Alt+Tab on a Mac: switch between your open apps

Why it happens

The Mac's app switcher works like Alt+Tab, but it lists apps, not windows. Two Safari windows show up as one Safari icon, and switching brings that app to the front with its windows. That's why there's a second shortcut for moving between windows of one app.

How to fix it

1. Hold down the Command key. Keep holding it for the next step.

2. Tap Tab. A row of app icons appears in the middle of the screen. Each tap moves the highlight one app to the right, and Shift-Tab moves it back.

3. Let go of Command when the app you want is highlighted. It comes to the front.

4. To switch between windows of the app you're in, such as two documents, press Command-` (the key above Tab on a US keyboard).

Still not fixed?

1. Want to see every open window, not just apps? Press F3 or Control-Up Arrow to open Mission Control, then click the window you want. Its shortcut is listed in Keyboard Shortcuts… under Mission Control.

   Keyboard›Keyboard Shortcuts…›Mission Control

2. If you switch to an app and no window appears, its windows may be minimized. Click the window's picture at the right end of the Dock, or pick it from the app's Window menu.

3. Command-` does nothing, or your keyboard has a different key there? Open Keyboard Shortcuts… and look at Move focus to next window under Keyboard. You can set a key that suits you.

   Keyboard›Keyboard Shortcuts…›Keyboard›Move focus to next window

4. If the switcher stopped working after you installed a window or keyboard tool, quit that tool and try again. If Command-Tab still won't appear after a restart, contact Apple Support.