How to Fix Alt Tab Not Working in Windows 11 – 8 Easy Fixes

We have some proven solutions to fix Alt Tab not working in Windows 11, which do not require you to do a full reinstallation of the OS.

How to Fix Alt Tab Not Working in Windows 11

The issue of Alt+Tab not working in Windows 11 is a common report we see from many users after updates, driver changes, or system configuration errors. The Alt+Tab feature is key for quick application switching, which is what many of us do all day, so when it goes out of action in Windows 11, it can significantly impact productivity.

Below we have the best solutions for the Alt-Tab issue in Windows 11.

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1. Restart Windows Explorer

One of the easiest ways to fix Alt Tab not working in Windows 11 is to restart Windows Explorer.

Steps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Find Windows Explorer.
• Right-click on it and select Restart.

This updates the system UI, which in turn fixes Alt Tab not working in Windows 11.

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2. Check Keyboard Works Properly

Sometimes Alt Tab not working in Windows 11 due to hardware issues.

• Test your Alt and Tab keys separately.
• Try using an external keyboard
• Check for keys that are stuck or damaged.

If the shortcut works on another keyboard, then the issue is hardware-related, not Windows 11 itself.

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3. Turn on Alt Tab Settings in Windows 11

In some cases, poor system settings may cause Alt Tab not working in Windows 11.

Steps:

• Open Settings.
• Go to System > Multitasking.
• Under Alt+Tab, choose Open windows and all tabs.

If the feature is turned off or misconfigured, Alt Tab does not work in Windows 11.

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4. Update and Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Out-of-date or damaged drivers are a cause of Alt Tab not working in Windows 11.

Steps:

• Right-click on Start and open Device Manager.
• Extend Keyboards.
• Right-click on your keyboard and go to Update driver.
• Reboot your system.

If the update is not working, try to first uninstall the driver and then reboot Windows for it to install itself again.

5. Disable Third-Party Applications

Some Background application processes with system interface, which conflict with the system shortcut, thus causing Alt Tab to not work in Windows 11.

Common Culprits Include:

• Screen Recording Software
• Keyboard Remapping Tools
• Game Overlays

Perform a clean boot to determine the conflicting app and disable it permanently.

6. Disable Sticky Keys and Filter Keys

Accessibility options may disable keyboard shortcuts which in turn may cause Alt Tab to not work in Windows 11.

Steps:

• Open Settings.
• Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
• Turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys.

Many users report that this fix resolves Alt Tab working in Windows 11 immediately.

7. Update Windows 11

In some older versions of Windows 11, Alt-Tab does not work.

Steps:

• Open Settings.
• Go to Windows Updates.
• Check for the latest Updates.
• Install all pending Updates.

Microsoft frequently updates that include keyboard shortcuts and multitasking issues.

8. Run System File Checker

In Windows 11, corrupted system files may cause Alt-Tab to fail.

Steps:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type:
• Sfc/Scan now.
• Hit Enter and wait for the process to finish.

This tool fixes issues with system files related to the keyboard.

Conclusion

In Windows 11, the issue of Alt Tab not working may be a result of settings misconfiguration, driver issues, software conflicts, or system bugs. By going through the steps above, which include restarting Windows Explorer to updating drivers, and disabling conflicting apps, you can, in fact, fix Alt Tab not working in Windows 11 without professional help.

If in Windows 11, Alt Tab is not responding after you have tried everything, create a new user profile or do a system reset, which is a last option. In most cases, though, one of these solutions will fix the Alt Tab issue and improve your Windows 11 multitasking.