Alt Tab Taking Forever Issue [Solved]

There are many great keyboard combinations on Windows machines. These not only help us take a shortcut but they actually make our activities and actions smooth. One such keyboard combo is Alt and Tab buttons combination. But some Windows users complain that the Alt Tab taking forever on their screens.

If you are facing the same issue. You are not alone. As I stated before, many people are facing the same problem. But as it is always the case, there is some workaround for sure when there is some Windows problem. Here you will find the best possible solutions for you.

Fix the Alt Tab Taking Forever Problem

Image of Alt Tab Taking Forever

The issue arises when you have recently installed an update from Microsoft Windows. Particularly on Windows 10, this issue is prominent. Especially when you are trying to switch between two resource-intensive apps that are simultaneously running on the Windows screen.

This is why many gamers are frustrated with this issue who use Xbox and other gaming clients on their Windows PC for gaming purposes. The lag could be between a few seconds and reach up to 15 seconds making the wait feel like forever.

So here is what you can do to fix the issue:

Say Goodbye to the Latest Windows Update

When Microsoft releases a new Windows update, they make sure, there are not many bugs. But after the rollout, many bugs come to the fore. So generally, it is recommended to not rush for an update unless it is a critical update requiring urgent action from the user.

But here I would suggest that you should uninstall the latest update.

  1. Go to Settings on your computer.
  2. Choose ‘Windows Update’ from the left menu.
  3. Now tap the ‘view update history.’
  4. Here select the ‘Uninstall updates.’ Option
  5. Then locate and select the update and uninstall it using the options.

Disable News and Interests

Some users have mentioned in online forums that the News and interest feed in the Windows Taskbar is the culprit. When they disable it, they simply have found a return to normalcy on the Alt Tab front.

This could also work for you. Just follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the taskbar.
  2. Go to ‘News and Highlights.’
  3. Now pick ‘Turn-off’

After this, the News and Interests section will no longer be active in the background. Try opening multiple apps and Alt Tab taking forever will be an issue of the past.

Look for Alternative Shortcuts

If you are using Windows 11, you are in luck because it gives you better alternatives. For example, you can pin a program on the Taskbar and press ‘Wind +1 or 2, to open that program. Or you can also choose ‘Win+Tab’ to switch between these programs.

Other modes of action include switching the Discord app off, and disabling Hardware accelerated GPU scheduling from Display settings. Running DISM command and SFC Scan to fix the missing or corrupt files issues. Updating the latest version if it is available or going for a Windows reset on your Windows 11 device.

A Unique Fix for Lenovo

By ending Lenovo.Modern.ImController.PluginHost.exe process on Lenovo machines the issue of screen freezing between app switches could be fixed. So here is how you can do it:

  1. Go to the Start menu
  2. Right-click on Taskbar and select Task Manager
  3. Go to the ‘Processes’ tab.
  4. Here find Lenovo.Modern.ImController.PluginHost.exe
  5. After choosing it click on the ‘End Task’ button.
  6. Close Task Manager.

Now open multiple apps or games on your computer screen and try to switch between them using the same Alt+Tab combination.

Final Words

If you are trying to switch between applications on your Windows device using the keyboard shortcut and if Alt Tab taking forever then use the fixes shared above. One or more of these tricks will work in your favor.

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