When the Alt + Tab shortcut stops working in Windows 11, multitasking becomes frustrating. Usually, you should see live window previews or a switcher panel—but sometimes it doesn’t show up, doesn’t switch windows, or works only partially.

How to fix Alt Tab not working in Windows 11 – step-by-step guide

This guide covers all fixes for:

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I’ve also added useful internal links to:

⭐ What Causes Alt Tab Not Working in Windows 11?

Common reasons include:

Explorer.exe glitches
Keyboard settings changed
System shortcuts disabled
Multi-desktop settings conflict
Corrupted system files
Broken preview settings
Background apps interfering

🔧 Fix 1: Restart Windows Explorer (Most Effective)

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Find Windows Explorer
Right-click → Restart

This refreshes UI components and often fixes alt tab not showing windows 11.

🔧 Fix 2: Check Alt + Tab System Settings

Open Settings → System → Multitasking
Under Alt + Tab, choose:

👉 Open windows and all tabs in Edge

If it’s set to “Don’t show open windows”, the preview will not appear.

🔧 Fix 3: Check Keyboard Settings

Sometimes left alt tab not working windows 11 happens due to hardware problems.

Try:

Test Right Alt + Tab
Try using an external USB keyboard
Clean the Alt key (dust can block it)

🔧 Fix 4: Disable Gaming / Full-Screen Optimizations

If you play games, Windows often disables overlays.

Open Settings → Gaming → Game Mode
Turn OFF Game Mode
Go to Xbox Game Bar → Disable it

This helps when alt tab not working properly windows 11.

🔧 Fix 5: Update Graphics Drivers

Broken GPU drivers affect window rendering and cause alt tab preview not working windows 11.

Steps:

Press Windows + X → Device Manager
Expand Display Adapters
Right-click your GPU → Update Driver

🔧 Fix 6: Run SFC & DISM Commands

Repair corrupt system files:

sfc /scannow

Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your system after completion.

🔧 Fix 7: Disable/Enable Virtual Desktops

Sometimes multi-desktop layouts break the Alt+Tab preview.

Press Windows + Tab
Delete unnecessary desktops
Create a new desktop and test Alt+Tab

🔧 Fix 8: Turn Off Thumbnails via Registry (Then Re-Enable)

This refreshes the preview cache.

Press Win + R → regedit
Navigate: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
Delete the key named AltTabSettings (if available)

Restart your PC.

🔧 Fix 9: Check for Background Apps Blocking Alt+Tab

Apps like:

NVIDIA Overlay
Discord Overlay
Steam Overlay
Screen recorders

may override keyboard shortcuts.

Turn off overlays in each app.

🔧 Fix 10: Reset Windows Shortcut Settings

Open Settings → Time & language → Typing
Click Advanced keyboard settings
Reset the Input method hotkeys

🧩 Additional Troubleshooting (If Nothing Helps)

Update Windows 11
Log out and log in again
Remove third-party customization apps
Create a new user profile
Perform a system restore

🏁 Conclusion

Fixing the Alt Tab not working in Windows 11 issue usually requires updating settings, repairing Explorer, or fixing keyboard shortcuts. By following the above steps, you can restore window previews, switching functionality, and smooth multitasking.

Also check helpful guides from our site:

❓ FAQ – Alt Tab Not Working Windows 11

1. Why is Alt Tab not working in Windows 11?

Because of system glitches, disabled multitasking settings, outdated drivers, or keyboard hardware problems.

2. How do I fix Alt Tab not showing previews?

Enable window previews from Settings → System → Multitasking.

3. Why is the left Alt + Tab not working?

Your left Alt key may be faulty. Try using the right Alt key or test with an external keyboard.

4. Can drivers affect Alt+Tab?

Yes. Display drivers control window rendering and previews.

5. Does Windows Explorer crash affect Alt+Tab?

Absolutely. Restart Explorer to refresh the UI.

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✅ Alt Tab Not Working Windows 11 – Complete Step-by-Step Fix (2025 Guide)