What can I do if Windows 11 Alt-Tab shortcut is not working?

Are you frustrated with your Windows 11 Alt-Tab shortcut not working? It’s a common annoyance that can disrupt your productivity and make navigating through your open windows a real headache.

But fear not, as we have a range of solutions to get your Alt-Tab shortcut up and running smoothly again. From simple fixes like restarting Windows Explorer and checking your keyboard for issues, to more advanced techniques like running scans and updating drivers, we’ve got you covered.

So, if you’re ready to regain control of your multitasking abilities, let’s dive into these troubleshooting tips and get your Alt-Tab shortcut back on track.

1. Restart The Windows Explorer Process

If your Windows 11 Alt-Tab shortcut is not working, one of the simplest solutions is to restart the Windows Explorer process.

This can help resolve any temporary glitches that may be affecting the functionality of the Alt-Tab shortcut. To restart the Windows Explorer process, follow these steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. In the Task Manager, find and select the Windows Explorer process.
  3. Click on the Restart button located at the bottom-right corner of the Task Manager window.

Once the Windows Explorer process restarts, try using the Alt-Tab shortcut again to see if the issue has been resolved.

2. Try Using Another Keyboard

If the Alt-Tab shortcut still does not work, it is worth trying a different keyboard.

Sometimes, certain keys on the keyboard may not function properly due to hardware issues or dust accumulation. By connecting a different keyboard to your Windows 11 system, you can determine if the issue lies with the keyboard itself.

  1. Disconnect the current keyboard from your computer.
  2. Connect a different keyboard to your computer and ensure it is recognized.
  3. Attempt to use the Alt-Tab shortcut using the new keyboard.

If the Alt-Tab shortcut works with the new keyboard, it indicates that the issue was indeed related to the previous keyboard. In such cases, consider cleaning or replacing the malfunctioning keyboard.

3. Update Windows

Outdated or missing system updates can cause various issues on Windows 11, including problems with keyboard shortcuts like Alt-Tab.

Ensuring that your Windows system is up to date can help resolve such issues. To update your Windows 11 system, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Windows Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
  2. Click on Windows Update located on the left-hand side of the Settings window.
  3. Click on the Check for updates button.
  4. If any updates are available, click on Download and install to initiate the update process.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

Once the update process is complete, restart your computer and check if the Alt-Tab shortcut is working as expected.

4. Run DISM and SFC Scans

(continue with the remaining solutions)

Remember, each solution should have at least 3 paragraphs, and the article should be long and detailed.