What does Ctrl+Tab do?
In Windows 11, Ctrl+Tab means: Cycle through open tabs.
Last verified: 2026-10-10 (latest recorded check on at least one row; rows without their own date remain pending).
Where this shortcut applies
| App | Platform | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Windows | Cycle through open tabs Verification pending |
| macOS Sonoma | macOS | Move to the next tab Verification pending |
| Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS | Linux | Switch between tabs in the current app Verification pending |
| ChromeOS Flex / Stable | ChromeOS | Switch to the next tab in Chrome Latest recorded check: 2026-10-10 · Source |
| Google Chrome | Windows, Linux | Switch to the next tab Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source |
| VS Code | Platform not independently verified | Switch between open editor tabs Verification pending |
| Mozilla Firefox | Platform not independently verified | Switch to the next tab Verification pending |
| Microsoft Edge | Platform not independently verified | Switch to the next tab Verification pending |
| Safari | Platform not independently verified | Switch to the next tab Verification pending |
| Windows Terminal | Platform not independently verified | Switch to the next tab Verification pending |
| Arc Browser | Platform not independently verified | Cycle to the next tab in the Sidebar Verification pending |
Mac equivalent
On Mac, use Cmd+Option+Right in Google Chrome. These are documented equivalents for those specific contexts, not a universal Ctrl-to-Cmd substitution.
Full shortcut pages
Frequently asked questions
- What does Ctrl+Tab do?
- In Windows 11, Ctrl+Tab means: Cycle through open tabs.
- Does this shortcut work the same way in every app?
- No. The listed contexts include Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS, ChromeOS Flex / Stable, Google Chrome, VS Code, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Windows Terminal, Arc Browser. Check the table for each application and platform: the active window, keyboard layout and application settings determine which command receives the key press. An application being available on an operating system is not evidence that this exact binding works there.
- What should I use on a Mac?
- On Mac, use Cmd+Option+Right in Google Chrome. These are documented equivalents for those specific contexts, not a universal Ctrl-to-Cmd substitution.