ALT TAB not working properly in Windows 11/10

A combination of two keyboard buttons Alt + Tab is helpful in switching easily between multiple open tabs or windows in Windows 11 or Windows 10. If you notice that after pressing the ALT+TAB keyboard shortcut key it is not working as usual, then this post is intended to help you. In this post, we will provide the most suitable solutions you can try to help you resolve this issue.

ALT TAB not working properly in Windows 11/10

If you’re faced with this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

1. Restart File Explorer
2. Modify ForegroundLockTimeout registry value
3. Modify AltTabSettings registry value
4. Reinstall the keyboard driver
5. Enable Peek option.

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

Before you begin, make sure it’s not a hardware issue by plugging in a USB keyboard and see if the Alt + Tab key combo is working. If it doesn’t work, then you can proceed with these software-related solutions. Otherwise, you’ll need to have your keyboard replaced. You might want to also check if disabling the News and Interests widget helps. To do that, right-click on the taskbar, and Turn off News and interests item.

1] Restart File Explorer

Restart Explorer and see if the issue will be resolved. If unresolved, continue with the next solution.

2] Modify ForegroundLockTimeout registry value

Since this is a registry operation, it is recommended that you back up the registry or create a system restore point as necessary precautionary measures. Once done, you can proceed as follows:

• Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
• In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
• Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

• On the right pane, double-click on the ForegroundLockTimeout entry to edit its properties.
• In the properties window, select the radio button for the Decimal under Base.
• Then, set the Value data to 0.
• Click OK to save changes.
• Exit Registry Editor and reboot your device.

On boot, check if the issue is resolved. If still not working, try the next solution.

Read: Alt+Tab freezes Windows computer

3] Modify AltTabSettings registry value

Take the necessary precautionary measures of creating a restore point or backing up the registry before you proceed.

Do the following:

• Open Registry Editor.
• Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

• On the right pane, double-click on the AltTabSettings entry to edit its properties.

If it is not present, you have to create a new one. Right-click anywhere on the right pane and select New > Dword (32-bit) Value. Name the key AltTabSettings.

• In the properties window, set the Value data to 1.
• Click OK to save changes.
• Exit Registry Editor and reboot your device.

On boot, check if the issue is resolved. Else, continue with the next solution.

Read: How to change Alt+Tab settings in Windows

4] Reinstall the keyboard driver

Do the following:

• Press Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu, then press M key to open Device Manager.
• Expand Keyboard section then right-click on your listed keyboard driver and select Uninstall.
• Restart your system.

Windows will automatically download and install the latest keyboard driver version. Now check if the issue is resolved. If the issue persists, continue with the next solution.

5] Enable Peek option

Do the following:

• Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
• In the Run dialog box, type sysdm.cpl and hit Enter to open System Properties.
• Go to Advanced tab.
• Click the Settings button under Performance.
• Ensure that Enable peek option is checked and if not click the small box on the left side of the option to enable peek.

Now check if the issue is resolved.

Similar post: Alt Tab not working in Games on Windows 11

TIP: Take a look at AltPlusTab. It is a portable freeware that lets you modify some appearance settings related to the Alt+Tab functionality in Windows 10. It can dim the Background, background opacity of the strip & display an image in the background. Alt + Tab shortcut is widely used to switch between open windows on the go and lets you customize the feel and appearance of that menu by tweaking a few basic settings.

Anything here helped you!?