Skip to main content

This change to Alt + Tab in Windows 11 is making people very happy

Microsoft is testing a key change to the multitasking system in Windows 11 that many people are likely to appreciate. In the latest Windows Insider Dev Channel release, the company is tweaking the Alt + Tab experience so that it is no longer full-screen.

According to Microsoft, this change is currently an experiment only with select users. It changes things up so that when you want to switch between one of your open apps with Alt + Tab and go to another app, you’ll no longer get a full-screen blurred effect.

The Windows 11 Multitasking Experience.
Brandon LeBlanc/ Microsoft

This effect has been distracting for some people, as it could hide an open app and content being worked on. Based on feedback, the new experience is a lot cleaner. It keeps the background in focus and shows all open apps on top of a thin strip bar.

Microsoft is looking for feedback on the experience, and so far, the reaction has been very positive. Windows fans appreciate the care put into the feature. Other commenters indicate that even though they’re not included in the test, the change is much preferred over the existing layout.

Because Windows 11 Dev Channel builds are not linked to a specific release, this experience might not make it to the next version of Windows 11, which should be coming at the end of this year. It is, though, a high possibility. Microsoft has tested a lot of Windows 11 improvements in the Dev Channel since the operating system first launched.

The list includes a new voice access experience, new ways to set a default web browser, and an improved Start Menu with more ways to change recommendations. Some other changes like an improved media player and new editing controls in the Photos app also have also rolled out past the Dev channel and to all Windows 11 users.

According to rumors, Microsoft is looking to focus on cleaning up the dark mode in Windows 11, as well as opening up the Windows 11 widgets feature so that third-party developers can integrate with their own cards. Paired with partner Qualcomm, even Windows ARM devices are said to be a focus for Microsoft this year, perhaps as a response to Apple’s M1 MacBooks and devices.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Your Windows 11 screenshots may not be as private as you thought
Person sitting and using an HP computer with Windows 11.

When you capture a screenshot and crop out sensitive information, it's still possible to recover a portion of the image that was supposedly removed in some circumstances.

This isn't the first time redacted documents have turned out to have left hidden data intact and readable with the right tools and knowledge. A recent bug in Google's Markup tool for the Pixel phone, humorously dubbed the "Acropalypse," shows this issue might be surprisingly common.

Read more
The Windows 11 taskbar is getting an important new update
windows 11 taskbar third party app pinning

Microsoft is working on new experiences for Windows that will allow developers to enable pinning for third-party applications, as well as enable pinning to the Taskbar.

Microsoft recently announced the details of these upcoming functions in a blog post. This is the brand's attempt to universalize its pinning process across all apps used on Windows. In practice, it will be similar to how pinning works on the Edge browser, with the Windows 11 users being notified by the Action Center about a request for pinning to the Taskbar by the app in question.

Read more
If your PC is running slowly, the latest Windows 11 update may be to blame
A laptop running Windows 11.

Microsoft may have a problem on its hands -- the latest Windows 11 update doesn't seem to be working as intended. According to various user reports, the update drastically slows SSD speeds, in some cases even cutting them in half.

If you've noticed that your PC is loading slowly or programs aren't running as quickly as you'd hoped, you might be affected by this problem. Here's how to fix it.

Read more