If you are a Windows 11 user, you might have encountered a frustrating problem: the Alt+Tab shortcut, which allows you to switch between open windows, stops working.
This can affect your productivity and workflow, especially if multiple applications run simultaneously.
Fortunately, some simple solutions can help you fix the Alt+Tab not working issue in Windows 11. This article will show you how to troubleshoot and resolve this problem in a few easy steps.
Why does Alt+Tab stop working in Windows 11?
There are several possible reasons why Alt+Tab might not work in Windows 11. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Corrupted or outdated keyboard driver.
- Conflicting or incompatible software or hardware.
- A glitch or a bug in Windows 11.
- Faulty keyboard setting.
Also read: How to install Realtek audio driver in Windows 11?
How to fix Alt+Tab not working in Windows 11?
Now that we have understood why Alt+Tab is not working in Windows 11 let us quickly dive into the fixes to resolve this problem.
Restart your computer
Sometimes, the easiest solutions are the best. What can be easier than restarting your computer?
When you restart your PC, the RAM gets cleared, and any minor bugs causing the problem get flushed out.
After restarting your computer, recheck the combination to see if it works.
Disconnect and then reconnect the keyboard
In case you are using an external keyboard, disconnecting and then reconnecting the keyboard might help.
You can also connect the keyboard to a different port this time. If it works fine, then there is a problem with the port itself.
Also read: Is Intel i5 good for gaming?
Update your keyboard driver
A faulty or outdated keyboard driver can cause various issues, including Alt+Tab not working. To update your keyboard driver, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Device Manager settings by searching Device Manager in the search bar or right-click the Start button and click on Device Manager.
Step 2: Locate and navigate to the keyboard driver. Right-click on the driver and then select Update Drivers.
Step 3: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will automatically look for and download the latest drivers for your hardware.
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Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Another way to fix Alt+Tab not working in Windows 11 is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
It is an in-built tool to check and fix the errors you get while downloading updates for Windows.
Here’s how to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:
Step 1: Search troubleshoot settings in the search bar and select the option. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
Step 2: Next, click on Other troubleshooter.
Step 3: Navigate to Windows Update and click on Run.
Let the troubleshooter run, and then restart your computer.
Update Windows 11
Windows Update is a built-in feature of Windows 11 that automatically downloads and installs the latest updates for your PC, including drivers.
Updating Windows 11 can also fix the Alt+Tab not working issue in Windows 11.
Search Windows Update Settings in the search bar and then click on Update. In the screenshot above, you will see Restart Now option. This is because I have already downloaded the updates, and after restarting my PC, the updates will install automatically.
Also read: Touchpad not working: Quick Fix
Modify the keyboard Registry settings
If you want a more technical solution, you can head to Windows Registry settings and modify them.
Step 1: Open Windows Registry by pressing the Windows key + R and then typic regedit.
Step 2: Head to the following directory:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
Step 3: Search the AltTabSetting DWORD.
Step 4: Set the value to 1.
Restart Windows Explorer
Sometimes, restarting Windows Explorer can also help to fix Alt+Tab not working in Windows 11 problem.
Step 1: Open the Task Manager by right-clicking in an empty space and selecting Task Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Locate Windows Explorer in the Processes tab. After that, right-click on it and select Restart.
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Perform a clean boot of your system
A clean boot, or a clean startup, is a troubleshooting technique used in Windows operating systems to diagnose and isolate software conflicts or issues. By performing a clean boot, you start your computer with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, allowing you to identify and resolve problems caused by conflicting software or services.
Here’s how to perform a clean boot of your system:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue box. Type msconfig and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration utility.
Step 2: Go to the Services tab in the System Configuration window.
Step 3: Check the box that says Hide all Microsoft services to prevent essential Windows services from being disabled. Click the Disable All button to disable all non-Microsoft services.
Step 4: Next, open the Task Manager. In the Task Manager, go to the Startup tab and disable all the listed startup programs by right-clicking on each one and selecting Disable.
Once you are done, close the Task Manager and return to the System Configuration window. Click OK to apply the settings and then restart your computer.
Run keyboard troubleshooter
Finally, you can run the in-built keyboard troubleshooter to resolve any issue with the keyboard.
Head to Control Panel > Hardware and Sounds > Device and printers. Here, right-click on the keyboard and then select Troubleshoot.
Let the troubleshooter run and do its job.
We hope that by following the nine steps we have listed above, you can fix Alt+Tab not working in Windows 11 easily and quickly.
Also read: Is Windows 11 faster than Windows 10?
