Alt + Tab How To Open Only Windows From Active Monitor

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Introduction

Are you tired of switching between multiple monitors and windows using the Alt + Tab shortcut, only to see all the windows on your system instead of just the ones on your active monitor? You're not alone. Many Windows users face this issue, especially those with multiple monitors. In this article, we'll explore how to open the window switcher and show only the windows from the active monitor.

Understanding the Issue

When you press Alt + Tab, Windows displays a window switcher that shows all the open windows on your system. However, if you have multiple monitors, you might want to see only the windows on your active monitor. This is where the issue arises. By default, Windows doesn't provide an option to filter the window switcher to show only the windows on the active monitor.

Why Does This Happen?

The reason behind this issue is the way Windows handles multiple monitors. When you have multiple monitors connected to your system, Windows treats them as a single desktop. This means that all the windows on both monitors are considered part of the same desktop, and the window switcher shows all of them. However, this can be confusing, especially when you're working on a specific monitor and want to switch between windows on that monitor alone.

Solutions to the Problem

Fortunately, there are a few solutions to this problem. We'll explore each of them in detail below.

1. Using the Taskbar

One way to switch between windows on the active monitor is to use the taskbar. You can click on the taskbar and select the window you want to switch to. This method is simple and effective, but it might not be as convenient as using the Alt + Tab shortcut.

2. Using the Windows Key + Tab

Another way to switch between windows on the active monitor is to use the Windows key + Tab shortcut. This shortcut opens the Task View, which shows all the open windows on your system. However, if you have multiple monitors, you can click on the monitor icon at the top of the Task View window to switch to the windows on that monitor.

3. Using a Third-Party Tool

If you're looking for a more convenient solution, you can use a third-party tool to switch between windows on the active monitor. There are several tools available that can help you achieve this, such as:

  • Monitor Switcher: This tool allows you to switch between windows on different monitors using a simple shortcut.
  • Window Switcher: This tool provides a customizable window switcher that can be filtered to show only the windows on the active monitor.
  • MultiMonitor Tool: This tool provides a range of features for managing multiple monitors, including the ability to switch between windows on different monitors.

4. Using a Registry Hack

If you're comfortable with editing the Windows registry, you can use a registry hack to change the behavior of the Alt + Tab shortcut. This hack involves adding a new value to the registry that tells Windows to show only the windows on the active monitor when you press Alt + Tab.

How to Use the Registry Hack

To use the registry hack, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AltTabSettings
  4. Right-click on the AltTabSettings key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Name the new value ShowOnlyActiveMonitor and set its value to 1.
  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several solutions to the problem of opening the window switcher and showing only the windows from the active monitor. While the default behavior of Windows might not provide this option, there are third-party tools and registry hacks that can help you achieve this. By using one of these solutions, you can switch between windows on the active monitor with ease.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you manage multiple monitors and windows:

  • Use the Windows key + D shortcut to show the desktop: This shortcut can help you quickly switch between windows on different monitors.
  • Use the Windows key + Left/Right arrow shortcuts to move windows between monitors: These shortcuts can help you move windows between monitors with ease.
  • Use the Windows key + Up/Down arrow shortcuts to maximize/minimize windows: These shortcuts can help you maximize or minimize windows on different monitors.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your multiple monitors and windows, and work more efficiently.