PC users have the ability to perform various functions on their computers using Keyboard shortcuts. Alt Tab is one of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts, which is used to switch between tabs and can be very useful when multitasking.

However, many users have complained that the Alt Tab key sometimes doesn’t work in Windows 11/10 when playing games or running important programs.

We’ve found that this problem is primarily due to incorrect or inconsistent settings that have been manually changed or created by a third-party application on your computer.

Fortunately, there are a number of solutions that have helped Windows 11/10 users fix the Alt Tab not working issue, and we’ll go through them in this article.

Why is Alt Tab Not Working in Windows 11/10?

Alt+Tab not working in Windows 11/10 could be caused by several variables. Fixing and preventing this issue can be made easier by knowing these potential causes. These are some common causes of this problem on a Windows 11 or 10 computer:

• Hardware failure: If you are having issues with the Alt-Tab keys, it’s likely that your keyboard is damaged by dirt or has broken down. To verify whether the problem is really coming from your keyboard or not, you may simply test the Alt-Tab shortcut on another keyboard connected to your computer to see if it works.
• Third-party app: Some third-party keyboard apps have the ability to interfere with the functionality of your keyboard, and that could be the reason why Alt-Tab is not working in Windows 11.
• Driver issue: When you encounter the Alt Tab not working issue, you should be aware that most issues you may get on your Windows computer are frequently the result of outdated drivers.
• Conflicting settings: This issue may potentially be caused by conflicting keyboard settings brought on by a third-party app effect or a human alteration.

How to Fix Alt Tab Not Working in Windows 11/10

Here are some proven solutions to the Alt-Tab problem in Windows 11/10, and you may have to try several of them before you find the one that fixes the problem. However, you should restart your computer before trying any of these solutions, as this sometimes helps to solve the problem.

Fix 1: Try using another keyboard

If some keystrokes on your keyboard aren’t functioning, it may be the root of the Alt Tab not working on Windows PC. You can rule out this possibility by trying a different keyboard. This could be caused by a number of things.

Additionally, you could also try pressing the other Alt key on your keyboard. If the problem doesn’t surface when using the other keyboard, you’ll either need to get a new keyboard or have an expert technician fix your current one.

Fix 2: Refresh Windows Explorer

People have claimed that they were able to resolve this Alt Tab not working on Windows 11/10 issue by doing a refresh of Windows Explorer. Therefore, you should try it too by following these instructions:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Task Manager.
   
2. Find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab, right-click it and tap on Restart.

Fix 3: Make Changes to Keyboard Registry Settings

Another thing you can try doing to fix this issue is to make a tweak on the keyboard setting through Windows Registry. Here is how to do it:

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run Command Box.
2. Type regedit and hit Enter.
3. On the Registry window, navigate to the path below:

   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

   Look for AltTabSettings under the Explorer menu.

4. If you can’t find the AltTabSettings option, right-click on Explorer, select New on the resulting drop-down menu, and tap on DWORD (32-bit) Value. If AltTabSettings is already under Explorer, jump to step 7.
5. Double-click on the newly created path and set the Value name as AltTabSettings, Base as Hexadecimal, and Value data as 1.

6. Double-click on AltTabSettings and set Base as Hexadecimal and Value data as 1.

Fix 4: Disable Sticky Keys

Sticky keys is a useful feature on Windows computers that makes keyboard shortcuts easier. On the other hand, it may cause issues sometimes and may be why this Alt Tab is not working. Hence, you should disable the function and see if the issue is resolved.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings on your computer.
2. Select Accessibility on the left pane and tap on Keyboard.

3. Navigate to the Sticky keys option and toggle its slider.

Fix 5: Update Keyboard Driver

It’s important to know that keyboard drivers should be regularly updated because failing to do so can sometimes result in keyboard failures.

1. Go to your keyboard manufacturer’s site and download the latest version of your keyboard driver.
2. Search Device Manager in Windows Search Box and open it.
3. Navigate to the Keyboards option and double-click it.
4. Right-click your keyboard driver from the devices under the Keyboards category.
5. Select the Update driver and tap on Browse my computer for driver software.

6. Now select the driver you downloaded earlier and reinstall it.

Fix 6: Enable Peek

Having the Peek feature enabled makes it possible to have a peek at windows by simply hovering over them on the taskbar. However, some individuals who didn’t have this feature enabled and were facing the Alt Tab not working issue have claimed that the issue got fixed when they enabled it. So if you don’t have it enabled, you should by following these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run Box.
2. Type sysdm.cpl in the box and hit Enter.
3. On the resulting dialogue box, switch to the Advanced tab and select Settings under Performance.
4. Check the Enable Peek box, select Apply, and hit OK.

Fix 7: Enable Hotkeys

If hotkeys are disabled on your computer, the Alt Tab key won’t work. Most times, it could be malware or a third-party app you’ve installed on your PC that disabled this function. Thus, you have to make sure it is enabled.

1. Right-click on a space on the desktop page.
2. On the resulting menu, navigate to Graphics option and select Hot Keys.
3. Then select Enable.

If it was enabled before, you can also disable and enable it again.

Fix 8: Perform Clean Boot

If you cannot resolve this issue, performing a clean boot can help you identify the program or process causing this issue.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command.
2. Type msconfig in the box and press Enter.
3. On the System Configuration, switch to the Boot option.
4. Check the boxes for Safe boot and Network, then click OK.

Now restart your computer to enter Safe Mode.

Fix 9: Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

Running keyboard troubleshooting is another way to fix keyboard issues like this one. The troubleshooter will help you identify as well as provide a solution to the issue if it’s something it can relate to. Here is how to run a keyboard troubleshooter on Windows PC:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings on your computer.
2. Select Update & Security, then click on Troubleshoot.
3. Navigate down on the right pane and tap on the Keyboard option.
4. Select Run the troubleshooter and wait a few minutes for the troubleshooter to run, and try using your keyboard again.

Also Read: Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts: The Ultimate List

Fix 10: Disconnect Peripherals

The peripherals you connect to your computer may also cause this issue, so it is recommended that you disconnect them and restart your computer afterward.

Fix 11: Uninstall Recently Added Software

This issue can be caused by keyboard-related software that you just installed on your computer since they can alter your keyboard settings. So that you can resolve this issue, uninstall any program you recently installed that has access to your keyboard settings.

Final Words

Alt Tab is a keyboard shortcut that makes it easy to switch between open tabs on your computer. As we discussed in this article, you’ve got a few solutions to consider if the Alt Tab key isn’t working.

FAQs: Alt Tab Not Working

Further Reading:

• 8 Best Keyboard Apps for Android – Memes, Stickers and More
• 50+ Best Google Docs Keyboard Shortcuts for PC and Mac
• Guide to Buy the Best Gaming Keyboards