How to fix
Can’t bring a window to the foreground
on Windows

I have difficulty with the Windows 11 version. I cannot bring the window to the foreground. I don't know why but sometimes when I try to maximize the window from the taskbar, it does work, but mainly I can only see small window of my browser for example, but once I click it the window does not come to the foreground. Help me!

The issue when users can't bring a window to the foreground in Windows can be frustrating and keep users from working normally on the machine. Windows operating system is the thing that evolves and gets upgrades commonly. Those updates for Windows 10 often have issues.[ref en-1] It is totally normal, and with the release of Windows 11 issues also come.

The new addition to the machine like installation of the operating system, upgrades of the OS, can have issues within the process. It is common, so users[ref en-2] get to experience unexpected issues and feature failures. This issue seems to repeat on various versions of the OS, not only Windows 11. Sometimes settings get messed up, or files that are needed did not get properly downloaded on the machine. 

It is understandable that the problem - Can't bring a window to the foreground in Windows 11 seems major, but there is no need to panic, and the needed steps should be taken. Altering some of the settings can be difficult and lead to additional issues if you are not tech-savvy.[ref en-3]

It is always recommended to rely on trustworthy tools when it comes to infections, cyber threats, issues with the system files and functions. We also recommend going for the automatic options first. You can check for damaged files and system features using [d1] or a similar system tool and repair any issues with files this way. It can be a quick option for this solution.

1. Check mouse settings

• Open Control Panel and find View mode.
• Select large icon.
  

  

  
  
• Select Ease of Access Center.
• Choose mouse options.
  

  

• Click Make the mouse easier to use.
• Uncheck Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse under the list of options.
• Hold down Windows + X key and launch Task Manager.
  

  

  
  
• Find and select Windows Explorer.
• Click Restart.

2. Check for updates of the OS

• Type update on the Windows search bar.
• Select Check for updates.
  

  

  
  
• Click on Check for updates button, it will automatically check for the Windows update if any update is pending.

3. Reset Windows Update components

• Search for cmd in the bottom bar and then select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
  

  

  
  
• Type the following commands at a command prompt. Press the ENTER key after you type each command:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folder by typing the following commands:
  ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old
• Type the following commands in the Command Prompt then and press the ENTER after each one:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Type Exit in the Command Prompt to close it and then restart the computer.

4. Troubleshoot

• Right-click on the start menu select settings.
• Click on Update & Security then Troubleshoot.
• Click Additional troubleshooters.
  

  

  
  
• Under the Get up and running section, select the Windows Update option.
• Click the Run the troubleshooter button and follow on-screen instructions.
  

  

• Let the troubleshooter diagnose and resolve any issues.