How to Switch Between Windows in Windows 11?

Switching between multiple windows and applications is essential for a web app developer like me. I frequently use the ALT + Tab shortcut to switch between tabs, but this method has certain limitations. After conducting some research, I found that there are more advanced methods than the traditional shortcuts for switching between tabs and applications on a Windows 11 PC. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the various methods to cycle through windows effectively on Windows 11.

Method 1: Switch Between Windows using Alt + Tab Shortcut:

This is the usual or traditional keyboard shortcut to cycle through the opened windows.

• Option1: Click ALT + Tab
  • This is the classic way to switch between open windows.

• Option 2: You can hold the ALT button and click the Tab key each time to cycle through the each open window.

• Option 3: You can hold the ALT key and use your mouse to select a window from the grid if you prefer.

Note: If you only have two windows open, pressing Alt + Tab once will instantly switch between them.

Method 2: Quickly Switch Between Apps using Winkey + Tab:

• You need to click Winkey + Tab key, this keys will opens Task View, showing all open windows and virtual desktops.

• Now, you can choose any opened windows of your preference.
• You can also use this view to create or switch between virtual desktops.

Method 3: Window Switcher using Ctrl + Alt + Tab:

• Using the shortcut CTRL + ALT + TAB keys will brings up the window switcher and keeps it open even after releasing the keys.

• You can use either your mouse or <- or -> arrow keys to navigate and hit the ENTER button to choose the window.

Method 4: Sequential Switching using ALT + ESC:

• This keyboard shortcut is similar to the 1st method, but this method opens each window in sequential manner.
• This shortcut switches directly without the thumbnail preview as seen in Alt + Tab

Method 5: Using Snap Layouts:

• Click the Winkey + Z will enables the snap layouts of the each opened window.

• Snap layouts appear, allowing you to organize and switch between windows.
• Choose a layout, and your windows will be automatically arranged for quick switching.

• Choosing this layout will organise the windows as Two Vertical Columns on the Left, One Large Section on the Right.

Layout Explanations:

• Layout 1: Two Equal Halves.
• Layout 2: Three Sections- Two Vertical Columns on the Left, One Large Section on the Right.
• Layout 3: Three Equal Columns.
• Layout 4: Left Half, with Two Smaller Sections on the Right.
• Layout 5: Four Equal Quarters.
• Layout 6: Left Third, with Two Stacked Sections on the Right.

Method 6: Using Winkey + Number Key:

• The number keys from 1 to 9 represent the location of the apps pinned to the taskbar.

• Clicking the keys Winkey + 1 or Winkey + 3 will open or switch to the corresponding app on your Taskbar.
• If the app has multiple windows open, you can clicking the number continuously to cycle through them.

Note: This only works for the first 10 apps pinned apps to your Taskbar.

Method 7: Minimising & Displaying Windows using Winkey + D:

• Click the keys Winkey + D will minimize all the opened windows including all applications and go to the Desktop.
• Using the shortcut keys again will display or restore all the windows to its previous position.
• This is useful for a quick view of the desktop when you have multiple open windows.

Method 8: Switching Using Virtual Desktops (Win + Ctrl + Arrow Keys):

• Before using the shortcut, you need to create multiple desktops to organize your windows.
• Then, you need to click the Winkey + CTRL + <- or -> keys to switch between virtual desktops quickly.

• Each desktop can have different apps open which will allows you to cycle between sets of apps rather than individual windows.

Method 9: Using Taskbar to Switch Between Windows:

• This is not exactly an shortcut, all you have to do is simply use the mouse to choose the opened apps from the taskbar.
• Click on the apps pinned in the taskbar without any other methods directly to launch the apps as shown in the image below.

Conclusion:

These alternative methods to cycle through windows on Windows 11 can significantly improve workflow efficiency for developers. By moving beyond the traditional ALT + Tab shortcut, you can improve your work processes, save time, and enhance productivity. Whether you’re handling multiple applications or need a more customized way to navigate between tasks, these methods provide you with greater control. Explore these options and find the ones that best suit your needs for a more seamless Windows 11 experience. Find more interesting tutorials on our homepage, WinSides.com