How to Disable Edge Tabs in Alt + Tab on Windows 11
Tired of seeing Microsoft Edge tabs pop up when you use Alt+Tab in Windows 11? Here’s how to hide them.
Open Windows Settings, go to System, then Multitasking. Under the Alt+Tab section, select “Open windows only” from the dropdown menu. This hides Edge tabs from your Alt+Tab switcher.
Why do this?
The Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut (a quick way to switch between open applications by pressing the Alt key and the Tab key simultaneously) normally shows both open programs and recent browser tabs. This combined list can feel cluttered and hard to navigate. Changing this setting makes the Alt+Tab list show only active programs, which helps you focus.
What happens when done?
Disabling Edge tabs in Alt+Tab on Windows 11 stops the task switcher (the visual display that appears when you press Alt+Tab) from showing your Microsoft Edge browser tabs. The switcher will then only display your open program windows. This change makes switching between apps faster by removing web pages from view. This setting can be easily turned off in Multitasking settings.
To change these settings, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your computer. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or by clicking Start and then Settings.
- In the System menu, click on the Multitasking button.
- Find the section labeled Alt+Tab. Click the drop-down menu next to it.
- Select Open windows only from the list.
You can now close the Settings app. Your changes take effect immediately.
Summary
Windows 11 shows your most recent Microsoft Edge tabs in the Alt+Tab switcher by default, typically the last five. You can turn this off in the Multitasking settings. Once disabled, the switcher shows only your open apps, creating a cleaner view for quicker program jumps.- Windows 11 defaults to showing your 5 most recent Edge tabs when you press Alt+Tab.
- You can change this behavior in the Multitasking section of your Windows Settings.
- Choosing Open windows only removes the clutter of browser tabs from your task switcher.
- This setting is perfect for users who want a simple and clean way to switch between apps.
Why does the alt tab show all browser tabs?
Why does Alt+Tab show browser tabs? A recent update, codenamed Redstone 5, changed how Alt+Tab works to include both Windows 10 tabs and browser tabs. Follow our steps above if you wish to disable this and restore the old Alt+Tab view.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!