Fixed – ALT-TAB Not Working in Windows 11/10

Ah, the trusty Alt-Tab. It’s our digital dance partner, the window-whispering maestro, the ever-reliable portal between worlds of open applications. It’s a shortcut etched into the muscle memory of every PC pro. But what happens when this digital dance suddenly goes off-key? What happens when this nimble keystroke goes rogue? When the Alt-Tab waltz becomes a clunky two-step, leaving you stranded in app limbo? Fear not, fellow tech voyagers, for we are here to guide you through the wilderness of “Alt-Tab not Working” in Windows 11 and 10.

Reasons For ALT-TAB Not Working Issue

Before we plunge into the solutions, let’s unravel the mystery behind ALT-TAB malfunctions. ALT TAB, the time-honored shortcut for switching between open applications, is a cornerstone of efficient workflow. However, users often encounter instances where this reliable function suddenly falters, leaving them stranded in a single application. The possibilities, while annoying, are far from apocalyptic. Let’s crack open the case and identify the suspects:

Keyboard gremlins: Spilled coffee, rogue crumbs, or a worn-out key can turn your ALT-TAB into a tailspin. Try a different keyboard or clean the current one before pointing fingers at the software.
Driver gremlins: Outdated or buggy keyboard drivers can disrupt the delicate dance of keystrokes. Update them, or try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver altogether.
Software gremlins: Third-party apps or conflicting system processes can sometimes hijack your hotkeys. Disable unnecessary startup programs and scan for malware, the digital cockroaches of the tech world.
Windows gremlins: Even the mighty Windows can get its wires crossed. A quick restart can often resolve temporary glitches. If not, explore Windows Troubleshooters and System File Checker scans.

ALT-TAB Stopped Working? Don’t Panic, Resurrect it in Windows 11/10

Method 1. Restart File Explorer

File Explorer serves as the gateway to your files and folders. Yet, when it falters, a cascade of issues can ensue, ranging from vanishing taskbar icons, keys not working, or an unresponsive preview pane. The good news is that restarting File Explorer can frequently quickly resolve these issues.

Press the Ctrl+Tab+Esc keys altogether to open the Task Manager.
Under the Processes tab, find and click on the Windows Explorer.
Now, just click on the Restart task option.

Upon restarting Windows Explorer, the issue should be gone. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Method 2: Update Windows

While it may appear insignificant, resolving numerous Windows computer issues can often be solved through a straightforward software update. Keeping your system up-to-date with the latest version of Windows is crucial as it provides essential bug fixes, enhancing overall stability and performance. To check for Windows updates on your Windows 11 PC, follow these steps.

Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings page.
From the bottom left corner, tap on Windows Update.
Now click on the Check for updates button.

Install any available Windows updates and assess whether it resolves the left Alt+Tab not working issue.

Method 3: Run the SFC Scan

Corrupt configuration files can occasionally cause several different Windows problems. If you suspect this affects your system, you can promptly conduct an SFC scan to identify and repair the corrupt files.

Click on the Windows Search bar, type ‘command prompt,’ and now open the Command Prompt window by tapping the Run as administrator option.
Now type this exact command and press the Enter key:- sfc /scannow

Once the scan finishes, a message will inform you of any identified problems. If the SFC scan doesn’t detect any issues, you’ll receive a message stating, ‘Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.’ However, if it does uncover problems linked to corrupt configuration files, the tool will automatically initiate the repair process.

Method 4: Switch Your Keyboard

Frequently, prolonged periods of keyboard inactivity can accumulate dirt and grime under the keys. To address this issue, use a cleaning cloth to thoroughly clean the keyboard and assess if the Alt-Tab keys resume proper functionality. If you suspect a faulty keyboard, borrow one from a friend, connect it to your computer, and check if the hotkeys operate correctly.

If the hotkeys are working with the borrowed keyboard, it indicates a need to replace your current keyboard. Since keyboards typically feature two Alt keys, using the secondary Alt button with the Tab key may resolve the issue. However, if you’re using a laptop and encountering problems with specific keys, seeking assistance from a repair center becomes necessary if the issue persists.

Method 5: Disable Sticky Keys

The Sticky Keys feature on Windows computers is designed to facilitate keyboard shortcuts, making them more accessible. However, it can lead to problems in certain instances, potentially causing the Alt+Tab function to malfunction. Consequently, disabling this feature and checking if it resolves the issue is advisable.

Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings page.
From the bottom left corner, tap on Accessibility.
Then, from the right side of the page, under the Interaction option, tap on the keyboard.
Access the Sticky Keys feature and hit the slider to disable the feature.

Method 6: Reinstall or Update Keyboard Drivers

Windows 11 is prone to hardware-related issues from outdated or unstable drivers, potentially leading to keyboard malfunctions. To address this, consider reinstalling or updating the keyboard drivers. To resolve issues with the Alt-Tab stops working, follow these simple steps to reinstall or update the keyboard drivers –

Press the Windows key with the R to open the RUN dialog box. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
Now look for and double-click on the keyboards option, right-click on the given option, and choose Update driver.
Then, choose Search automatically for drivers option from the Update drivers window.
Allow the system to search for the latest keyboard drivers. It will identify and install the most recent drivers during the process if available.

For a more straightforward approach, consider using the Advanced Driver Updater. This method simplifies the process into three easy steps, eliminating potential confusion. Follow these steps:

Download and install Advanced Driver Updater on your computer.
Once installed, open the software and click the Start Scan Now button.
Next, click the Update All button to update your keyboard drivers.

Your PC will restart once the process is complete, and the ALT-TAB stop-working issue should be resolved. This tool is particularly useful for driver updates, boasting a vast database covering several thousand drivers. Therefore, this scan is sufficient to address any other driver-related concerns affecting your PC’s performance.

Reclaim Your App-Switching Mojo! – ALT-TAB Not Working Issue Fixed

The “ALT-TAB not working” saga may seem daunting, but you can conquer it with the right knowledge and some troubleshooting magic. Remember, a little detective work and a dash of tech-savvy can turn frustration into flow and keep you at the helm of your digital kingdom. Now go forth, wield your keyboard confidently, and let the symphony of ALT-TAB guide you to productive bliss!

Sourabh Baghel

Sourabh Baghel, is a tech content creator, blogger, and gadget geek who loves to be around gadgets. Always looking forward to something new and interesting in the gadget industry. Love to read and write about different types of gadgets i.e., smartphones, laptops, tablets, and much more. An ardent reader of technology blogs and love to read about the latest tech trends.