Repolode
Submit
sigoden

sigoden/window-switcher

A Windows utility that switches between windows of the same app with Alt+` and optionally switches apps with Alt+Tab.

Open-source alternative to:Alt+Tab

View on GitHub
Stars
1,230
Forks
81
Open issues
2
Last commit
3 months ago

What is it?

Window Switcher is a Windows desktop utility that adds keyboard shortcuts for moving between open windows. Holding Alt and tapping the backtick key cycles through windows belonging to the same application, which is useful when working with several instances of an editor, browser or terminal. An optional Alt+Tab replacement switches between applications instead.

Hotkeys, minimal-window handling and virtual desktop behavior are set in a window-switcher.ini file placed next to the executable. Options include a blacklist of applications where the hotkey should not intercept input, such as games, and a tray icon toggle. The program is distributed as a standalone exe, and can also be installed through Scoop or a PowerShell install script.

Running it in administrator mode allows it to manage windows of elevated applications. Startup behavior should be enabled from an elevated launch to keep that privilege after a reboot.

Key features

  • 01Alt+` cycles through windows of the same application.
  • 02Optional Alt+Tab replacement for switching between apps.
  • 03Customizable hotkeys and behavior via an INI config file.
  • 04Blacklist to disable hotkeys for specific executables such as games.
  • 05Option to limit switching to the current virtual desktop.
  • 06Runs as a standalone executable and can be installed via Scoop.

Use cases

  • Switching quickly between several windows of one editor or browser.
  • Keeping Alt+Tab for app switching while using a separate key for same-app windows.
  • Excluding games from the hotkey so they receive keystrokes normally.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download windows-switcher.zip from the GitHub releases page

  2. 2

    Extract window-switcher.exe and double-click it to run (no installation needed)

  3. 3

    Or install via PowerShell one-liner

    Install with the official instructions in the README

Things to know

  • Windows only; it does not run on other operating systems.
  • Running as administrator is needed to manage apps that run elevated.

Topics

#windows#window-management#hotkeys#productivity#rust#alt-tab#windows-rs#windows-switcher

FAQ

What is window-switcher?
A Windows utility that switches between windows of the same app with Alt+` and optionally switches apps with Alt+Tab. Window Switcher is a Windows desktop utility that adds keyboard shortcuts for moving between open windows. Holding Alt and tapping the backtick key cycles through windows belonging to the same application, which is useful when working with several instances of an editor, browser or terminal. An optional Alt+Tab replacement switches between applications instead.
Is window-switcher free to use? What license does it have?
window-switcher is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is window-switcher still maintained?
Updated within 6 months. The last commit to window-switcher was on Aug 2, 2026.
What can I use window-switcher for?
Switching quickly between several windows of one editor or browser. Keeping Alt+Tab for app switching while using a separate key for same-app windows. Excluding games from the hotkey so they receive keystrokes normally.
How do I install window-switcher?
Download windows-switcher.zip from the GitHub releases page Extract window-switcher.exe and double-click it to run (no installation needed) Or install via PowerShell one-liner
Where can I get window-switcher?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/sigoden/window-switcher

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

Related projects