How to Fix Alt + Tab Shortcut Not Working in Windows?

The Alt + Tab shortcut not working can make it hard for users to switch between open windows, which interrupts multitasking. This problem happens when the Windows task switcher doesn’t show up as it normally should when you press these keys together.

The main reason is usually a missing or wrongly set AltTabSettings registry value, which turns off the task switcher feature. Other common causes include fullscreen optimizations being on, outdated keyboard drivers, or third-party apps that change how your keyboard works.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

The easiest and quickest solution to this problem is to restart Windows Explorer. Sometimes, Windows Explorer can encounter an error that disables Alt + Tab.

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.

   

2. In Task Manager, find and select Windows Explorer.
3. Click Restart at the bottom right.

   

4. After restarting, try pressing the Alt + Tab keys to check if the issue is resolved.

2. Use Registry Editor

Some third-party applications can change registry settings that impact how your keyboard works. The registry entry called ForegroundLockTimeout may be set to a value that prevents Alt + Tab from working.

You can fix this by changing the ForegroundLockTimeout value to 0:

1. Click the Start Menu and type Registry Editor to open it.

   

2. Navigate to: Computer > HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Control Panel > Desktop.
   Note: Expand folders by clicking the arrow beside each folder name.
3. On the right pane, find and double-click on ForegroundLockTimeout.

   

4. Select Decimal as the Base, then set the Value data to 0.

   

5. Click OK, close Registry Editor, restart your computer, and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Disable the Game Mode feature

Some gaming keyboards have a Game Mode feature that disables certain keys or key combinations, such as Alt + Tab, Alt + F4, and the Windows key, to prevent accidental presses during gameplay.

Check if Game Mode is enabled:

– Press the Windows key. If nothing happens, Game Mode may be on. If the start menu opens, Game Mode is already off.

There are two ways to disable Game Mode. You can either use a specific key combination (commonly Fn + F10 on many keyboards) or use the software provided by your keyboard’s manufacturer. If you’re unsure which key combination to use, check the user manual, visit your keyboard manufacturer’s website, or use their software to turn off Game Mode.

4. Reinstall the keyboard driver

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can also cause this issue. Reinstalling the keyboard driver can help:

1. Right-click the Start Menu or the Windows icon at the bottom left.
2. Select Device Manager.

   

3. Expand the Keyboards section by clicking the arrow.
4. Right-click your keyboard (usually listed as HID Keyboard Device).
5. Select Uninstall device.

   

6. A confirmation window will appear—click Uninstall to confirm.

   

7. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver.
8. After restarting, check if your Alt + Tab keys are working again.

5. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows offers a built-in troubleshooter for keyboards and other hardware devices. This tool can often find and fix software issues automatically.

1. Click Start Menu and type Settings to open it.

   

2. Go to Update & Security.

   

3. If you’re on Windows 11, click Troubleshoot from System.
4. Click Additional Troubleshooters.

   

5. Find the keyboard troubleshooter and click Run the troubleshooter.

   

6. If the troubleshooter finds any problems, it will show you and give you the option to fix them.
7. Once the process is complete, check if your keyboard problem is fixed.

6. Uninstall third-party keyboard apps

If you’ve installed any third-party software that customizes how your keyboard works, it may have disabled the Alt + Tab functionality. Uninstalling such applications can help restore normal function.

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I together.
2. Go to Apps and find the keyboard customization application.

   

3. Select the app and click Uninstall.
4. Click Uninstall again and wait for the app to be removed.

   

5. If prompted to delete all custom configurations made to the keyboard, click Yes.
6. Once finished, restart your computer and check if Alt + Tab is working properly.