How to See All Open Apps and Windows (for Windows 10, 11, and Mac)

How to See All Open Apps and Windows (for Windows 10, 11, and Mac)

Managing multiple tasks simultaneously on your computer requires the ability to see all open apps and windows. Whether you’re using Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS, understanding how to efficiently view and manage your open windows is crucial for boosting productivity and keeping your workspace organized. In this guide, we'll explain various methods for accessing your open apps and windows on each system, including lesser-known features like the Task Manager on Windows and the Activity Monitor on Mac.

How to See All Open Apps and Windows in Windows 10

Windows 10 provides several easy-to-use features for managing and viewing open apps and windows. Whether you prefer a graphical interface or keyboard shortcuts, these methods will help you stay organized.

1. Using Task View

Task View is one of the most efficient ways to see all open apps and windows. It offers a quick overview of your current workspace, including all open windows and virtual desktops.

• Steps:
  1. Click the Task View button (next to the search bar on the taskbar) or press Win + Tab on your keyboard.
  2. You’ll see thumbnails of all open windows.
  3. Click on any window to bring it to the foreground or create a new virtual desktop to organize your workspace further.

2. Using Alt + Tab Shortcut

If you prefer using the keyboard, the Alt + Tab shortcut is a quick way to toggle between open windows.

• Steps:
  1. Hold down the Alt key and press Tab.
  2. A visual display of all open windows will appear.
  3. Release the Alt key once you select the window you want to focus on.

3. Using the Taskbar

The taskbar displays all the apps you currently have open, making it easy to switch between them.

• Steps:
  1. Look at the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
  2. Each open app is represented by an icon.
  3. Right-click on any icon to minimize, maximize, or close the window.

4. Using Task Manager (Processes Tab)

For a more detailed view of running apps and processes, Task Manager is an excellent tool. It provides a comprehensive list of all open applications, background processes, and system resources.

• Steps:
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Navigate to the Processes tab.
  3. You’ll see all running applications and processes, along with their resource usage (CPU, Memory, Disk).
  4. Right-click on any process to bring it to the foreground or end its task.

How to See All Open Apps and Windows in Windows 11

Windows 11 builds upon the features of Windows 10, adding new tools and enhancing user experience for managing multiple open apps and windows.

1. Using Snap Layouts

Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts, a new way to organize multiple windows on the screen at once, making it easier to see and work with multiple apps.

• Steps:
  1. Hover your mouse over the maximize button on any open window.
  2. A menu with various layout options will appear.
  3. Select your preferred layout, and the window will snap into place.
  4. Repeat the process for other open windows to arrange them side by side.

2. Using Task View (Win + Tab)

The Task View feature remains in Windows 11 and provides a great way to see all open apps and virtual desktops.

• Steps:
  1. Click on the Task View button on your taskbar or press Win + Tab.
  2. A visual display of all open apps and virtual desktops will appear.
  3. You can click any window to bring it to the front, or create a new virtual desktop for better organization.

3. Using Alt + Tab

The classic Alt + Tab shortcut works in Windows 11 too, allowing you to cycle between open windows quickly.

• Steps:
  1. Hold down the Alt key and press Tab.
  2. A menu displaying all your open apps will appear.
  3. Release the Alt key when the window you want to focus on is highlighted.

4. Using Task Manager

Just like in Windows 10, you can use Task Manager in Windows 11 to see a detailed list of all open applications and processes.

• Steps:
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Processes tab to see a list of all active apps, background processes, and system resource usage.
  3. Right-click to bring an app to the front or end a task that is unresponsive.

How to See All Open Apps and Windows on a Mac

If you're using a Mac, you have several tools at your disposal to view and manage open apps and windows. Let's explore the options available for macOS users.

1. Using Mission Control

Mission Control provides an overview of all open windows and allows you to quickly navigate between them.

• Steps:
  1. Press F3 on your keyboard or swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad.
  2. Mission Control will show you all open windows.
  3. You can click on any window to bring it to the front or organize your workspace using virtual desktops (Spaces).

2. Using Command + Tab

This shortcut allows you to quickly cycle between all open apps on your Mac.

• Steps:
  1. Press and hold the Command key, then tap Tab.
  2. A horizontal list of open applications will appear.
  3. Keep holding Command and tap Tab to cycle through apps. Release the keys to select the highlighted app.

3. Using the Dock

The Dock on your Mac displays all open applications. It's a convenient way to see and switch between apps.

• Steps:
  1. Look at the Dock at the bottom of your screen.
  2. Each open app will be displayed as an icon.
  3. Click on any app’s icon to bring it to the front.

4. Using Activity Monitor

If you need to see more details about open apps and processes, Activity Monitor is similar to Task Manager in Windows. It provides a comprehensive view of system activity.

• Steps:
  1. Open Activity Monitor (find it in Applications > Utilities).
  2. View the CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, and Network tabs to monitor various system processes.
  3. You can select a process and click the x button to quit an app or process.

Bonus Tips for Managing Multiple Windows

1. Use Virtual Desktops (Windows 10, 11, and macOS)

Virtual desktops are a fantastic way to organize your workspace across different projects. All three operating systems—Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS—support virtual desktops, which allow you to create separate spaces for different tasks and easily switch between them.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Navigation

Memorizing keyboard shortcuts can make switching between windows faster and more efficient. For example, Win + Tab (Windows) and Command + Tab (Mac) can help you quickly cycle through apps and manage your open windows.

3. Consider Using Window Manager Apps

For advanced window management, third-party applications like DisplayFusion for Windows or Magnet for Mac can provide additional features like snapping, resizing, and multi-monitor support to enhance your multitasking experience.