Selecting a Window

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 4, 2019)

2

One of the primary functions of the Windows operating system is to allow you to work with different programs at the same time. Each program is displayed in its own window (hence the name of the operating system) and you can display any of those windows at any time.

When you are working with multiple windows, you may be interested in this cool tip: Hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the Tab key once. (The Windows key is available on any enhanced keyboard; it typically is located on the bottom row of the keyboard next to the Alt keys.)

When you do this on a Windows 7 or Windows 8 system, Windows displays the different windows in a layered manner on your screen. The desktop also occupies one of the layers. You can cycle through the layers by continuing to press the Tab key. When the window you want is visible as the front layer, release the Windows key, and that particular window will have focus so you can continue with your work.

When you hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the Tab key once on a Windows 10 system, Windows displays the different windows side-by-side on the desktop. You can then cycle through the windows by pressing the keyboard arrow keys or use your mouse to navigate to the particular window you want to continue to work with.

In addition to displaying the open Windows on your desktop, Windows also displays a timeline that allows you to see numerous activities (web pages navigated to) on various dates. This can come in quite handy when you are looking for a certain web page that you know you previously visited.

 This tip (11272) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Automatic AutoCorrect Exceptions for Beginning Sentences

When automatically capitalizing the beginning of sentences, Word relies on how you historically have done your typing. ...

Discover More

Macro for Month Name

Need to know how to generate a full month name based on a date? It's easy to do, as discussed in this tip.

Discover More

Changes in Font Size when Copying

Have you ever copied information from one worksheet to another, only to have the information you paste not look the way ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Renaming and Deleting Icons

Want to change the name of a desktop icon or get rid of it entirely? It's easier to do than you probably think!

Discover More

Clearing Your Jump Lists

Ever since their introduction in Windows 7, I've found Jump lists to be great timesavers. Some people have privacy ...

Discover More

Removing Spyware with Windows Defender

Despite your best efforts, it's possible that your system might still get afflicted with spyware. If that happens, you ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 9 - 3?

2019-03-04 10:13:08

Hank Seamon

Remember the Task View for Win10 also. Allows a fast view of all open windows.

2019-03-04 07:42:03

Sam2

thanks
++thanks, I didn't know the history feature with W10

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.