Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10

How to Fix the Alt Tab in Remote Desktop (RDP) Sessions

When using a Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows virtual machine to connect to a remote Windows computer, you may encounter problems using the Alt+Tab key combination to switch windows on the remote computer. This issue may be due to incorrect settings on the Remote Desktop Connection on the Windows virtual machine.

Keyboard shortcuts (Alt + Tab) not working for RemoteApps major feature flaw

I understand currently this is expected behavior for windows shortcuts (Alt+Tab or Win + E )not being redirected to RemoteApps. This is a major flaw in functionality. Citrix Desktop Session has registry key that can be edited to enable windows key redirection to remote session. Why can't Microsoft do something similar, or I'm I missing something here?

windows-serverremote-desktop-services

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LimitlessTechnology-2700 answered Sep 24, '21 | JesseJay-9623 commented Dec 17, '21

Hello @VirgisV-1140

What you are seeing is expected behavior. One thing you can do is create a custom .rdp file (with the necessary settings) for each host and copy it to the client.


--If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--

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VirgisV-1140 · Sep 28, 2021 at 05:07 PM

Can this be reported to Microsoft as future feature request?

1 Vote 1 ·

JesseJay-9623 · Dec 17, 2021 at 12:28 AM

I am experiencing the same issue, creating a custom .rdp file is not a viable option. Confirming also, ALT+Page Up doesn't work as an alternative. Any advice for end users, i.e. without admin access, would be appreciated.

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VirgisV-1140 answered Sep 27, '21

These are virtual machines that I'm trying to connect to over the internet. These are located on a subnetwork behind the firewall. I have no access to the machines directly only via RDS. So I'm not sure how can I create a custom rdp file if I have no way to connect to machines directly. VPN is possibly an option but that opens some security concerns. So again I understand that this is expected behavior. What I don't understand is way such a basic function is expected not to be there. I would imagine people use RDS all over the place and no one is complaining about this? I would think savvy windows users, use windows shortcuts all the time.

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Remote Desktop Services Shortcut Keys

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In this article

The following is a list of the Remote Desktop Services shortcut keys.

A note regarding missing keys: Many compact keyboards do not contain some keys. For example, many laptops do not have a dedicated BREAK key. However, they usually have keyboard shortcuts that replace dedicated keys. These key replacements are specified by the manufacturer of the keyboard, so you may need to look up key replacements in the documentation provided by your keyboard or laptop manufacturer.

There are two different sets of shortcut key combinations you can use on a remote desktop connection: the default Windows shortcut keys, or the shortcut keys originally designed for the remote desktop. You can set which shortcut keys you use on the local and remote machine through the Remote Desktop Connection client (ie, the dialog that appears when you click on the Remote Desktop Connection icon). From there, click Show Options (if you cannot see the options), and then click the Local Resources tab. In the Apply Windows key combinations drop-down, you have three options:

Option Description
On this computer The default key combinations will work on your local machine only. You must use the alternate combinations on the remote desktop.
On the remote computer The default key combinations will work only on the remote desktop. You must use the alternate combinations on the local machine. Note that once you close down the Remote Desktop Connection, your local machine will once again use the default windows shortcuts.
Only when using the full screen The default key combinations will work on whichever machine has the full desktop; functionally, this means that the default key combinations work for the local machine, unless you have the Remote Desktop Connection window in full-screen mode.

For more user information about Remote Desktop connection, See How to use Remote Desktop.

Shortcut key Description
CTRL+ALT+HOME
Activates the connection bar.
CTRL+ALT+BREAK or one of these shortcuts:
  • CTRL+ALT+PAUSE
  • CTRL+ALT+PRTSCN
  • CTRL+ALT+FN+SCRLK
Switches the client between full-screen mode and window mode.
If these shortcuts don't work, or the keys aren't available, you can try the following alternative:
  • Press CTRL+ALT+HOME, TAB, TAB, TAB, TAB, TAB, ENTER. This activates the connection bar, and then presses the Restore down button.
CTRL+ALT+END
Brings up the Windows Security dialog box for the Remote Desktop Session Host (RD Session Host) (provides the same functionality as pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL on the local computer).

The following table describes the standard Windows shortcut keys and their equivalent Remote Desktop shortcuts that are different. (For example, Ctrl+Z is generally the 'Undo' shortcut on both standard Windows and Remote Desktop.)

Windows shortcut Remote Desktop shortcut Description
ALT+TAB
ALT+PAGE UP
Switches between programs from left to right.
ALT+SHIFT+TAB
ALT+PAGE DOWN
Switches between programs from right to left.
ALT+INSERT
Cycles through the programs in the order they were started.
Windows key
or
CTRL+ESC
ALT+HOME
Displays the Start menu.
ALT+SPACE BAR
ALT+DELETE
Displays the system menu.
ALT+PRINT SCREEN
CTRL+ALT+MINUS SIGN (-)
Places a snapshot of the active window, within the client, on the clipboard.
PRINT SCREEN
CTRL+ALT+PLUS SIGN (+)
Places a snapshot of the entire client windows area on the clipboard .

