As someone who heavily relies on keyboard shortcuts to breeze through the long steps and perform specific tasks as well as switch between apps seamlessly, the ALT+Tab has long been an integral aspect of my workflow. That’s the reason why my workflow seems to be either crippled or running on a single leg when this shortcut starts malfunctioning. Fortunately, there are several viable solutions to fix the ALT Tab not working on the Windows 11 issue. So, if this useful shortcut is misfiring on your PC, now is the right time to resolve the problem and bring it back into action.
Fix ALT Tab Not Working on Windows 11
What tends to derail the ALT Tab on Windows and make it go haywire? From what I have experienced, there are quite a few things that cause it to ill-function including –
- Corrupted system files
- Outdated drivers
- Background apps interference
- Windows updates pending
- Conflicting third-party software
- Incorrect keyboard settings
- System resource overload
- Disabled keyboard shortcut
- Misconfigured registry entries
- Faulty hardware connection
On most occasions, you can sort out the problem and restore the functionality of the ALT Tab by taking care of the fundamental aspects such as checking your keyboard for damage, faulty connections, and getting rid of the conflicting elements. In rare cases, if these basic tips don’t come to your rescue, you will need to opt for solutions like fixing your outdated drivers and wiping out the corrupted system files. On this very note, let’s get on with the guide.
1. Check Your Keyboard for Physical Issues
Before moving any further, make sure to check the keyboard and ensure that it’s not damaged. If your keyboard is damaged, there is a high chance it is preventing the ALT+Tab from functioning properly. Besides, I’d also recommend you clean the Alt and the Tab keys to ensure that the pileup of dust is not causing the issue. If need be, try using another keyboard to see if the issue persists.
2. Is Your Wireless Keyboard Running Low on Power?
Another important thing that you should tick off right off the bat is to make sure that your Bluetooth keyboard has enough juice in the tank to run smoothly.
3. Restart Your Computer
At times, all you need to do to troubleshoot the Alt+Tab issue is to just restart your device. Yeah, you got that right! A soft reset has long been a go-to solution for miscellaneous problems.
- Press Alt + F4 and select Restart or head into the Start > Power icon and choose Restart.
- If the issue persists, perform a full shutdown by holding Shift while clicking Shut down in the Start menu.
4. Restart Windows Explorer
Bear in mind that Windows Explorer is designed to thoroughly control the desktop environment. As a result, any glitch plaguing the Explorer might make ALT+Tab malfunction. To get rid of the Windows Explorer-related glitch, reboot it.
- To do so, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Inside the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer.
- Now, right-click it and select Restart in the menu.
- After that, restart your Windows device and check if the ALT+Tab has returned to normal.
5. Ensure ALT+Tab is Enabled in Settings
It’s worth pointing out that Windows allows full-on customization of ALT+Tab behavior. Therefore, ensure that the wrongly-configured Alt+Tab settings are not invoking the issue.
- Press Win + I to open Settings on your PC.
- After that, navigate to System > Multitasking.
- Under Alt+Tab, make sure it’s set to “Open windows and all tabs in Edge” or another appropriate option.
6. Disable Sticky Keys and Filter Keys
It’s important to mention that the Accessibility settings like Sticky Keys may alter key behavior.
- Open Settings on your PC and go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys.
7. Check If Another App Is Using ALT+Tab Shortcut
Keep a close eye on the third-party apps (particularly remote desktop programs) as they could conflict with the ALT+Tab functionality.
- Check active applications that modify keyboard shortcuts.
- Disable or uninstall apps like AutoHotkey, PowerToys, or gaming overlays if necessary.
8. Disable Background Apps That Might Interfere
Keep in mind that certain third-party apps, especially game overlays or productivity tools, can override ALT+Tab functionality.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to trigger Task Manager on your Windows device.
- Look for apps like Discord, Steam Overlay, TeamViewer, or third-party shortcut managers.
- Right-click and select End Task for any suspicious apps.
9. Enable Peek in Performance Options
Do you know that deactivating the Peek feature can sometimes affect ALT+Tab behavior? Thus, I would recommend you enable “Peek” in performance options on your PC.
- Press Win + R to reveal the Run dialog > type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
- Head into the Advanced tab.
- Now, click Settings under the Performance tab.
- Make sure Enable Peek is checked.
- Click Apply and hit the OK button.
10. Check for Windows Updates
Note that a system bug might also be affecting keyboard shortcuts. Therefore, updating the software could work in resolving the Alt+Tab issue on your PC.
- Open Settings on your computer and head straight into Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Once the latest version of the software has been installed successfully, restart your PC.
11. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that you can use to detect and fix keyboard-related issues on your PC.
- Press Win + I to launch Settings on your Windows device.
- Next, head over to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Now, locate the Keyboard troubleshooter and run it.
- If the troubleshooter is able to detect any threat, it will prompt you to eliminate it.
12. Switch to a Different User Account
A malicious user profile might cause ALT+Tab to stop working.
- To get it done, press Win + I to open Settings on your PC.
- Navigate to Accounts > Other users.
- Now, create a new user account and log in with it to see if the issue persists.
13. Update Keyboard Drivers
When was the last time you updated the keyboard drivers on your PC? If you are not sure, be sure to update them as the outdated keyboard driver could be hurting the shortcut functions.
- Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard, and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers. If the issue persists, select Uninstall device and restart your PC.
14. Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Should the shortcut continue to misbehave on your PC, reinstall the keyboard drivers as the fresh installation often works wonders in eliminating the glitches.
- To get going, fire up the Device Manager > Expand the Keyboards section > Right-click on it > Choose Uninstall device and confirm.
- Once the uninstallation is done, restart your Windows device.
15. Reset Windows 11 Keyboard Settings
If your PC is still faced with the Alt+Tab malfunctioning problem, resetting your keyboard settings might help flush out the problem and bring this useful shortcut back on track.
- Open Settings on your Windows device> Time & Language > Language & region.
- Click English (United States) or your preferred language and select Keyboard options.
- Now, be sure to remove and re-add the keyboard layout.
- Restart your PC and test ALT+Tab again.
16. Check Your GPU Drivers
Are you using a dedicated GPU on your PC? If you are nodding in the affirmative, note that the outdated drivers could be impacting ALT+Tab, especially for games.
- Open Device Manager > Click on the tiny downward arrow to the left to expand Display adapters.
- Up next, right-click your GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and select Update driver.
- Alternatively, you can also use NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin to update your drivers.
17. Perform a Clean Boot
Still no luck? No worries! A clean boot is exceptionally handy in nabbing a hidden culprit. Hence, give it a chance as well in order to sport the conflicting element and remove it.
- Press Win + R to trigger the Run dialog > type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services.
- After that, click the Disable all button.
- Open Task Manager on your PC and navigate to the Startup tab.
- Then, make sure to disable all unnecessary startup apps.
- Next up, restart your PC and check if ALT+Tab has begun to work on the expected lines.
Wrapping up…
And that’s pretty much it! I guess your ALT+Tab has begun to show love again. As stated above, checking off the basics often works in restoring its functionality. Therefore, make sure to consider them first before moving on to the slightly radical tips.
