One of the tools that we usually use most in Windows is the well-known keyboard shortcut of Alt + Tab, to be able to switch comfortably between the different programs that we are running at the same time. The main problem with this tool is that it is too small and if we have several programs open, it will be even smaller. To solve this problem we can alternatively use a tool called Alt-Tab Terminator , which we will talk about next.
Every time we use the Alt-Tab key combination, Windows shows us a floating menu or window, thanks to which we can move between one window and another with the programs we are using quickly, allowing us to move from one to another without having to go down or up tabs until we find the one we want. Despite its usefulness, it does not have great customization options, so if we use it regularly, this advanced tool will be very useful.
Alt-Tab Terminator, the evolution of the preview
Alt-Tab Terminator is an elegant tool designed to obtain better performance and functionality from the default Alt-Tab function that is incorporated by default in Windows 10. With it we will obtain a replacement screen with which we can preview and manage the different applications that we are running.
With this application we will have more control over the windows of the preview that is activated by default, by a new preview with a better administration capacity and with the possibility of configuring and replacing the keyboard shortcut of Win-Tab keys. In addition, it allows us to show a preview of the entire desktop with the name of each application, as well as placing all the open windows within an ordered list of tasks that allows us to navigate more efficiently using the keys on our keyboard.
Main features
- Preview : shows us a preview of the desktop with all the applications we are running to be able to switch between them, even if we have several secondary windows.
- Quick and easy navigation : it allows us to navigate the entire list of tasks from our keyboard, using the arrow keys, tabulator, start, end, etc.) or our mouse.
- Delete large labels : now the window titles are organized in a vertical task list and each one incorporates a large icon so that we can choose the desired window quickly without the possibility of making a mistake.
Improve Windows Alt-Tab function
Once we have installed Alt-Tab Terminator on our computer, we can run it through its shortcut included on the desktop or in the taskbar or directly by pressing the Alt-Tab combination. This will appear by default instead of Windows 10 preview.
Its main menu has a clear and simple interface , in addition to being completely in Spanish. On the left side we will find the list of applications that we have active and on the right side a preview of it. We just have to go pressing one in another to access the application we want at any time. It is also possible to put it in full screen mode , by clicking on its corresponding icon in the lower left or by pressing the F11 key.
At the top left we have a Task List . To access it we must press the button with the form of three vertical stripes, where we will find the menu and the program settings . From there, we can configure the Dark Theme or configure the size of the preview, among other functions. We will also have a settings tab where we can establish keyboard shortcuts.
If we right-click on any of the open applications, we will get a tab of functions to perform on it. From there we can Close, Minimize, Maximize, Restore, Delete or Execute. Each of these actions has its corresponding keyboard shortcut.
Download Alt-Tab Terminator
To be able to use Alt-Tab Terminator it is necessary to acquire your commercial license that has a cost of $ 19.95 . This license is for life and allows us to use the application on any computer that we have. This useful tool is compatible with Windows 7/8/10 and has 32 and 64 bit versions. If we want to test it before deciding on its purchase, we can download a free trial version from the developer’s website.
The latest version available is 4.8 , which dates from May 9, 2020 , which shows a good support and update policy by the developer and in case of acquiring it we can have the peace of mind that, for the moment, the application has with good support.
Alternatives to Alt-Tab Terminator
If you regularly use the Windows Alt-Tab function, but you need an application with which to get the most out of it, you can choose one of these alternatives to Alt-Tab Terminator.
FastWindowSwitcher
It is a free open source application with which we can provide more functions to the classic Windows Alt-Tab tool, making it faster and more comfortable to use. It is especially useful for having a large number of open applications. THE application does not need installation, so we can use it without problems even in portable mode and it can be downloaded from the GitHub website .
AltTabAlternative
This small application created by AutoHotkey, is a great alternative to the Windows Alt-Tab tool. With it we can filter windows to quickly find the correct application. We can also switch between windows and end all processes naturally or forcedly. This tool is free and can be downloaded from the Sourceforge website .