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FIX: Can’t Switch Between Programs (Alt+Tab) in Windows 10/11
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Do you have issues while trying to switch between your programs inWindows 10orWindows 8.1with your ALT + TAB buttons? Well, you are lucky because after you finish reading this article, you would have fixed your ALT+ TAB issue in theWindows 10orWindows 8.1operating system.Seems that when you have two files of the same kind like aWord documentor anExcel documentopen, you will not be able to switch between them unless you minimize the first file opened. One of the main causes of this issue might be the fact that you installed a third party application that is interfering with your ALT+ TAB feature.
How to I fix ALT+ TAB issues in Windows 10?
1. Change PC settings
2. Boot into Safe Mode
In this method, we will try to boot your device into the Safe Mode feature which uses only the minimum requirements for your device to run and see if the alt + tab feature works there. If it works then proceed with method three below.
— RELATED:Fix: Can’t Boot Into Safe Mode in Windows 10, Windows 8.1
You can access the Safe Mode with networking feature quicker by going to System Configuration > Boot tab. All you need to do is check the Network option under Boot options, as shown in the screenshot below.
3. Clean boot your computer
By doing the steps below you will power up you device with only the necessary programs at startup and thus seeing whichapplicationis causing your alt + tab feature to react in such a way.
That’s it folks, was it hard? I know that someone with a basic knowledge of theWindows 10orWindows 8.1operating systems will be able to do the steps above easily. If you need further assistance regarding this subject, you can use the comments section below to let us know and we will help you further.
Speaking of additional help, if you still can’t use the ALT+TAB key combination, you can also check out our in-depthALT_ TAB troubleshooting guide for Windows PCs. While the instructions available in this guide apply to bothWindows 8.1andWindows 10, the solutions listed in our in-depth guide are valid for all Windows versions.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.