Alt-Tab is not working in Windows 10/11 [Full Fix]

Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10

by Andrew Wafer

Author

Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he's truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that’s what... Read more

Posted: June 2020

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  • The Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut is not working on your computer due to incorrect system settings.
  • If the Alt-Tab keys combination is not functioning in Excel or other programs, make sure that your multitasking settings are correct.
  • Enabling and disabling your hotkeys using registry entries can solve this error.
  • When the Alt-Tab shortcut is not working try to disconnect other hardware devices.

Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10

Switching between multiple apps in Windows 10based devices can be made by using a combination of two keyboard buttons: Alt-Tab.

We know that because we are constantly using this feature to manage our tasks and tools easily and quickly. But what can we do when the alt-tab switching features are not working?

Now, if you had never experienced this problem, you will notice that you don’t have any idea about fixing the alt-tab hotkey issue, which means that a proper tutorial will be more than helpful.

In that matter, you can anytime use the below steps for learning how to easily fix the alt-tab switching feature in Windows10.

Alt-Tab is one of the most basic shortcuts that users use almost every day. Not being able to use Alt-Tab can be a big problem, and in this article, we’re going to cover the following issues:

  • Alt-Tab not switching Windows 10 – Several users reported that Alt-Tab doesn’t switch windows on their Windows 10 PC. This can be an annoying problem, but you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions
  • Alt-Tab not working properly – In some cases, Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut might not work properly on your PC
  • Alt-Tab not working with Excel – Sometimes this issue can affect other applications such as Microsoft Excel. It’s worth mentioning that this problem also affects other third-party applications
  • Alt-Tab Aero Peek not working – Users reported that Aero Peek feature isn’t working on their PC. However, you can fix the problem simply by reenabling Aero Peek on your PC
  • Alt-Tab not showing preview, desktop – Several users reported that Alt- Tab shortcut isn’t showing window previews or desktop
  • Alt-Tab disappears quickly – This is another issue related to Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut. Few users reported that Alt-Tab menu disappears quickly

Easily Fix Alt Tab not Working [Complete Guide]

Admin

8 minutes read

Alt Tab not Working in games or remote desktop can indeed be a very frustrating thing to happen to anybody as the shortcut allows users to shift between different windows quite conveniently. Therefore, in this article, we have compiled fixes and workarounds based upon user feedback to address this issue and hopefully, fix it entirely.

Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
Alt + Tab Not Working

Make sure to follow all the listed methods and until one of them works and gets rid of the issue. Also, keep in mind to read through the reasons due to which the error occurs in the first place as to better develop an understanding of the error.

Fix PC Issues Automatically

If you want to have your PC related issues fixed automatically and diagnose, list, and rectify any registry errors, we recommend that you try using the Restoro Repair Tool that can easily do all of this at a single click. It has been rated Great by Trustpilot so you don’t have to worry about anything.

Why is the Alt-Tab shortcut not working on Windows 10?

Issues with shortcuts are usually tied to system mishaps, meaning they’re unique to each computer. Here are some of the most common offenders when it comes to your shortcuts not functioning on Windows 10:

  • Registry changes. The Windows Registry is responsible for handling many parts of your system under the hood. Some applications make new registry entries when installed, which may cause conflicts with already existing ones. This can lead to your system not recognizing Alt-Tab as the shortcut for switching apps.
  • Shortcut override. It’s entirely possible that an application you installed did an override on the already existing Alt-Tab shortcut, meaning that it has a different function in your system now.
  • Windows Explorer error. Windows Explorer is one of the many backbones of your system. If it encounters an error, it’s possible that it might mess with the functionality of your system, including its shortcuts.
  • Peripherals. Your peripherals, such as a keyboard, computer mouse, or headset can cause the Alt-Tab shortcut to stop working.
  • Drivers. Drivers make most of your peripherals work. If your drivers are missing, outdated, or not compatible with your system, they may interfere with the functionality of the Alt-Tab shortcut amongst many other issues.

Other issues might be present on your PC that cause the Alt-Tab keys to not function as intended. We bring you various fixes below to help you solve this annoying error no matter what the source of it is.

To ensure you can stay efficient on your device, we’ll help you fix any errors regarding the Alt-Tab shortcut not working on your Windows 10 system. Some of these methods are more general troubleshooting, but many of them focus on known issues related to this shortcut.

Let’s begin troubleshooting!

Method 1: Make sure it's not your keyboard

First and foremost, you should check if your keyboard is working properly, and it isn’t damaged in any way. Keys are fragile, and they may break or not press down properly if something happens to them.

You can check if your Alt and Tab keys work by going on a website that automatically detects and shows which keys you press down. We recommend using Key-Test.

Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10

The tester is unable to determine between duplicate keys such as Alt. Make sure you test both and see the on-screen keyboard highlight the Alt key as you press them!

If your Alt and Tab keys are working properly, this is how the on-screen keyboard should look like. Are you seeing only one of the keys light up? This is an indicator that something is wrong with your keyboard. Consider cleaning it, or testing if Alt-Tab works with a different keyboard.

