If you’ve been using Windows 11 for a while, you’ve probably noticed that multitasking feels smoother and more modern than ever. But here’s the thing — switching between open windows efficiently is one of the best productivity hacks you can learn. Whether you’re juggling work apps, multiple browser tabs, or even games, knowing the right ways to switch windows can save you time and effort.
In this guide, I’ll show you all the different ways to switch windows in Windows 11, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks.
Why Learning to Switch Windows Matters
Ever had 10 windows open and spent half your time just clicking around trying to find the right one? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Mastering window switching helps you:
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Save time when multitasking.
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Stay focused by reducing frustration.
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Work like a pro — you’ll look like a productivity ninja.
Method 1: Switching Windows with Alt + Tab
This is the classic method most Windows users know.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
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Tap the Tab key once to bring up the window switcher.
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Keep tapping Tab (while holding Alt) to cycle through all open windows.
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Release Alt when you’ve highlighted the window you want.
Pro Tips for Alt + Tab
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Hold Shift + Alt + Tab to go backwards through windows.
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Keep Alt pressed, then use your mouse wheel to scroll through windows — super smooth!
Method 2: Use Task View (Windows + Tab)
Windows 11 has a beautiful Task View interface that shows all your open windows at once.
Steps:
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Press Windows + Tab on your keyboard.
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You’ll see a full-screen view of all open windows.
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Click or tap the one you want to switch to.
This is especially handy if you’re using virtual desktops (we’ll cover that soon).
Method 3: Click Directly from the Taskbar
Sometimes the easiest way is just to use your mouse.
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Hover over any app icon in the Taskbar.
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Windows 11 shows live thumbnails of all open windows for that app.
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Click the one you want to bring forward.
Method 4: Use Snap Layouts for Faster Switching
Snap Layouts aren’t just for arranging windows — they make switching between them easier.
Steps:
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Hover over the maximize button (top-right corner of any window).
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Choose a layout and snap windows into place.
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Once snapped, switching between them becomes seamless — just click the one you need.
Method 5: Keyboard Shortcut Windows + Number
If you pin apps to your taskbar, you can use Windows + Number to switch to them.
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Windows + 1 opens the first pinned app.
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Windows + 2 opens the second one, and so on.
If the app is already open, the shortcut switches you straight to it.
Method 6: Switch Between Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops are a game-changer for multitasking.
How to Use Them:
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Press Windows + Tab to open Task View.
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Click New Desktop at the top.
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Open different apps in each desktop.
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Use Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right Arrow to switch between desktops.
This is great for separating work, entertainment, and personal projects.
Method 7: Switch Windows with Mouse Gestures (Precision Touchpad)
If your laptop has a precision touchpad, try this:
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Three-Finger Swipe Left/Right: Switch between open windows.
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Three-Finger Swipe Up: Opens Task View.
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Three-Finger Swipe Down: Minimizes everything.
You can customize gestures in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad.
Method 8: Using Task Manager’s Switch To Option
Yes, Task Manager can also switch windows.
Steps:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Processes tab.
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Right-click the app you want and choose Switch to.
Not the most elegant method, but useful if an app is frozen.
Method 9: Alt + Esc (Direct Switch)
This shortcut is lesser known but super fast.
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Press Alt + Esc to cycle through open windows instantly without showing a preview.
This is faster than Alt + Tab but less visual.
Method 10: Windows Shake Trick
This is more of a focus hack than a switch trick — but it’s cool.
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Click and hold the title bar of the window you want to keep.
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Shake it left and right — all other windows will minimize.
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Shake again to bring them back.
Method 11: Use Virtual Desktop Taskbar Hover
Windows 11 shows desktop previews when you hover over the Task View icon on the taskbar.
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Hover, select the desktop you want, and you’re instantly switched.
Method 12: Quick Access with Windows Search
If you have too many windows open and can’t find one, hit Windows + S, type the app’s name, and press Enter — it will bring the window forward.
Method 13: Multi-Monitor Window Switching
If you use multiple monitors, try this shortcut:
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Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow: Moves the current window to another monitor instantly.
Method 14: Voice Commands with Windows Speech Recognition
For hands-free control, you can enable Windows Speech Recognition and say commands like:
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“Switch to [app name]”
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“Show open windows”
Great for accessibility and power users.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes window switching doesn’t work properly. Here’s how to fix it:
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Alt + Tab Not Working: Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager.
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Task View Missing: Enable it by right-clicking the Taskbar > Taskbar Settings > Turn on Task View.
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Laggy Animations: Disable transparency effects in Settings > Personalization > Colors.
Best Practices for Efficient Window Management
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Keep frequently used apps pinned to the taskbar.
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Use Snap Groups to quickly restore your preferred layout.
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Learn two or three shortcuts and use them daily — muscle memory is key!
Conclusion
Switching windows in Windows 11 isn’t just about convenience — it’s about taking full control of your workflow. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts like Alt + Tab, Task View’s visual layout, or fancy gestures on a touchpad, Windows 11 gives you plenty of ways to move between tasks seamlessly.
Once you get used to these methods, you’ll work faster, stay organized, and enjoy a smoother PC experience overall.
FAQs
1. Can I customize Alt + Tab in Windows 11?
Yes! Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and choose whether Alt + Tab shows only windows or also Edge tabs.
2. How do I switch windows on a touch screen?
Swipe with three fingers to open Task View or swipe left/right to switch between apps.
3. Can I disable Task View if I don’t use it?
Yes, right-click the taskbar, go to Taskbar Settings, and turn off Task View.
4. Why doesn’t my three-finger swipe work?
Make sure you have a precision touchpad and check Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Touchpad > Advanced Gestures.
5. What’s the fastest way to switch between two windows?
Press Alt + Tab once — it instantly switches between the two most recent windows.