Quick Ways to Disable Alt-Tab in Windows 11

Minimize game interruptions when you switch off this shortcut

4 min. read

Updated onFebruary 28, 2024

updated onFebruary 28, 2024

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Key notes

The Alt-Tab is one of the most used shortcuts in Windows 11 but sometimes you may want to disable this function. While this feature can be useful, especially when you have a lot of windows open, it can also be distracting.

If you are playing a game or using some other app that needs all of your attention, it’s better to turn it off.

How do I turn off the Alt-Tab option in Windows 11?

1. By using PowerToys

2. By using the AutoHotkeys script

And that’s not all you can do with the AutoHotkeys feature. If you’d like to change the behavior of other keys, you can check out theMouse and Keyboard sectionto fine-tune or make custom combinations.

3. By using the Registry Editor

Note that the CoolSwitch entry may be unavailable in Windows Home and Pro editions. Unfortunately, this process varies depending on what version of Windows you have running.

How do I disable Alt-Tab from showing Edge tabs?

If your aim is to show Windows only when you press the Alt-Tab combo and not your recent browser tabs, you can do so from the Settings app. Simply navigate toSystem>Multitaskingand in the Alt-Tab option, selectOpen Windows onlyfrom the drop-down menu.

The Alt-Tab shortcut is a great shortcut but there are some compelling reasons to disable it in Windows 11. For instance,Alt-Tab may not be workingor yourscreen goes black when you press Alt-Tab. It can also be annoying when you want to play a game but yourgame keeps tabbing out.

All in all, it may not be feasible in the long run to keep this feature on. You might find that it is much better for you to have focus as you don’t accidentally switch to any other window and also if you want to play any games with a separate window.

However, if it’s a core shortcut for your daily tasks, we found yousome great Alt-Tab alternativesthat have better performance metrics. We also have a guide onAlt + Tab not working on Windows 10, so don’t miss it if you’re still using this version.

That is it, now whenever you want to escape Alt-Tab hell simply use any of the above methods and you will never have to deal with that problem again. It’s a simple change but one that makes navigating a bit easier.

Which of the methods do you find easier to follow? Let us know down below.

Quick Ways to Disable Alt-Tab in Windows 11#

How do I turn off the Alt-Tab option in Windows 11?#

1. By using PowerToys#

2. By using the AutoHotkeys script#

3. By using the Registry Editor#

How do I disable Alt-Tab from showing Edge tabs?#