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Focus the taskbar and switch windows with the arrow keys in Windows 7
The taskbar seems like it was meant to be used with the mouse only; it's a very visual thing, especially in Windows 7. But it turns out there's a way to "switch" to the taskbar and then work with it using the keyboard only! Hit Win+T to focus the taskbar, and then use the arrow keys to cycle between the icons. Whenever the focus switches to an application that's currently running, its Aero Peek pane will show up. To start an application that isn't running, press Enter.
What's nice about this system is that it takes your taskbar's orientations into account: for a vertical taskbar, Up/Down will switch windows, while Left/Right would activate the Aero Peek thumbnail pane; for a horizontal one, Left/Right would switch windows and Up/Down would activate the thumbnail pane.
This little nugget concludes our weekly Keyboard Tips series. I hope you've enjoyed it, and maybe even learned some new tricks! Check out Sebastian's list for a comprehensive rundown of many other hotkeys.
[Image credit: orangeacid]
Comments
4
Subscribe to commentsBarry BuckleJan 7th 2011 3:15PM
On my Laptop (Win7 64-bit Pro), the arrow keys don't cycle through the taskbar icons.
However, tapping the 'T' key while holding down the Windows key does.
DavidJan 7th 2011 10:43PM
@Barry Buckle
Sorry for the double post, are you holding down the Windows key when you press the arrow keys? I made that mistake myself.
pat_boy2008Jan 7th 2011 3:59PM
I'm really digging this keyboard shortcut articles. I just got my first laptop about a week ago and I been trying to learn to rely on shortcuts more. Keep up the good work.
Barry BuckleJan 8th 2011 9:49AM
@David
I didn't think I was, but the arrow keys are working today, so perhaps that's what I was doing. Thanks for the nudge.