Question
Issue: [Fix] Windows 11 freezes when alt-tabbing from the game
Hello. My Windows 11 PC started freezing whenever I alt-tab from a game. It has happened multiple times and it is super annoying. Can I do anything to fix this?
Solved Answer
Windows 11 is the newest operating system from Microsoft. It was released at the end of 2021 and it offers an updated user interface, design, and many other features.[1] However, many people noticed that there are issues with the newest version of Windows. There are various bugs, glitches, and freezes.
Recently, many people have flooded the online forums with a new problem – Windows 11 freezes when alt-tabbing from the game. Users report the screen freezing but the audio still playing and the mouse cursor working but not clicking on anything. The issue happens while playing Valorant, Forza, and other games.
While it is unknown why exactly Windows 11 could start freezing when alt-tabbing from the game, in this guide, you will find 6 steps that could help you fix it. You will learn how to uninstall Windows updates, use the system restore utility, and much more.
If you want to avoid a lengthy troubleshooting process, you can also use a maintenance tool like RestoroMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[2] corrupted files, and registry[3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below carefully.
Method 1. Fix Corrupted System Files
Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Use the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- Reboot your system
- If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Method 2. Revert to the old Alt+Tab System
- Click on the search bar and type in regedit
- Open the Registry Editor and visit this path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer
- Right-click on the Explorer folder and pick new, then DWORD value (32 bit)
- Set the name as AltTabSettings
- Double-click on the newly created AltTabSettings and change the value from 0 to 1
- Click OK and restart your system
Method 3. Switch from Fill to Letterbox in Valorant
If you experience this issue while playing Valorant, you can try changing the settings, which some users say has helped make the crashes less frequent.
- Click on the Video tab on the top right
- Go to the General Settings and find the Aspect Ratio Method
- Choose Letterbox and press APPLY
Method 4. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
Before proceeding, keep in mind that this can leave your device unprotected from the latest security threats.
- In Settings, from the left sidebar, select Windows Update
- On the Windows Update page, click Update History
- From the Related Settings section, choose Uninstall Updates
- To remove an update, select it in the list and then click Uninstall
- Click Yes in the prompt to continue
Method 5. Perform a System Restore
- Go to the Start menu, type
restore, and click on Create a restore point - Click System Restore, then follow the prompts until you can select a restore point
- Select the one you want (ideally before the freezing problems started) and go ahead with the process
Method 6. Perform a Repair Install
- Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 11 Installation Media
- Run the Media Creation Tool and select Create Installation Media for another PC
- Select your USB drive
- Let the Process complete of writing the Installation files to the USB drive
- Click Finish
- On the PC you wish to upgrade, Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer
- Open the Removable drive and click Setup.exe
- Accept the license terms on the next screen
- Confirm the Upgrade options – Files, apps and Settings are kept
- Click Install, and the upgrade should start
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Gabriel E. Hall is an expert troubleshooter who has been working in the information technology industry for years.
- ^ Alison DeNisco Rayome. Microsoft launched Windows 11. Now what? Essential info about the new OS. Cnet. Computing News.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death. Howtogeek. Tech Insight Magazine.
- ^ Tim Fisher. What Is the Windows Registry?. Lifewire. Software and Apps.
