Edge Tabs in Alt+Tab: How to Configure It

You can control whether Microsoft Edge tabs appear in the Windows Alt+Tab switcher by changing a single setting in Windows Settings. This article explains exactly where that setting is, how it works, and how to choose the behavior that suits you.

What This Setting Does

Windows 10 and Windows 11 integrate Edge tabs into the Alt+Tab task switcher. Instead of showing only open windows, Alt+Tab can also show individual tabs from the Edge browser. This is a deliberate design choice by Microsoft, and it is enabled by default on many systems. The setting is not in Edge itself—it lives in the Windows Settings app under System > Multitasking.

How to Change the Setting

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System > Multitasking.
3. Scroll to the section labeled Alt+Tab.
4. Click the dropdown under Pressing Alt+Tab shows.
5. Choose one of the four options.

That’s it. The change applies immediately—no restart needed. If you have multiple monitors, the setting applies to all of them.

The Four Options Explained

• Open windows only – Alt+Tab shows only open application windows, as it did in older Windows versions. Edge tabs are not included.
• Open windows and 5 most recent tabs – Shows all open windows plus the five most recently used Edge tabs.
• Open windows and 3 most recent tabs – Same as above, but only the three most recent Edge tabs appear.
• Open windows and all tabs – Every Edge tab appears in Alt+Tab, which can make the switcher very crowded if you have many tabs open.

Note that the “most recent� tabs are determined by your last interaction with them, not the order they were opened. If you switch to a tab, it moves to the front of the list.

Why Microsoft Added This

Edge is built on the same engine as Chrome, and many users keep dozens of tabs open. Microsoft’s intention was to reduce the need to switch between windows and tabs separately. By showing tabs in Alt+Tab, you can jump directly to a specific tab without first going to the Edge window and then clicking the tab. It’s a convenience feature, but it can be confusing if you expect Alt+Tab to show only windows.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“I can’t find the setting.� The Alt+Tab section is only present in Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. If you have an older Windows 10 build, update first. Also, the setting is under System, not Personalization.

“Edge tabs still show after I selected ‘Open windows only.’� This can happen if you have another browser, like Chrome, that has its own tab integration. The Windows setting only affects Edge. If you use Chrome, you need to disable its own tab strip feature or use a third-party tool. Also, check that you’ve actually selected the option and not just opened the dropdown.

“I want to include tabs from other browsers.� Windows does not natively support that. Chrome has a similar setting under Settings > Appearance > “Show tabs in Alt+Tab� (on some versions). Firefox does not have this integration. You can use a third-party utility like AltDrag or Switcheroo, but they are not official.

Alternatives and Power User Tips

• Use Win+Tab to open Task View, which shows all windows and virtual desktops. Edge tabs do not appear there unless you enable them in the same Multitasking setting.
• Use Ctrl+Tab inside Edge to cycle through tabs within the browser window.
• Use Edge’s tab search (the down arrow next to the tab strip) to quickly find a tab by name.
• Pin frequently used tabs in Edge so they don’t clutter Alt+Tab if you choose “all tabs.â€�

If you frequently switch between a few key tabs, the “5 most recent� option is often a good balance. If you rarely use Alt+Tab for tabs, “Open windows only� keeps the switcher clean.

How It Behaves on Windows 10 vs Windows 11

The setting exists in both, but the visual design differs. On Windows 11, Alt+Tab shows larger thumbnails and a more modern look. On Windows 10, it’s the classic smaller icons. The functionality is identical. One difference: on Windows 11, if you have multiple Edge windows, each window’s tabs are grouped under that window’s thumbnail in the Alt+Tab view, which can be helpful or confusing depending on your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setting affect Edge on other devices?

No, it’s a per-device Windows setting. If you sign in to Edge with the same profile on another computer, the Alt+Tab behavior is controlled by that computer’s Windows settings, not your Edge profile.

Can I make Alt+Tab show tabs from Edge but not from other apps?

Yes, the setting is specifically for Edge. Other apps that have tabbed interfaces (like Notepad++ or some terminals) are not affected. Only Edge tabs are integrated into the Windows Alt+Tab switcher.

Why does Alt+Tab sometimes show a tab I closed?

If you close a tab, it should disappear immediately. If you see a stale tab, it’s likely a rendering glitch. Try pressing Alt+Tab twice or restarting Explorer.exe. This is rare and usually fixed by a Windows update.

Is there a way to temporarily disable this without changing settings?

No, there is no keyboard shortcut to toggle it. You have to go into Settings. However, you can use Win+Tab instead of Alt+Tab if you want to see only windows temporarily—Task View does not show Edge tabs unless you’ve selected “all tabs� and even then it shows them in a separate section.

Does this setting affect the Alt+Tab behavior in remote desktop sessions?

Yes, but the remote machine’s setting applies. If you’re connecting to a remote PC, the Alt+Tab behavior is determined by the remote PC’s Windows settings, not your local one. This can be confusing if you have different settings on each.

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