Find out how to fix the computer error of not being able to switch tabs

The computer cannot switch tabs, making it difficult for you to experience many software on the computer at the same time. Don't worry, TipsMake will guide you through some solutions to help you fix it quickly.

While working with computers, sometimes or many people have the habit of opening many different software at the same time. For example, playing games, working, opening a browser, etc. Therefore, the alt + tab operation to switch back and forth between work windows is certainly no longer strange. But there are many cases where users encounter a situation where the computer cannot switch tabs . TipsMake has some computer tips available to help you fix it.

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How to solve the computer error of not being able to switch tabs effectively

The error of alt + tab not switching Excel windows or any other software is extremely common. It could be due to an overwritten shortcut, a missing or outdated driver, a Windows Explorer error, or the game you're playing. Immediately apply the measures below to fix it.

1/ Check the keyboard you are using

Whether you use a separate keyboard or the laptop's 'owner' keyboard, the first thing you need to do is check the keyboard. Because it's possible that the Alt or Tab button is stuck, paralyzed. so when you press this key combination, nothing changes.

Besides, on the keyboard there are usually 2 Alt keys. If this key does not work, you can use the remaining Alt key to check. Furthermore, many other users said that the Alt-Tab-Esc shortcut often fixes errors related to the Alt + Tab shortcut in general very well.

2/ Restart Windows Explorer when alt + tab does not switch windows 10

Relaunching the task manager is a way for you to handle the situation of not being able to switch tabs. Therefore, if the problem is not with the keyboard, please apply this next method:

1. Step 1 : Right-click any empty space on the taskbar > Select Task Manager .
2. Step 2 : Find the Windows Explorer line > Right-click on this line and select Restart .

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3/ Change the AltTabSettings Registry value

First, you need to press the Windows + R key combination > Type in the keyword Regedit and click OK to run the command > In the next window, navigate to the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER → Software → Microsoft → Windows → CurrentVersion → Explorer .

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Continue, search and double-click AltTabSettings > Change its value to 1 > Click OK > Close Registry Editor > Restart the computer and check for the problem.

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4/ Update keyboard driver

Outdated, old, or problematic keyboard drivers are also reasons why you cannot switch tabs on your computer. Therefore, you should press the Windows + R key combination > Enter devmgmt.msc > Click OK to run the command.

In the next window, double-click on Keyboards to expand it > After the option appears, right-click on your keyboard and select Update Driver > Select the first line to have the system automatically check and update.

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5/ Fix alt + tab black screen error

In the situation where alt + tab does not switch windows 11/win 10 or when switching there is a black screen. The main reason is because of the features of the game you are experiencing. Therefore, users should try the following solutions:

1. If the problem occurs when you play the game in full screen mode, gamers should try changing the game mode to windowed and try pressing alt + tab to see if it works or not.
2. Right-click on the game icon on the desktop > Select Properties > Click on the Shortcut tab , find the Target line > Enter ' -window ' at the end of the path > Click Apply > OK.

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1. Adjust the screen refresh rate to a moderate level of around 60Hz .
2. Turn off game mode on Windows and update the device's graphics driver.

Above are 5+ solutions when the computer cannot switch tabs that TipsMake wants to share. Wishing you success in fixing the error!

Lesley Montoya

Update 12 December 2023