Method 2: Use the other Alt key

There are two Alt keys on your keyboard. If the Alt-Tab function doesn't seem to work with one of them, try the other one! Many users report that after using the secondary Alt key to perform an Alt-Tab window switch, their primary Alt key also started working in the shortcut.

Another thing you can try is the Alt-Tab-Esc shortcut, which often seems to fix issues with Alt-Tab in general.

Method 3: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer essentially allows you to browse your files with a visual interface. It’s often regarded as the backbone of your system since most of us wouldn’t know how to navigate our PCs without it.

Restarting the Windows explorer often seems to fix issues with the Alt-Tab keys not functioning as intended. Here’s how to do it.

  1. Launch the Task Manager:
    1. Right-click on an empty space in your taskbar and choose Task Manager,
      Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
    2. or use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut.
  2. Click on More details.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  3. Select Windows Explorer and right-click on it, then choose Restart from the context menu.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  4. Wait for Windows Explorer to restart. Your taskbar and windows may temporarily disappear.
  5. Test if Alt-Tab works.

Method 4: Change the AltTabSettings Registry values

The Registry is a powerful way of customizing your system, app settings, and troubleshooting. By changing or creating a specific value regarding the Alt-Tab shortcut, you might be able to fix issues.

Doing this will change your Alt-Tab menu to appear as it used to in Windows XP, but the sacrifice of visuals is worth it if you often use the shortcut.

  1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run application. When the window opens, type in Regedit and click OK.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  2. You can navigate the Registry Editor by clicking on the arrow symbolnext to the name of a folder to expand it. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  3. Check if you have a value called AltTabSettings. If not, right-click on an empty space and select NewDWORD (32-bit) Value, then name it AltTabSettings.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  4. Double-click on AltTabSettings and change its value data to 1, then click OK.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  5. Close the Registry Editor and check if the Alt-Tab shortcut works now. If not, restart your computer and check again.

Method 5: Update your keyboard driver

Even if you’ve already checked your keyboard in Method 1, there might be issues with your keyboard driver. This piece of software that connects elements of your hardware with your operating system, and makes it work properly. If this driver is outdated, your device might start to act up and cause issues.

Here’s how to update your keyboard driver in Windows 10.

  1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run application. When the window opens, type in devmgmt.msc and click OK.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  2. The Device Manager will open up, showing all of your installed and running devices. Expand Keyboards by clicking on the arrow symbolnext to it.
  3. Right-click on your keyboard and choose Update driver.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  4. Choose the option to look for a driver online and let Windows 10 determine the latest driver update compatible with your device.
  5. Restart your computer and see if the Alt-Tab shortcut works.

Method 6: Make sure Peek is enabled

Peek is an odd little feature with settings tucked away in the classic Control Panel. It allows you to temporarily make windows transparent and peek behind them - hence the name. If Peek is disabled, it might conflict with the Alt-Tab shortcut.

Here’s how you can check if Peek is enabled, and enable Peek in Windows 10.

  1. Click on the Search icon in your taskbar and type in Advanced system settings.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  2. Click on the matching result. This will open up a new window on your screen.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  3. Click on Settings in the Performance section.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  4. Make sure there’s a checkmark next to Enable Peek. If there isn’t click on the empty box to place one. Click OK.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  5. Check if the Alt-Tab shortcut works now. If not, restart your computer and check again.

Method 7: Uninstall third-party keyboard apps

Third-party keyboard applications might conflict with your actual keyboard. If you’re having issues with the Alt-Tab shortcut, or shortcuts in general, we recommend uninstalling these apps. See if the issue was resolved, and optionally look for different keyboard solutions.

Here’s how you can uninstall an application in Windows 10.

  1. Click on the Windows button in the bottom-left of your screen, then choose Settings, indicated by a gear icon.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  2. Click on Apps.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  3. Once all of your applications loaded, look for any third-party keyboard software. You can also search for them by typing into the search bar.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  4. Click on the third-party keyboard app, and choose Uninstall.
    Alt+tab not working inside remote desktop windows 10
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the application. Every uninstaller wizard is different, just make sure you check to remove everything.
  6. Restart your device and check if the Alt-Tab shortcut works now.

Method 8: Disconnect peripherals

Many Windows 10 users reported that connecting certain peripherals to the system messes up their ability to use the Alt-Tab shortcut. To combat this, we recommend unplugging each of your connected cables - unless the necessary ones, such as a power supply, - and testing the shortcut after each removed device.

Tip: If you disconnect a device and the Alt-Tab shortcut immediately starts working, you’ve successfully found the source of the problem. Look into the device’s drivers, check a replacement device, or contact the manufacturer.

We hope our guide and tips were able to help you resolve your issues with the Alt-Tab shortcut not working on Windows 10. Switch away to your heart’s content and work at your most efficient! If none of the methods above seemed to work, we recommend you update Windows 10.

If you’re in need of information about other Microsoft Windows issues, need helpwith troubleshooting, or want to learn more about your operating system, check outour other articles here.

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