How to Use Windows Task Switcher for App Switching

If you are a Windows user, you already have access to a built-in feature called Task Switcher. This feature allows you to quickly switch between different open applications and manage your active windows efficiently. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to use the Windows Task Switcher effectively.

Step 1: Accessing Windows Task Switcher

To access the Windows Task Switcher, you can use one of the following methods:

1. Alt+Tab: Press and hold the Alt key and then press the Tab key once. This will open the Task Switcher, displaying a preview of the currently open applications.

2. Win+Tab: Press and hold the Windows key (often represented by the Windows logo on your keyboard) and then press the Tab key. This will open the Task View, which includes the Task Switcher along with other features.

Step 2: Navigating through the Task Switcher

Once you have the Task Switcher open, you can navigate through the open applications in different ways:

• Using Arrow Keys: While in the Task Switcher, you can use the arrow keys (up, down, left, right) to move between the application previews.

• Mouse Navigation: If you prefer using the mouse, you can click on any application preview to switch to it directly.

• Scrolling: If you have multiple application previews and only a few are visible, you can scroll horizontally (if supported) using either the mouse wheel or the touchpad's scrolling gesture.

Step 3: Selecting an Application

To select an application using the Task Switcher, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Alt key (or Windows key if using the Win+Tab method) to keep the Task Switcher open.

2. While holding the key, use the arrow keys or mouse to navigate to the desired application.

3. Release the key or click on the selected application to switch to it instantly.

Step 4: Closing Applications

Besides switching between open applications, you can also close applications directly from the Task Switcher. Here's how:

1. Open the Task Switcher using one of the methods mentioned in Step 1.

2. Once in the Task Switcher, navigate to the desired application.

3. With the application preview selected, press the Alt key along with the F4 key to close the selected application instantly.

Step 5: Customizing Task Switcher

Windows also allows you to customize the behavior of the Task Switcher according to your preferences. To access the settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings gear icon to open the Windows Settings.

2. In the Settings window, click on the System category.

3. From the left sidebar, select Multitasking.

4. In the Multitasking settings, you can customize options such as the switching behavior, alt+tab shortcut, and more.

5. Adjust the settings according to your preference and close the settings window.

By following these steps, you can efficiently use the Windows Task Switcher to switch between applications, close unwanted windows, and even customize its behavior according to your needs.

Remember that Task Switcher is a powerful tool to manage your workflow more effectively, especially when you have multiple applications open simultaneously.