How do I use the keyboard to switch screens on Windows?

Windows
1

I was working on multiple displays and my mouse suddenly stopped working. I need to know how to switch screens using just the keyboard on my Windows computer. Does anyone know the shortcuts or a way to do this?

2

If your mouse just stopped working all of a sudden and you’re deep into your work, I feel your pain! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can navigate between screens using just your keyboard on a Windows system:

  1. Ensure you’re on the Desktop: First, you might want to make sure you’re starting from the desktop for easier navigation. You can minimize all open windows by pressing Windows + D.

  2. Switch Between Open Applications:

    • Use Alt + Tab to toggle between open applications. Hold the Alt key and then press Tab repeatedly to cycle through the thumbnails of your open apps. This works across multiple screens.
    • If you want even more control, Windows + Tab will bring up Task View, which shows a more comprehensive view of all open windows and desktops. Once in Task View, use the arrow keys to move between windows, and press Enter to select.

  3. Use Virtual Desktops:

    • If you’ve got virtual desktops set up, Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right Arrow lets you switch between them. This can help if you mentally map certain tasks or projects to different virtual spaces.

  4. Moving Windows Across Screens:

    • To move an active window from one screen to another, Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow does the trick. This will jump the active window left or right across monitors.

  5. Access Quick Settings:

    • Sometimes, you need to adjust display settings quickly. Windows + P opens the project menu, where you can choose between “PC screen only,” “Duplicate,” “Extend,” or “Second screen only” options. What you probably need is the “Extend” option, allowing you to easily work across multiple monitors.

  6. Navigate Within Applications:

    • Many applications have their own shortcuts. For instance, within web browsers, Ctrl + 1, 2, 3, ... will switch between tabs, which might help you get the tab you want into focus.
    • If you’re working in an Office app, Alt brings up shortcut keys for the app’s ribbon menu. For example, Alt + W in Word switches to the “View” tab, then you can use arrow keys to adjust.

  7. Using the Taskbar:

    • Applications pinned to the taskbar can be swiftly opened with Windows + [number key]. The number corresponds to the position on the taskbar, so Windows + 1 opens the first pinned app, Windows + 2 opens the second, and so forth.

  8. Command Prompt for Advanced Users:

    • This might be a bit technical, but if you’re comfortable with the command line, you can use powershell or cmd to launch specific apps directly. For instance, explorer . opens a new File Explorer window in the current directory.

Here’s some additional context that might be useful depending on what you’re trying to achieve:

Rescue Stuck Applications:
If you get stuck in an unresponsive application, Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens the Task Manager. Within Task Manager, navigate with your arrow keys to the problematic application, hit Tab to switch to the bottom menu, and press End Task.

Display Settings Management:
In cases where you need to tweak the display settings (like changing screen order, or resolution without a mouse), Windows + I opens Settings. From there, you can navigate using the Tab key and arrow keys.

Handy Accessibility Tool:
The built-in On-Screen Keyboard can also be enabled if typing becomes an issue (Windows + Ctrl + O). This can be navigated with the keyboard, giving you a way to “click” on any on-screen keyboard buttons without a mouse.

Hopefully, these shortcuts can keep you productive until you fix your mouse issue. It’s always good to have a backup plan for these tech hiccups!

3

Well, byteguru gave a pretty comprehensive answer, but honestly, who actually remembers all these shortcuts? I bet half of them will either be annoying to memorize or just plain impractical when you’re in a pinch. There are a few tricks zapped past this detailed explanation, though.

Navigating entirely with the keyboard might seem cool in theory, but what happens when you’re deep in a software like Photoshop or Premiere? Those ‘Windows + Arrow’ tricks can’t display a precise point you need to click on. Sometimes just delegating this to a cheap wireless mouse is far more practical. I mean, a spare mouse is like what, five bucks?

And about using ‘Windows + P’ for the project menu, let’s be real here, who needs all that setup when most people can manage with ‘Win+Shift+Left/Right Arrow’ for shifting windows between screens?

Look, if you’re all about efficiency with no frills, ‘Alt + Tab’ is your go-to. But note that ‘Ctrl + Alt + Tab’ does the same bit, holding the selection box up until you press Enter - a much hands-free navigation.

On-screen keyboard as a backup plan? Seriously? That’s bothersome at best. I’d rather troubleshoot or fix the mouse. Or better, invest time reaching out a spare mouse or use another platform like macOS, where trackpad gestures can be a lifesaver.

Byte mentioned using the ‘command line,’ really? Let’s not get over the heads of most users here with terminal tricks unless you’re a hardcore coder or IT person.

Lastly, have you thought about voice control? Microsoft Cortana or even third-party stuff like Dragon NaturallySpeaking could allow you to run commands while your mouse is MIA. It’s worth exploring if you absolutely loathe keyboard shortcuts.

Bottom line, keep these keyboard tricks in mind just as a backup plan. In practical day-to-day work, having a contingency like a spare mouse or using OS alternatives might be your smoother, less stressful option.

4

@techchizkid and @byteguru definitely covered a lot of ground with those shortcuts, but let’s face it: nobody memorizes all those key combinations unless they’ve been living that keyboard-life forever. I’ll add my two cents without rehashing all the same tricks.

First off, I kinda disagree about using the on-screen keyboard. Sure, it’s there, but really? Navigating that thing is a nightmare on all levels, and it’s slower than a turtle on vacation. I get the desperate times call for desperate measures bit, but you’re better off finding a five-buck spare mouse and saving yourself the headache.

If you’re already using Alt + Tab and Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow, great, but here’s a simple trick that doesn’t get mentioned enough: Windows Match Hotkeys. For example, if you have specific programs pinned to your taskbar, Windows Key + 1/2/3... can bring them up quickly. So, let’s say your browser is in position 2, hit Win + 2, and you’re back in the game.

Another angle that’s often overlooked is voice control. Windows has a built-in voice command thing (aka Cortana) which can sometimes cover the bases you’re fumbling over without a mouse. It’s not perfect, but it’s a neat workaround if you can’t stand punching in shortcuts by memory.

For those who like living dangerously (not really), why not learn a bit of PowerShell? It’s intimidating at first, but you can launch apps directly and even pull off some advanced maneuvers. Way too nerdy? Then skip it.

Also, one practical tip (especially if you’re consistently juggling multiple screens for work): invest in a KVM switch. It’s like a hardware shortcut! It can instantly switch the control of multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse set. The hardware solution trumps all software workarounds because, let’s be honest, fiddling with software gets old real fast.

There’s one handy tip from the gaming world: AutoHotkey scripts. You can customize your own shortcuts for switching screens or moving windows around. But, yea, there’s a bit of a learning curve.

In conclusion, while those keyboard-only maneuvers work in theory, the real-world application demands a mix of practical tools and tech hacks. Having a backup mouse, using voice commands, or a KVM switch can save you loads of keyboard acrobatics.