How to close a window when using Alt + Tab in Windows 11

When there are many windows open in Windows, your taskbar may look saturated, so you will want to close some to improve fluidity.

While Alt+Tab in Windows 11 offers a convenient way to switch between open windows, it lacks a built-in function to directly close them from within this view. However, fret not! Here are a couple of methods to achieve this using key combinations:

How to close a window when using Alt + Tab in Windows 11
Swift Closure with Delete Key:

• Open the Alt+Tab view by pressing the respective keys simultaneously.
• Navigate to the window you want to close using the Tab key or arrow keys. Remember to hold the Alt key throughout this process.
• With the desired window highlighted, press the Delete key and then release the Alt key. The window will promptly close.

Alternative Shortcut: Ctrl+W for the Close

• Launch the Alt+Tab view as described previously.
• Use the Tab key or arrow keys to navigate to your target window, keeping the Alt key pressed.
• Once the window is highlighted, press Ctrl+W on your keyboard and release the Alt key. This will close the window without needing to open it first.

Bonus Tip: Arrow Keys for Navigation Freedom

Instead of relying solely on the Tab key, you can leverage the left and right arrow keys for more granular control while navigating through windows in Alt+Tab view. This approach offers greater flexibility, especially when dealing with a large number of open windows.

Closing Unresponsive Windows:

If you encounter a window that stubbornly refuses to close using the traditional methods (clicking the "X" on the top right or using the taskbar), Alt+Tab can still come to the rescue. Here's what to do:

• Enter the Alt+Tab view.
• Navigate to the unresponsive window using the Tab key or arrow keys.
• Press the Delete key repeatedly while keeping the Alt key held down. This persistent tapping might force the window to close.

Expanding Your Horizons: Win+Tab as an Option

While Alt+Tab reigns supreme for many users, Windows 11 also offers the Win+Tab shortcut to access the Task View. The window closing methods we discussed (Delete key or Ctrl+W with Alt held) work seamlessly within Win+Tab as well. So, feel free to experiment and choose the approach that best suits your workflow.

Addressing Limitations and Exploring Alternatives

It's important to note that these methods are limited to closing windows with a visible interface. Programs running in the background won't be affected.

For users seeking more advanced Alt+Tab functionality, consider exploring third-party tools. These utilities can enhance the Alt+Tab experience by enabling features like preview thumbnails, window grouping, and, of course, direct window closure from within the Alt+Tab view.

By mastering these techniques, you can streamline your window management workflow in Windows 11, allowing you to efficiently switch and close windows without breaking your stride.

This concludes our guide on How to close a window when using Alt + Tab in Windows 11, we hope it has been a lot of help for you to lower the load on your taskbar.