Free fix

How to switch between windows on Mac, not just apps

Three Safari windows are one icon in ⌘Tab, and a minimized window can’t be reached at all. See every window instead.

Short answer

macOS ⌘Tab switches apps, and ⌘` cycles one app’s windows. MacFixes adds ⌥Tab, which shows every window with a preview.

Free in MacFixes.

What macOS gives you

⌘Tab switches between apps, not windows. ⌘` steps through the windows of the app you’re in, and Mission Control or App Exposé show windows on screen. Getting to one particular window — especially a minimized one — takes several steps.

How MacFixes fixes it

  1. 1
    Turn on the fix
    Open MacFixes Settings → Windows and turn on “Switch between windows” (or type its name into Search for a fix).
  2. 2
    Allow Accessibility
    macOS asks for Accessibility permission so MacFixes can list and switch windows. Previews also need Screen Recording; until it’s allowed, the switcher shows app icons.
  3. 3
    Press ⌥Tab
    Keep holding ⌥ and press Tab to move, let go to switch. ⌥` shows just the current app’s windows. Both shortcuts can be changed.
DownloadmacOS 14 Sonoma or later · free

Permissions, and turning it off

“Switch between windows” needs macOS’s Accessibility permission. macOS asks you, and you allow it once.

  • Accessibility lets an app see and work the windows, menus and buttons of other apps, and click or type for you. You can see it, and take it back, in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.

To stop using it, open MacFixes Settings → Windows and use the switch on the “Switch between windows” row.

Questions

Does it show minimized windows and other desktops?

Yes, both by default. You can also leave out hidden apps or show only windows on the display with the pointer.

Can I close windows from it?

Yes. While it’s open, W closes the window, M minimizes it, H hides the app and Q quits it. Type a letter to search.

More fixes macOS doesn’t give you

Switch between windows of the same app›Snap windows›Save and restore window layouts›Minimize an app by clicking its Dock icon›

One of 47 fixes and 10 apps in MacFixes. Every fix · Every app · Something else your Mac won’t do? Request it.

Switch between windows, not just apps with MacFixes

MacFixes has 47 fixes for things macOS gets wrong or leaves out. Add only the ones you want. This one is free. macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

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