The switch windows shortcut in Windows is Alt + Tab. Hold Alt, tap Tab until the window you want is highlighted, then let go. A single quick press flips between the two most recent windows, which is the most useful move of all.
Win + Tab opens Task View, a larger overview of every window and virtual desktop. Virtual desktops let you keep work and personal windows apart; Ctrl + Win + D creates one and Ctrl + Win + Right moves to the next.
Quick facts
Switch windows
Alt + TabSwitch backwards
Alt + Shift + TabTask View
Win + TabNew desktop
Ctrl + Win + DNext or previous desktop
Ctrl + Win + Right / Ctrl + Win + LeftClose desktop
Ctrl + Win + F4Mac
Command + Tab
Switch windows shortcut and its variations
| Keys | What it does |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab | Next window; hold Alt to keep choosing |
| Alt + Shift + Tab | Previous window |
| Ctrl + Alt + Tab | Switcher stays open; pick with arrows and Enter |
| Alt + Esc | Cycle windows in the order opened, no preview |
| Win + 1 to Win + 9 | Open or switch to the app pinned at that taskbar position |
While the switcher is open, press Delete to close the highlighted window without switching to it.
Task view shortcut key and virtual desktops
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Tab | Open Task View |
| Ctrl + Win + D | Add a new desktop |
| Ctrl + Win + Right | Switch desktop to the right |
| Ctrl + Win + Left | Switch desktop to the left |
| Ctrl + Win + F4 | Close the current desktop; its windows move to the next |
In Task View you can drag a window onto another desktop, or right click it and choose Move to. In Windows 11, each desktop can have its own wallpaper, which makes it obvious which one you are on. Desktops can also be renamed by clicking the name under each thumbnail, such as Office, Study or Home.
Shortcut to switch desktop in Windows 11 for daily work
Many people keep one desktop for office apps, one for research in a browser, and one for chat and music. Switching between them is instant and keeps the taskbar on each desktop short. Desktops stay after a restart in Windows 11, though the apps inside them need opening again. Students preparing for exams often put notes and a timer on one desktop and keep distracting apps on another, so a glance away needs a deliberate key press.
Switch windows on a Mac
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| Command + Tab | Switch apps |
| Command + ` | Switch windows of the same app |
| Control + Up | Mission Control |
| Control + Right | Next Space (desktop) |
More Mac window keys are in Mac window shortcuts.
When switching does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab shows browser tabs too | Windows 11 setting; change it in Settings, System, Multitasking |
| Window missing from Alt + Tab | It is on another desktop; open Task View |
| Full screen game will not switch | Some games capture the keys; use Win to reach the taskbar |
| Ctrl + Win + D does nothing | Windows key may be locked on the keyboard |
Frequently asked questions
What is the switch windows shortcut?
What is the task view shortcut key?
How do I switch desktop in Windows 11?
How do I create a new virtual desktop?
How do I keep the Alt + Tab switcher open?
Press Ctrl + Alt + Tab.