How to Change Alt+Tab View to Windowed or Full Screen in Windows 11
You can change the Alt+Tab view in Windows 11 to either a compact windowed preview or a full-screen display.
The Alt+Tab switcher is a built-in Windows feature that lets you quickly cycle through all your open applications without using your mouse.
By default, Windows 11 shows a compact, multi-window view when you press Alt+Tab. However, you can adjust this behavior through a simple registry edit.
This change involves modifying the `DisabledDoNotTrack` DWORD value within the Windows Registry Editor, specifically under the `🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced` key.
To enable full-screen Alt+Tab in Windows 11, open the Registry Editor and delete the folder 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001ControlFeatureManagementOverrides4702590604. If the folder doesn’t exist, your Alt+Tab view may already be full screen. Restart your PC to apply the change.
What is Alt+Tab?
Pressing Alt+Tab lets you switch between all open apps and windows quickly. Why would you use this? It saves time when you’re working with multiple programs at once.
You can also press Ctrl+Alt+Tab to keep the switcher open without holding down keys.
What Changed in 🪟 Windows 11?
Windows 11 changed how the Alt+Tab switcher looks, making it a smaller window instead of full screen by default in newer versions.
From Windows 11 build 22554 and later, the Alt+Tab switcher is windowed by default. The full screen option was removed from newer versions.
Important: %📂%FLAG_ADMIN%% You need to be signed in as an administrator on your computer to make these changes.
How to Change Alt+Tab View
1Show Alt+Tab as Full Screen
You can change the Alt+Tab switcher back to a full screen view in Windows 11 by editing the Windows Registry.
Step-by-step:
- Press ⊞ Win+R to open the Run box.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. This opens the Registry Editor. - Navigate to this folder:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\4\702590604 - If the folder 702590604 exists, right-click it and choose Delete to remove it. What happens when you do this? Windows will switch to full screen Alt+Tab view.
- If the folder doesn’t exist, you don’t need to do anything — full screen may already be disabled.
- Restart your computer to apply changes.
2Show Alt+Tab as Windowed (Default)
The windowed Alt+Tab view is the default in newer Windows 11 versions, showing the switcher as a small window in the center of your screen.
If you want to make sure it’s set to windowed, follow these steps:
- Open Registry Editor as explained above.
- Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\4\702590604 - If the folder 702590604 does not exist, create it: Right-click on 4 → New → Key → name it 702590604.
- Inside 702590604, create these new DWORD (32-bit) values with these exact names and data:
"EnabledState"=dword:00000002"EnabledStateOptions"=dword:00000001"Variant"=dword:00000000"VariantPayload"=dword:00000000"VariantPayloadKind"=dword:00000000
- Restart your PC for the changes to take effect. What happens when you restart? Windows will apply your new Alt+Tab settings.
Extra Tips
Be careful with Registry Editor: Changing the wrong settings can cause problems. Always back up your registry before making changes. Learn how here: Microsoft Registry Backup Guide
If you want an easier way, you can try third-party apps like Switcher or use virtual desktops (⊞ Win+Tab).
Summary
You can easily switch between the windowed and full screen Alt+Tab views in Windows 11 by following the steps to edit the Registry.
How to make a full screen tab windowed?
And the bar at the top disappears. And you've got full screen this works on other apps as well so here I have Windows Explorer. And I can of course maximize. It again but if I press F11.
Can you alt tab in fullscreen?
Yes, you can Alt+Tab when your current application is in full screen, but the full screen window itself won’t appear in the switcher.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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