Alt+Tab is a keyboard shortcut often used to switch between open programs in Microsoft Windows and other operating systems.

How to use the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold the left or right Alt key, and while continuing to hold, press the Tab key. Continue to hold down Alt and press Tab multiple times if needed to get to another open program you want to access.

To switch between open tabs in the active window, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Tab.

  • How to use the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut.
  • Alt+Tab in Microsoft Windows.
  • Alt+Tab in Linux Mint.
  • Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
  • Related information.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.

Alt+Tab in Microsoft Windows

In Microsoft Word, pressing Alt+Tab moves from left-to-right in the available open windows.

Alternatively, you can press Windows key+Tab to move between open programs. However, instead of repeatedly pressing this key combination, as you do with Alt+Tab, you use the arrow keys to move to the other open program you want to access.

  • Full list of Microsoft Windows shortcuts.

Alt+Tab in Linux Mint

In Linux Mint, pressing Alt+Tab cycles through the open windows.

If you press Alt+Shift+Tab, it moves right-to-left in the available open windows.

If you only have two or three windows open, use the Alt+Esc keyboard shortcut to switch between them even faster.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

  • Alt
  • Alt+Esc
  • Ctrl+Tab
  • Tab

Alt, End key, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms

  • How to quickly change between open programs on Mac and PC.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.
  • Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know.
  • Keyboard help and support.