miss the functional aspect either, and now you can also configure the Alt-Tab feature to open browser tabs (MS Edge ones, that is) as separate windows in Windows 11, as shown below:

Windows 11 Alt-Tab not working: How do I unlock Alt-Tab?

  • But, of course, you first need to try to update to Windows 11.
  • To do so, press Windows + I to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left pane, and click on Check for updates on the right.
  • If an update is listed afterward, click on Download & install to get it.

Alt+Tab not working in Windows 11 can be corrected by downloading OS patches if a bug is involved. Along with the patches, your drivers should also be updated. But it does not always work as intended, especially when third-party drivers are involved.

Running outdated versions of the keyboard and/or graphics driver can have unwanted effects. It’s time you take care of this, and using DriverFix makes the whole process quick and effortless.

That was all! Now you know how to quickly fix the Alt-Tab not working issue in Windows 10 and 11. Also, before you leave, learn some quick ways to boost Windows performance.

Which method worked for you? Feel free to share with us in the comments section below.

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