Switching between multiple open windows of the same program is a problem we try to solve in several ways. Sometimes you have applications that use tabs to view multiple files in one window. For those that don’t, users often turn to Windows’ Snap function or multiple monitors.

Today’s tip uses a different solution by importing a longtime keyboard shortcut from the Mac, Alt + ` (backtick). (The Mac version uses Cmd instead of Alt.) This simple keyboard shortcut, which you can easily hit with the same hand, automatically switches between multiple windows in the same program.

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Shortcut Key To Switch Between Tabs

• Tab from One Program to Another. A popular Windows shortcut key is Alt + Tab, which allows you to switch between all of your open programs. While continuing to hold down the Alt key, choose the program you want to open by clicking Tab until the correct application is highlighted, then release both keys.
• Windows 10 Tip: Master Multitasking Keyboard Shortcuts. Posted on July 29, 2015 by Paul Thurrott in Windows 10 with 0 Comments. Switch between open applications and windows.

Shortcut To Switch Between Programs

You can accomplish something similar with Windows’ tried-and-true Alt + Tab, but that shortcut switches between every open window on your desktop.

There are several programs that offer the backtick solution, but the one we’ll cover today is relatively new: Easy Windows Switcher from NeoSmart Technologies.

Key To Switch Between Windows

It’s a simple, behind-the-scenes program that’s only purpose is to allow you to hit Alt + ` to switch between windows from the same desktop application.

To install it, head over to the company’s site (link above) and download the EXE file. The site asks for your name and email before downloading, but handing that information over is not a requirement. Just hit the Download! button and you’ll be ready to go.

Key To Switch Between Monitors

Now click on the EXE file, and a properties window will open asking if you want to run Easy Windows Switcher for the current user session or to always have it run for the current user account. Choose whichever you prefer and that’s it. Open a program, hit Alt + ` and you’ll be switching between open windows in no time.

If Easy Windows Switcher isn’t for you, there’s also VistaSwitcher, a program we haven’t looked at since 2009 (it still works), but offers the backtick shortcut among other features.