In the realm of productivity, keyboard shortcuts are the unsung heroes that streamline our daily tasks. Among the most commonly used are the familiar Ctrl + C for copying and Ctrl + V for pasting. However, for those who frequently utilize the Alt + Tab shortcut to switch between applications, a recent update to Windows 11 24H2 has introduced an unwelcome disruption. Users have reported encountering frustrating freezes or a disconcerting black screen when attempting to use this shortcut.
According to reports from Windows Latest, this issue is not a solitary occurrence. A chorus of users on platforms such as Reddit and the Windows support forum have been grappling with this problem for several weeks. When the black screen appears, it typically lingers for about ten seconds before the system resumes its intended function. Given that Alt + Tab is designed to enhance efficiency, such delays are understandably vexing.
What to do if you’re affected
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue but has yet to provide a definitive solution, instead indicating that a patch is scheduled for release in December 2024. For those who depend on the Alt + Tab shortcut for their daily workflow, it may be prudent to delay updating to Windows 11 24H2 until this glitch is resolved.
If you have already made the leap to Windows 11 24H2, there are a couple of potential remedies to consider. One option is to disable Game Mode, which has proven to be a temporary fix for some users. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Select Gaming from the left-side panel.
- Click on Game Mode and toggle the setting to Off.
If the issue persists and proves to be a significant hindrance, reverting to a previous version of Windows 11 might be worth considering. While this may seem excessive for a single shortcut malfunction, it could be a viable solution, especially if you are also facing other challenges with network connectivity in Windows 11 24H2.
Further reading: Everything to know about Windows 11 24H2
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
