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Screen Goes Black When Alt-Tab? How to Stop It
Change your refresh rate for a faster response rate
5 min. read
Updated onJanuary 8, 2024
updated onJanuary 8, 2024
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Key notes
The Alt-Tab key is used on Windows computers to switch between open applications. It’s a handy keyboard shortcut, but it can sometimes cause problems. Sometimes, the screen goes black when you press the Alt-Tab key.
A common observation for users who reported this issue is that it happened while playing a game. Stay close as we explore some of the top resolutions users report.
Why does my screen go black when I Alt-Tab in Windows 11?
If your screen goes black when you press Alt-Tab keys, below are some possible triggers:
How can I fix my screen if it goes black when I press Alt-Tab?
A few workarounds that may work before you attempt the technical solutions include:
1. Adjust your refresh rate
Your refresh rate is the number of times your display refreshes itself per second. The higher the refresh rate, the better the response rate for your screen. Keep in mind that higher refresh rates work better with powerful GPUs.
If your GPU is old, it may not be able to keep up with the speed and may give birth to more problems, such as screen tearing.
2. Change your graphic settings
Note that if the screen goes black when you press Alt-Tab, it’s also possible that your system cannot handle the game’s graphics requirements. Instead of selecting high performance, you should let Windows decide.
3. Update your graphic drivers
There are many methods to update your graphic drivers manually, but some are too complicated for the average user. This is why we recommend using a dedicated method like Outbyte Driver Updater.
It automatically scans your computer for missing and outdated drivers, then downloads and installs these updates.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Updating the graphics driver can also help you fix theWindows 10 Alt Tabbingissue; read this guide to learn about other solutions.
4. Run a virus scan
Ablack screen on your Windows 11is nothing strange, so you must be prepared whenever it occurs. If the issue is your graphics card and it can no longer perform optimally, we have an expert list of thebest GPUsthat guarantee an immersive experience.
You can alsodisable the Alt-Tabif the black screen occurs frequently.
That’s all we had for this article, but keep the conversation going in the comment section below. Let us know of other keyboard shortcuts that have caused issues with your monitor.
More about the topics:Black screen issues
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
