How to Switch to a Background Application That Is Not in the Taskbar
- 1). Make sure the application is running. Most applications are listed in the taskbar, even if running in the background. Right-click the taskbar and select "Task Manager." Click the "Applications" tab to see a list of all running applications. If the desired application is running but listed as "Not Responding," select the entry and click "End Task" and reopen the application. If the application is running, move on to the next step.
- 2). Press and hold the "Windows" key and "Tab" key simultaneously. This will bring up the Aero Flip utility, a 3-D carousel view of all the running applications and open windows. Press "Tab" to cycle through the applications. When you have reached the desired application, let go of the "Windows" key and "Tab" to bring that application to the foreground.
- 3). Press and hold the "Alt" key and "Tab" key. This brings up the classic Windows application switcher, display thumbnails of the currently opened application windows. Again, press "Tab" to cycle through the applications, stopping on the desired application and letting go of the keys to bring the application to the foreground.