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Switching between programs using the keyboard can improve your productivity and save your time. When you have multiple applications open on your screen, using the mouse to switch between them can be a slow process. Instead, you can use keyboard shortcuts to switch between open applications or windows quickly.
In this blog post, we will guide you through different ways to switch between programs on Windows 10 operating system using the keyboard. We will also highlight the pros and cons of each method.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
- A Windows 10 computer
- A keyboard
What Requires Your Focus?
To switch between programs on Windows 10 using the keyboard, you need to know the right keyboard shortcuts for each method. You also need to be familiar with the different methods and practice using them to improve your speed.
Different Methods to Switch Between Programs on Windows 10 Using Keyboard
Method 1: Using Alt + Tab
Alt + Tab is one of the most popular methods of switching between programs on Windows 10 using the keyboard. It allows you to switch between open windows quickly.
To switch between programs using this method:
- Press the Alt key and then press the Tab key once
- Release the keys and you will see a window with thumbnails of all open windows
- While still holding down the Alt key, press the Tab key repeatedly until you get to the window you want to switch to
- Release the Alt key to switch to the selected window
Pros:
- Easy to use and remember
- Allows you to switch between open windows quickly
Cons:
- Only works for open windows within the same desktop
- Can become slow and cumbersome when you have too many open windows
Method 2: Using Win + Tab
This method was introduced in Windows 10 and is similar to Alt + Tab. It allows you to switch between open windows and desktops easily.
To switch between programs using this method:
- Press the Windows key and then press the Tab key once. This will bring up the Task view
- Release the keys and you will see a list of all open windows and desktops
- While still holding down the Windows key, press the Tab key repeatedly until you get to the window you want to switch to
- Release the Windows key to switch to the selected window
Pros:
- Allows you to switch between open windows and desktops
- Easy to use and remember
Cons:
- May not work on older versions of Windows
- Can become slow and cumbersome when you have too many open windows
Method 3: Using Ctrl + Alt + Tab
This method is a variation of the Alt + Tab method and is only available on Windows 10. It allows you to see all open windows in a list format.
To switch between programs using this method:
- Press the Ctrl + Alt + Tab keys together
- Release the keys and you will see a list of all open windows
- While still holding down the Ctrl key, press the Tab key repeatedly until you get to the window you want to switch to
- Release the Ctrl key to switch to the selected window
Pros:
- Allows you to see all open windows in a list format
- Easy to use and remember
Cons:
- May not work on older versions of Windows
- Can become slow and cumbersome when you have too many open windows
Method 4: Using Windows Key + Number Keys
This method uses the number keys to switch between open windows on the taskbar. When you have multiple applications open on the taskbar, this method allows you to quickly switch between them.
To switch between programs using this method:
- Press the Windows key and a number key (1 to 9) that corresponds to the position of the program on the taskbar. For example, Windows key + 1 will switch to the first program on the left side of the taskbar
Pros:
- Allows you to quickly switch between open windows on the taskbar
- Easy to use and remember
Cons:
- May not work if there are more than nine programs open on the taskbar
- Programs have to be pinned to the taskbar for this method to work
Method 5: Using Task View Button
This method is similar to Method 2 but instead of using the keyboard shortcut, it requires clicking on the Task View button on the taskbar.
To switch between programs using this method:
- Click on the Task View button on the taskbar. This will bring up the Task View window with thumbnails of all open windows and desktops
- Click on the thumbnail of the window or desktop you want to switch to
Pros:
- Allows you to switch between open windows and desktops using the mouse
- Easy to use and remember
Cons:
- Requires the use of the mouse
- May be slower than using keyboard shortcuts
Why Can’t I Switch Between Programs on Windows 10 Using Keyboard?
If you find that you can’t switch between programs on Windows 10 using the keyboard, here are some possible reasons and fixes:
- Your keyboard is not working properly. Try restarting your computer, or using a different keyboard to test if it’s the keyboard causing the issue.
- You are using an older version of Windows that does not support some of the above methods. Try upgrading to Windows 10 or using a different method.
- You may have disabled the keyboard shortcut accidentally. To check this, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and make sure that the “Use the shortcut” option is enabled.
Implications and Recommendations
Switching between programs using the keyboard can improve your productivity and save time. Here are three recommendations:
- Practice using the different methods above to find the one that works best for you.
- Customize the keyboard shortcuts to suit your needs and workflow. You can do this by going to Settings > Devices > Keyboard > Keyboard shortcuts.
- Use a keyboard with programmable keys to create custom shortcuts for your most frequently used programs.
5 FAQs About Switching Between Programs on Windows 10 Using Keyboard
Q1: How do I switch between multiple desktops using the keyboard?
A: Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow keys to switch between multiple desktops.
Q2: Can I use a third-party app to customize my keyboard shortcuts?
A: Yes, there are many third-party apps available, such as AutoHotkey or SharpKeys, that can help you customize your keyboard shortcuts.
Q3: Can I switch between programs in the order they were opened?
A: Yes, you can switch between programs in the order they were opened using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Tab.
Q4: How do I switch between programs using the mouse?
A: Click on the program icon on the taskbar to switch between open programs.
Q5: Can I switch between programs on a dual monitor setup using the keyboard?
A: Yes, you can use the Alt + Tab or the Windows key + Tab method to switch between programs on a dual monitor setup.
Final Words
Switching between programs on Windows 10 using the keyboard can save you time and improve your productivity. With the above methods, you can easily switch between open windows, desktops, and programs using keyboard shortcuts. It’s important to choose the method that works best for you and to customize the keyboard shortcuts to suit your workflow.
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