How to change Number of Tabs from Apps to Show when Snapping or Alt+Tab in Windows 11

Understanding Alt+Tab and Snap Assist Previews

Alt+Tab lets you quickly switch between open windows by showing small previews. Snap Assist helps you arrange windows on your screen. In Windows 11, both can also show previews of tabs from apps like Microsoft Edge, helping you find the exact window or tab you need faster.

Option 1Adjusting Tab Previews Through ⚙️ Windows Settings (Easiest Method)

The Windows Registry editor offers the most user-friendly method to change the number of tabs shown when you multitask. This adjustment is ideal for everyday users who want a quick change without needing to explore complex settings.

1. ⚙️ Open Settings

   The fastest way to get here is by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard. This will pop open the main ⚙️ Windows Settings app.

2. Navigate to Multitasking Settings

   To change how many tabs show up when you snap windows or use Alt+Tab, you first need to open your Windows 11 Settings. On the left side, click ‘System,’ and then on the right side, find and click ‘Multitasking.’

   💡Tip

   If you don’t see “Multitasking” right away, scroll down the list on the right side. It might be a bit further down!

3. Expand the Desktops Section

   Inside the Multitasking settings, you’ll see a few different options. Find the one labeled Desktops and click on it to expand it. Even though it says “Desktops,” this section also controls the Alt+Tab and snapping behavior.

4. Choose Your Preferred Number of Tabs

   In the Multitasking settings, find the option that says ‘Show tabs from apps when snapping or pressing Alt+Tab.’ Click the dropdown menu below it to pick how many recent tabs you want to see: 20 for the most options, 5 for a balance, or 3 for fewer.

   • 20 most recent tabs: This is the maximum number of tabs Windows will show you. Great if you work with many browser tabs open and want quick access to them.
   
   
   • 5 most recent tabs: A good middle ground, showing a decent number without cluttering the screen too much.
   
   
   • 3 most recent tabs (default): This is likely what you have now. It shows just a few tabs, keeping the preview cleaner.
   
   
   • Don’t show tabs: If you find the tab previews distracting or unnecessary, selecting this option will turn them off completely. Alt+Tab will then only show your open windows, not individual tabs.

   Simply click on the option you prefer. Your change is usually applied immediately.

5. Close Settings

   That’s it! You can now close ⚙️ the Settings window. Try pressing Alt+Tab or dragging a window to the side to see your new settings in action.

Option 2Using the Registry Editor for Current User Settings

If ⚙️ the Settings app option isn’t working or you prefer more control, you can use the Registry Editor to change tab previews for your specific user account in Windows 11. Be cautious when editing the registry, as mistakes can cause problems.

Step-by-Step Registry Editing:

1. Open Registry Editor

   Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter or click OK. You might see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt; click Yes to continue.

2. Navigate to the Correct Registry Key

   To adjust tab previews using the Registry Editor for your user account, you need to go to a specific spot. Open the Registry Editor and navigate to this path: 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advancedcopy.

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

   Tip: You can also copy and paste the path directly into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window and press Enter.

3. Create or Modify the ‘MultiTaskingAltTabFilter’ Value (a registry entry that controls tab previews)

   Inside the Advanced folder in the Registry Editor, look in the right-hand panel for a value called ‘MultiTaskingAltTabFilter.’ If it’s there, double-click it. If not, right-click in an empty space, choose ‘New,’ then ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value,’ and name it exactly ‘MultiTaskingAltTabFilter.’

   • If the value exists: Double-click on MultiTaskingAltTabFilter.
   • If the value doesn’t exist: Right-click in the empty space in the right-hand pane, select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it exactly MultiTaskingAltTabFilter. Then, double-click on the new value you just created.

4. Set the Value Data

   When the ‘Value data’ window appears for ‘MultiTaskingAltTabFilter,’ enter a number to choose how many tabs show: 0 for 20 tabs, 1 for 5 tabs, 2 for 3 tabs, or 3 to show no tabs. Make sure ‘Base’ is set to Hexadecimal, then click OK.

   • 0 (zero): To show 20 most recent tabs.
   
   
   • 1: To show 5 most recent tabs.
   
   
   • 2: To show 3 most recent tabs (this is the default).
   
   
   • 3: To not show any tabs.

   
   

   The "Base" setting in the Registry Editor must be Hexadecimal, which is typically the default. After changing the "Base" to Hexadecimal, click OK to save the adjustment for the registry value.

