Switch Apps Keyboard Shortcut
Switch Apps moves keyboard focus to another open application. Switching between windows of the same app may use a different command.
- On Windows: Alt + Tab — Switch Apps
- On a Mac: Cmd + Tab — Switch Apps
Recorded actions and binding evidence
Windows
Windows 11 · Navigation
Switch Apps — Cycle through open application windows
Alt + Tab
macOS
macOS · Navigation
Switch Apps — Cycle through open applications
Cmd + Tab
· Source: Apple Support — Mac keyboard shortcuts
ChromeOS
ChromeOS · Navigation
Switch Apps — Cycle through open application windows
Alt + Tab
· Source: Google Chromebook Help — Keyboard shortcuts (US QWERTY)
Also works in: iPhone / iOS, Ubuntu Linux, Windows.
Context
Switching applications changes the focused program. Cycling through windows of one application is a separate action, especially on macOS. Remote desktops, virtual machines and full-screen applications may intercept the combination instead of passing it to the host operating system.
The application switcher can show more than one window or group them by program, depending on desktop settings. Check the preview before releasing the modifier.
Use the binding for your application and platform. Custom keymaps, keyboard layouts and intercepted system keys can change the behavior you observe.
Practical checks
- Distinguish switching apps from switching windows of the same app.
- Check the host-versus-guest keyboard settings in a remote session.
- Release the modifier when the intended application is selected.
Continue your task
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