Computer Randomly Tabs Out [9 FIXES]

In case you are wondering, “Why does my computer randomly tabs out,” it may be due to corrupt drivers or faulty background processes. However, we tested many solutions to eliminate the issue, such as updating the drivers and disabling unwanted processes. 

Key Takeaways

• Corrupt device drivers, outdated Windows, and faulty peripherals can be a few reasons why your computer randomly tabs out. 
• Update the Windows, run antivirus scans, and disable background services to fix the problem.
• Consult a technical expert if the problem persists despite the fixes.

Why Does Your Computer Randomly Tabs Out?

There may be various reasons causing the issue on your computer, such as:

• Glitches or bugs in the system.
• Conflicting applications.
• Using faulty peripherals.
• Corrupt or outdated drivers.
• Malware or viruses in the system.
• Using outdated Windows.
• Incorrect keyboard shortcuts.
• Faulty background processes.

Also Read: Windows 11: Computer Won’t Wake Up From Sleep 

How To Fix Computer Randomly Tabs Out?

We found a few effective solutions for this issue that we will discuss in this section. Furthermore, before proceeding to the fixes, try power cycling your computer, as it is a common way to troubleshoot computer errors.

Update Keyboard And Graphics Card Drivers

Updating the relevant drivers, such as the keyboard and graphics card, can prevent the computer from randomly tabbing out. 

Follow the steps below to update your keyboard’s drivers:

1. Right-click on the “Windows” icon on the “Taskbar.”
2. Navigate to and select “Device Manager.”

   

3. Double-click on “Keyboard.”
4. Right-click on the connected keyboard to open the sub-menu.
5. Select “Update Driver.”

   

6. In the next window, pick “Search Automatically For Drivers.”
    

   

    

7. Repeat the same steps for “Display Adapters” (graphics card drivers).

Check For Malware And Viruses

You can run a Microsoft Defender Offline Scan and scan via third-party apps like Avast, McAfee, and more. Use this guide to learn how to check malware and viruses on your PC.

Reconnect The Keyboard And Mouse

When our computer kept alt-tabbing for no reason, we removed the connected peripherals, like the mouse and keyboard, softly blew over the ports, and reconnected their cables. Doing so fixed the error on our computer. 

Perform A Disk Check

Issues with the computer’s disks can also cause the system to malfunction. There are multiple ways to run a disk check in Windows, so resort to any one of them.

Disable Microsoft Office In Background

Sometimes, Microsoft Office running in the background can disrupt the computer’s functioning. Hence, disable the process and then check for the error.

Resort to the instructions below to disable Microsoft in the background:

1. Again, right-click on the “Start” menu, but choose “Computer Management” for this fix.

   

2. Double-click “System Tools” from the left panel on this window.
3. Expand “Task Scheduler.”
4. Click on “Task Scheduler Library” and then “Microsoft.”
5. Under Microsoft, select “Office.”
6. Do right-click “OfficeBackgorundTaskHandlerRegistration” and hit “Disable” in the drop-down.

   

Also Read: HDMI Port Not Working On PC

Modify Settings In Registry Editor

Tweak some settings in the system registry editor to get back to a stable display. In addition, know the things to consider when buying a motherboard.

Follow these steps carefully to edit the registry:

1. Access the “Registry Editor” by typing “regedit” in the “Run” box.

   

2. Press “Yes” to allow the permissions.
3. In the search bar, enter “Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER.”

   

4. Expand “Software” and go to “Microsoft.”

   

5. Then, select “Windows,” and go to “Current Version.” 

   

6. Finally, choose “Explorer.”

   

7. In the current window, right-click anywhere on the white screen and hit “New.
8. Pick “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”

   

    
9. Name this, “AltTabSettings.”
   

   

10. Now, right-click the newly created tab and change its value to “1.”
11. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Also Read: Windows Wireless Service Is Not Running On Computer

Enable Windowed Mode

When we faced the issue while playing games on the computer, we switched the game display to “Windowed Mode” instead of “Full Screen.” Changing this particular setting eliminated the trouble.

Switch to the Windowed mode in your game with the following steps:

1. Launch the game settings.
2. Go to “Display” or a similar option.
3. Set “Windowed” in the “Display Mode” option if the game allows it.

Update Windows

Another solution we found while testing for the error was that there were pending software updates on our computer that needed installation. The problem disappeared once we updated the Windows.

Enable Peek

You should ensure you have enabled Peek from the Control Panel when the computer keeps alt-tabbing for no reason.

Use these instructions to enable Peek on your computer:

1. Launch the “Control Panel” on the “Desktop.”
    

   

2. Click on “System And Security.”
3. Go to “System.”

   

4. In the next window, notice an option, “Advanced System Settings,” on the right bar of the screen. Click on it.

   

5. Press the “Settings” button in the “Advanced” tab.

   

6. Put a tick beside the box “Enable Peek.”

   

Disable Startup Programs

Disabling service and startup programs reduce memory usage in the background to lessen the load on the computer’s RAM. Doing so improves the computer’s performance and prevents errors.

Here is how you can disable the programs and services from System Configuration:

1. Execute “msconfig” in the “Run” bar.

   

2. On the “Services” tab, hit “Disable All.”
3. Next, “Apply” the settings.

   

4. Go to the “Startup” tab and “Open Task Manager.”

   

5. “Disable” all the services on the “Startup” tab individually.

Also Read: Windows Could Not Prepare Computer To Boot Installation Error

Final Words

These are all the solutions to answer the question, “Why does my computer randomly tabs out.” If your issue is not resolved, take your computer to a technician since the graphics card or other components may have a technical fault.