Managing multiple open apps and windows is a common challenge for computer users. It can be difficult to navigate and switch between them, especially when working with several programs simultaneously. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to see all open apps and windows for Windows 10, 11, and Mac operating systems, making it easier to multitask and stay organized.
I. Windows 10
Task View
Task View is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that allows you to see all your open apps and windows in one place. To access Task View, follow these steps:
a. Locate the Task View icon on the taskbar, which looks like a rectangle with two smaller rectangles behind it.
b. Click the Task View icon or press the Windows key + Tab on your keyboard.
c. In Task View, you can click on any open app or window thumbnail to switch to it or close it by clicking the ‘X’ in the upper-right corner of the thumbnail.
Alt + Tab
Another way to see and switch between open apps and windows in Windows 10 is by using the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut:
a. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
b. Press the Tab key while still holding the Alt key.
c. A window will appear showing thumbnails of all your open apps and windows.
d. Continue to hold the Alt key and press Tab to cycle through the open apps and windows. Release the Alt key when you’ve selected the desired app or window.
Taskbar
The taskbar at the bottom of your screen displays icons for all currently open apps and windows. You can click on an icon to switch to that app or window or hover over the icon to see a thumbnail preview.
II. Windows 11
Task View
Task View is also available in Windows 11, but the process of accessing it is slightly different:
a. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
b. Select “Taskbar settings” from the context menu.
c. In the “Taskbar corner overflow” section, turn on the toggle switch for “Task View.”
d. Once enabled, the Task View icon will appear on the taskbar. Click the icon or press the Windows key + Tab to access Task View and view all open apps and windows.
Alt + Tab
The Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut functions the same way in Windows 11 as it does in Windows 10. Follow the steps mentioned in the Windows 10 section to use this shortcut in Windows 11.
Taskbar
Windows 11’s taskbar also displays icons for open apps and windows, allowing you to easily switch between them by clicking on the icons. Hover over an icon to see a thumbnail preview.
III. Mac
Mission Control
Mission Control is a feature on macOS that provides an overview of all your open apps and windows. To access Mission Control, follow these steps:
a. Press the F3 key on your keyboard or swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad.
b. In Mission Control, you’ll see thumbnails of all open apps and windows.
c. Click on a thumbnail to switch to the corresponding app or window, or click the ‘X’ in the upper-left corner of the thumbnail to close it.
App Exposé
App Exposé is another macOS feature that allows you to see all open windows of a specific app. To use App Exposé, follow these steps:
a. Click and hold the app icon in the Dock or press the Control key + Down Arrow on your keyboard when the app is active.
b. App Exposé will display thumbnails of all open windows for the selected app.
c. Click on a thumbnail to switch to the corresponding window or hover over a thumbnail and click the ‘X’ in the upper-left corner to close the window.
Alt + Tab (Command + Tab)
Mac users can also use a keyboard shortcut similar to Windows’ Alt + Tab to switch between open apps:
a. Hold down the Command key on your keyboard.
b. Press the Tab key while still holding the Command key.
c. A window will appear showing icons of all your open apps.
d. Continue to hold the Command key and press Tab to cycle through the open apps. Release the Command key when you’ve selected the desired app.
Hot Corners
Hot Corners is a macOS feature that allows you to trigger specific actions by moving your cursor to the corners of your screen. You can set up Hot Corners to activate Mission Control or App Exposé:
a. Click on the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
b. In the System Preferences window, click on “Mission Control.”
c. In the Mission Control preferences, click on the “Hot Corners” button in the bottom-left corner.
d. Choose a corner of your screen and select “Mission Control” or “Application Windows” from the drop-down menu.
e. Click “OK” to save your changes.
Now, when you move your cursor to the designated Hot Corner, Mission Control or App Exposé will be activated, allowing you to see all open apps and windows or open windows of a specific app, respectively.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several methods available for viewing and managing open apps and windows on Windows 10, 11, and macOS systems. By utilizing features like Task View, Mission Control, and keyboard shortcuts, you can improve your multitasking capabilities and efficiently navigate through open apps and windows. Experiment with these techniques to find the ones that best suit your workflow and personal preferences, and enjoy a more organized and efficient computing experience.
