Press Alt + Tab to switch between programs in Windows. Hold Alt, tap Tab to cycle through open windows, then release both keys when you see the one you want.
Windows gives you several ways to jump between open applications. The Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut is the fastest method, used by over 80% of Windows users according to Microsoft's usage data. However, your mouse, taskbar, and other keyboard combinations offer alternatives depending on your situation.
The Alt + Tab Keyboard Shortcut
Alt + Tab is the universal window switcher in Windows. Microsoft introduced this shortcut in Windows 3.0 back in 1990, and it remains the primary multitasking tool in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Here's how it works:
- Hold down Alt and press Tab once to see thumbnail previews of all open windows
- Keep holding Alt and tap Tab again to move forward through the list
- Release both keys when the window you want is highlighted
- Press Alt + Shift + Tab to cycle backward through the list
The thumbnail previews update in real time, showing live content from each window. This helps you identify the correct window when you have multiple instances of the same program open, like several browser tabs or Word documents.
Windows organizes the Alt + Tab list using a "most recently used" algorithm. Your current window appears first, followed by the window you used before that, and so on. The operating system updates this list every time you click a window or switch focus. This design means pressing Alt + Tab twice quickly takes you back to your previous window, which is useful when copying information between two programs.
Using Task View with Windows + Tab
Windows + Tab opens Task View, a full screen interface for managing all your open applications. Unlike Alt + Tab, Task View stays open after you release the keys, giving you time to look around.
- Press Windows + Tab to open Task View
- Click any window thumbnail to switch to that application
- Use arrow keys to navigate, then press Enter to select
- See your virtual desktops along the top of the screen
- Press Escape or click empty space to close Task View without switching
Task View shows larger thumbnails than Alt + Tab, making it easier to identify windows when you have many open. You can also right click any thumbnail to close it, move it to a different virtual desktop, or snap it to part of your screen.
Clicking the Taskbar
The taskbar at the bottom of your screen displays an icon for each running program. This method works well when you're already using your mouse.
- Click any taskbar icon to open that program's window
- Hover over an icon to see thumbnail previews of all windows for that program
- Right click an icon for options like closing the window or opening a new instance
- Middle click (scroll wheel click) an icon to open a new window of that program
When an application has multiple windows open, hovering over its taskbar icon shows a preview of each window. Click the specific thumbnail you need. This is particularly helpful with web browsers where you might have dozens of tabs across multiple windows.
Keyboard Shortcuts by Taskbar Position
Windows assigns numbers to your taskbar icons based on their position from left to right. The first icon is 1, the second is 2, and so on up to 10 (which uses 0).
- Windows + 1 opens or switches to the first taskbar program
- Windows + 2 opens or switches to the second taskbar program
- Windows + Shift + 1 opens a new window of the first program
- Windows + 0 opens or switches to the tenth taskbar program
This shortcut counts both pinned icons and running applications. If you pin your most used programs to specific positions, these shortcuts become a fast way to access them without looking.
Additional Window Management Shortcuts
Windows includes several other keyboard shortcuts for managing multiple windows:
- Ctrl + Alt + Tab opens the window switcher and keeps it open so you can use arrow keys
- Windows + D shows your desktop by minimizing all windows (press again to restore)
- Windows + M minimizes all windows (use Windows + Shift + M to restore)
- Windows + Home minimizes everything except your current window
- Windows + , (comma) peeks at the desktop while held down
Snapping Windows Side by Side
Snap Assist lets you place two or more windows next to each other, reducing the need to switch. This works well when comparing documents, copying data between applications, or following instructions while working.
- Windows + Left Arrow snaps the current window to the left half of your screen
- Windows + Right Arrow snaps it to the right half
- Windows + Up Arrow maximizes the window to fill the screen
- Windows + Down Arrow restores or minimizes the window
When you snap a window to one side, Windows 10 and 11 show your other open windows so you can pick one for the empty half. In Windows 11, you can also hover over the maximize button to see snap layout options for 2, 3, or 4 window arrangements.
Multiple monitors: Press Windows + Shift + Left Arrow or Right Arrow to move a window between screens.
Organizing Windows with Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops let you create separate workspaces, each with its own set of windows. You might use one desktop for work tasks and another for personal browsing, keeping them completely separate.
- Windows + Ctrl + D creates a new virtual desktop
- Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow switches between desktops
- Windows + Ctrl + F4 closes the current virtual desktop
- Open Task View to drag windows between desktops
Applications on different virtual desktops don't appear in your Alt + Tab list unless you change this setting. In Windows 11, go to Settings, then System, then Multitasking to control whether Alt + Tab shows windows from all desktops or only the current one.
Switching Programs on Touch Screens
If you're using a tablet or a laptop with a touch screen, Windows supports gesture based switching:
- Swipe in from the left edge of the screen to open Task View
- Swipe up from the bottom to see the taskbar (if it's hidden)
- Use three fingers to swipe left or right on the trackpad to switch desktops
- Use three fingers to swipe up on the trackpad to open Task View
These gestures work in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can customize trackpad gestures in Settings under Bluetooth and devices, then Touchpad.
When Alt + Tab Stops Working
If Alt + Tab isn't responding, a few common issues might be the cause:
- Gaming in full screen mode: Some games capture all keyboard input. Try Alt + Enter to switch to windowed mode first
- Remote desktop sessions: Use Alt + Page Up instead when connected to another computer
- Keyboard issues: Test if the Alt key works in other applications, or try a different keyboard
- Windows Explorer not responding: Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and restart it
In rare cases, third party applications or accessibility tools can interfere with system shortcuts. Booting in Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart) helps identify whether another program is causing the conflict.
Choosing the Right Method
Most people rely on Alt + Tab for quick switches between two or three applications. When you have many windows open, Task View gives you a better overview. For applications you use constantly, consider pinning them to your taskbar and learning their number shortcuts.
Snapping windows side by side eliminates switching entirely for tasks that involve two programs. If you work on different projects throughout the day, virtual desktops keep your windows organized without cluttering a single screen.