Switch apps shortcut: jump between open programs
Hold Alt and tap Tab on Windows, or hold ⌘ and tap Tab on Mac, to switch between your open apps. Keep holding the first key and tap again to cycle.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch to next app | ⌘Tab | Alt+Tab | |
| Cycle backwards | ⌘⇧Tab | Alt+Shift+Tab | |
| Switch windows of the same app | ⌘` (backtick) | Ctrl+Alt+Tab to hold the list | |
| Task View / Mission Control | Ctrl+↑ | Win+Tab | |
| Quit the highlighted app (Mac) | ⌘Tab → press Q | — |
Switch apps on Windows with Alt+Tab
Hold Alt and press Tab. A row of thumbnails for your open windows appears; keep Alt held and tap Tab again to move through them, then release to jump to the one you want. Add Shift (Alt+Shift+Tab) to cycle in the opposite direction.
Switch apps on Mac with ⌘Tab
Hold ⌘ and press Tab to show the application switcher. Keep ⌘ held and tap Tab to move right, or ⌘⇧Tab to move left. One key difference: Mac's switcher groups by application, not by window — to move between windows of the same app use ⌘` (the backtick key above Tab).
See every window at once
For a full overview, press Win+Tab (Windows Task View) or Ctrl+↑ (Mac Mission Control). A neat trick on Mac: while holding ⌘Tab, press Q to quit the highlighted app without leaving the switcher. See also switch between windows and minimize all windows.
FAQ
What is the switch apps shortcut?
Alt+Tab on Windows and ⌘Tab on Mac. Hold the first key and tap Tab to cycle through open apps, then release.
How do I switch apps backwards?
Add Shift: Alt+Shift+Tab on Windows, ⌘⇧Tab on Mac, to cycle in the reverse direction.
Why does ⌘Tab skip some windows on Mac?
Mac's ⌘Tab switches between applications, not individual windows. To move between windows of the same app, use ⌘` (backtick).