Windows tip: Quickly switch between programs using the keyboard

March 24, 5:20 PMUsing Computers ExaminerHarold Nolte

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Sometimes you need to switch back and forth between two Windows programs.  Or you may need to go to another program that is already running.  Rather than doing this with your mouse (which takes longer), you can do this with the keyboard. 

This is done by using the keyboard shortcut ALT+TAB.  Before you try this, make sure you are running more than one program.  In fact, to see how this works it is best to have three or more programs running. 

Hold the ALT key down.  Press then release the TAB key once.  Don’t let go of the ALT key after pressing TAB.  You will see a small window in the middle of your screen.  Every program that is running will have an icon in the small window.  The name of the selected program will be described below the icons at the bottom of the small window. 

If you release the ALT key at this point, the program that is selected will come to the top and be in focus.  If you hit the TAB key again (before releasing the ALT key) you will select the next program in the list.  Select the desired program and release the ALT key to jump to it. 

To go forward through the list of programs, repeatedly hit the TAB key.  To go backward through the list hold the SHIFT and ALT keys and press TAB.  If you go past the program you want, keep the ALT key pressed, press the SHIFT key and hit TAB again.  This will back up one program in the list.  The window stays on the display until the ALT key is released. 

There are a couple of differences between Windows XP and Vista when using this shortcut.  Vista will cycle through a 3-D list of windows (if Aero is enabled) instead of the small 2-D window in XP.  Vista has another “program” in the list – the desktop.  To show the desktop, select it using the ALT+TAB shortcut and release the ALT key. 

Using this shortcut saves you time and enables you to stay more focused on your work.  Try it.  I think you’ll like it. 

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