Alt + Tab problem: Windows 11’s 24H2 update turns a time-saving shortcut into a ten-second headache
- The Windows 11 24H2 update caused some users to experience black screens or freezes when using the Alt + Tab shortcut, which is supposed to switch windows but is now causing slowdowns or glitches
- Some users have found that disabling Game Mode can help as a temporary solution. Alternatively, users can revert to an earlier version of Windows 11 if the problem is too disruptive
- Microsoft is aware of the issue and plans to release a patch in December 2024, although Windows 11’s reputation is affected by recurring update issues
Windows 11 24H2 wasn’t released until October 1, 2024, but we’ve already seen a steady stream of issues since then, and now there appears to be a new problem with the commonly used Alt + Tab keyboard shortcuts. Pressing these keys together will trigger a black screen after updating for some users, instead of switching between windows as the shortcut should do.
Unfortunately, after updating to Windows 11 24H2, some users have experienced their PC freezing or displaying a black screen after using this shortcut. This was initially picked up by Windows Latest, which links to posts on Reddit and the Windows Support Forum about how some users have been dealing with the problem for weeks. So if you’re experiencing this glitch, you’re not alone.
According to reports, users will see their screen go black for about ten seconds before the shortcut finally works as intended. What should be a simple time saver in Windows 11 has turned into quite a frustrating, unexpected pause.
What to try next if you experience this problem
According to PCWorldMicrosoft is aware of the problem but has not yet released a fix, although it promises to release a patch update in December 2024. Currently, you have a few options if you really want to continue using the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut as intended.
First, you can try disabling Game Mode. Some users in the posts mentioned above claim that this is a temporary solution.
Follow these steps:
1. Open Institutions.
2. Go to Gaming in the left panel.
3. Select Game mode and switch the Game Mode setting to Out.
If this works, you can probably continue using the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut for a while.
Otherwise, you can delay or uninstall Windows 11 24H2 and use an earlier version of Windows 11 until the problem is resolved. This would only be my recommendation if you really can’t live without this shortcut, as it will remove all the features, changes and fixes that the 24H2 update also brought. If you can stomach it, I suggest you sit tight until we get an official fix for it from Microsoft.
Windows 11 24H2 brings some useful and intriguing new features, but it risks developing a reputation that Microsoft will have to work hard to recover from. All hope is not lost as Windows 10 had some annoying bugs introduced in updates, but it remains very popular among users now. I guess we’ll have to see how Windows 11 continues to do, and hope that Microsoft puts an end to this series of buggy updates and eventually turns the operating system into something worth sticking with.
