How to Set Up and Use Windows Alt+Tab Keyboard Shortcut

The Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut is a useful feature in Windows that allows you to quickly switch between open applications or windows. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up and using the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut on your Windows computer.

Step 1: Open the Windows Settings

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Click on the Settings gear icon, which is located above the Power button.

Step 2: Access the Multitasking settings

1. In the Windows Settings window, click on the System option.
2. In the left sidebar, select Multitasking.

Step 3: Enable the Alt+Tab shortcut

1. Scroll down to the Alt+Tab section.
2. By default, the Alt+Tab shortcut is set to "Don't show app thumbnails". If you wish to see the app thumbnails when using Alt+Tab, select either "Open windows only" or "Open windows and all tabs in Edge".
3. Selecting "Open windows only" will display only the open windows of the applications you are using, whereas selecting "Open windows and all tabs in Edge" will display the open windows as well as the individual tabs in the Microsoft Edge browser (if you have it installed).
4. Choose the desired setting by clicking on the radio button next to your preference.

Step 4: Use the Alt+Tab shortcut

Once you have enabled the Alt+Tab shortcut, you can use it to switch between open windows or applications.

1. Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
2. While holding the Alt key, press the Tab key once. A window will appear showing the open windows or applications.
3. While continuing to hold the Alt key, press the Tab key again to cycle through the available windows or applications. Each time you press the Tab key, the next window or application will be highlighted.
4. Release both keys (Alt key and Tab key) to switch to the selected window or application.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• To move backward between windows or applications while cycling through with the Alt+Tab shortcut, simply press the Shift key with the Alt key. For example, if you press and hold Alt+Shift and then press Tab, you will move backward instead of forward in the selection.
• If you have multiple instances of the same application open, you can cycle through them by continuing to press the Tab key while still holding the Alt key.
• You can also use the Alt+Tab shortcut with multiple screens. Simply press the Alt+Tab keys on your keyboard and the open windows or applications will appear across all your screens.
• To close a selected window or application while using the Alt+Tab shortcut, press the Escape key on your keyboard.

That's it! You have now successfully set up and learned how to use the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut on your Windows computer. Enjoy the convenience of quickly switching between your open applications or windows.