Command Tab not working on your Mac? Why, and how to fix it

The app switcher stops appearing, skips an app, or switches to the wrong window. The causes on a Mac, and why Command Tab never shows every window.

Guide · Updated 16 October 2026

Why is Command Tab not working on my Mac?

  1. The Dock is stuck. The app switcher runs inside the Dock. Restart it with killall Dock in Terminal; nothing else closes. See a frozen Dock.
  2. Another app took the shortcut. Switcher apps and some games replace ⌘ Tab. Quit them and try again. See shortcut conflicts.
  3. A key is failing. Try the other ⌘ key. If one works and not the other, it is the key.

Why does Command Tab not show all my windows?

Because it switches apps, not windows. Each app shows once, however many windows it has. To pick a window, use ⌘ backtick within an app, or App Exposé.

Why does Command Tab not bring back a minimized window?

It brings the app forward, but leaves minimized windows in the Dock. Hold ⌥ as you let go of ⌘, with the app selected, to bring a minimized window back too.

More on switching: switch between windows on a Mac.

Checked on 16 October 2026 on a MacBook Air (M1) running macOS 27.0.1, by reading its settings and the labels in System Settings. Nothing was changed.

Questions

How do I fix Command Tab on Mac?

Restart the Dock with killall Dock in Terminal, and quit any app that replaces the app switcher.

Why does Command Tab not show all windows?

It switches apps, not windows. Use Command backtick or Control Down Arrow for windows.

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