5. 🔄 Restart Your PC or Sign Out

   For the changes to take effect, you usually need to either 🔄 restart your computer or sign out and sign back in. This ensures Windows reloads its settings.

Option 3Using Group Policy Editor for All Users (Windows Pro/Enterprise/Education Only)

Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education users can change tab preview settings for everyone on the PC using the Local Group Policy Editor. This tool lets you set system-wide rules that apply to all user accounts on the computer.

Note: If you have Windows 11 Home edition, you won’t have the Local Group Policy Editor. You can use Option 4, which involves registry edits for all users, instead.

Steps to Configure Group Policy:

1. Open Group Policy Editor

   Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Click Yes if you see a UAC prompt.

2. Navigate to the Multitasking Policy

   In the left pane of the Group Policy Editor, navigate through the folders to find the following path:

   User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Multitasking

3. Find the “Configure the inclusion of app tabs into Alt-Tab” Policy

   In the right-hand pane, look for a policy named Configure the inclusion of app tabs into Alt-Tab. Double-click on it to open its settings.

4. Enable the Policy and Choose Settings

   You have a few choices here:

   • To Control Tab Previews:

     In the Group Policy Editor, select ‘Enabled,’ then use the dropdown menu under ‘Pressing Alt+Tab shows’ to pick your preference: 20 tabs, 5 tabs, 3 tabs, or no tabs at all. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save your choice.

     • Open windows and 20 most recent tabs in apps
     
     
     • Open windows and 5 most recent tabs in apps
     
     
     • Open windows and 3 most recent tabs in apps
     
     
     • Open windows only (this means no tabs will be shown)

     Click Apply and then OK.

   • To Allow Users to Choose (Default Behavior):

     Select the Not Configured radio button. This will allow users to change the setting themselves using the ⚙️ Windows Settings app (Option 1) or the Registry Editor for their own account (Option 2). Click Apply and then OK.

5. Close Group Policy Editor

   You can now close the Group Policy Editor. Changes made here usually take effect immediately or after a restart/sign-out.

Option 4Using the Registry Editor for All Users

If you have Windows 11 Home or want to set tab preview behavior for all users on a PC, you can use the Registry Editor for system-wide changes. This method affects everyone who uses the computer, so follow the steps carefully.

Warning: Modifying the registry can cause system instability if not done carefully. Ensure you are following these steps exactly. Back up your registry first if possible.

Steps for All Users Registry Edit:

1. Open Registry Editor

   Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.

2. Navigate to the Policies Key

   You need to go to a specific location that policies are stored in. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

   Important: If the Explorer key doesn’t exist under Windows, you’ll need to create it. 🖱️ Right-click on the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it Explorer.

3. Create or Modify ‘MultiTaskingAltTabFilter’

   In the right-hand pane of the Explorer key, you need to create or modify the MultiTaskingAltTabFilter value.

   • If it exists: Double-click on MultiTaskingAltTabFilter.
   • If it doesn’t exist: Right-click in the empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it MultiTaskingAltTabFilter. Then double-click it.

4. Set the Value Data for All Users

   For system-wide tab previews, go to 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorercopy in the Registry Editor. In the ‘Value data’ field, enter 1 for 20 tabs, 2 for 5 tabs, 3 for 3 tabs, or 4 to show no tabs. Ensure the ‘Base’ is Hexadecimal, then click OK.

   • 1: To show 20 most recent tabs.
   
   
   • 2: To show 5 most recent tabs.
   
   
   • 3: To show 3 most recent tabs.
   
   
   • 4: To not show any tabs.

   Click OK.

   Note: You might also see entries in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer. These policies can sometimes override each other. For system-wide control, the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE path is generally more definitive.

   To Reset to Default: If you want to revert to allowing users to choose their own settings (like in Option 1), you can either delete the MultiTaskingAltTabFilter value from the registry key mentioned above or set its value data to 0 (zero) in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER path and ensure it’s not set in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE path.

5. 🔄 Restart Your Computer

   A system restart is typically required for these all-user registry changes to fully apply across Windows.

Conclusion

You can now easily change how many tabs show up when you use Alt+Tab or Snap Assist in Windows 11. Whether you use the simple ⚙️ Settings app or the more advanced Registry Editor, you can find the best way to manage your open tabs and improve your workflow.