Switching Among Open Windows

Whatever your working style, it's likely that you'll end up with more than one window open on your computeryour Documents window and the Network window, perhaps, or a couple of program windows. Instead of closing one window to get to another, you can simply switch windows.

Select a Window

On the taskbar, point to the window you think you want, and use the thumbnail image of the window to confirm that it's the one you want.

Click the window on the taskbar to switch to that window.

If Windows has grouped similar types of windows under one button, click the button for the grouping, and then click the window you want.

Tip

If there isn't enough room on the taskbar to display a button for each open window, Windows groups similar types of windows under one button. To rearrange all the windows in the group, right-click the button, and choose the arrangement you want from the shortcut menu that appears.

Try This!

Hold down the Windows key and press the Tab key. If your computer system supports the effect, each window will be shown in 3-D. Continue holding down the Windows key and pressing the Tab key until the window you want is on top.

Switch Windows

Hold down the Alt key and press the Tab key to display the open windows. Continue pressing the Tab key while holding down the Alt key to cycle through the open windows.

Release the Alt key when the window you want is selected.