Alt Tab doesn't work when Pro Tools is open

[weezerboy]

When I have several programs open I frequently use Alt+Tab or WindowsKey+Tab to quickly switch to other windows. Sound Miner, Outlook, whatever... Whenever I'm in Pro Tools I can't Alt+Tab out of it, it does nothing. If I'm in another window like Excel or something, I can Alt+Tab to Pro Tools just fine, but one I'm in Pro Tools, I can't Alt+Tab to anything else.

Is there an easy fix for this? I know on the Mac sometimes you have to disable some OS keys because they conflict with Pro Tools. Perhaps the same thing is happening here?

Sorry, I'm new to Pro Tools on Windows. Thanks!

[cody.allard]

Did you ever find a fix for this? I had PT10, could alt tab out, but it won't work with PT11.

[musicman691]

Would clicking on the program icon in the task bar help?

[weezerboy]

Sorry, late to the party. No, I never found a fix for this. I think what's happening is that the modifier key you hold when tabbing through windows is used by both Windows and Pro Tools. When you're focused on the Pro Tools window, the OS functionality of that key is overridden by Pro Tools. I suspect the only real fix is to somehow remap the key, but I don't know how to do that on Windows.

[demodigi]

The "thing" is that Pro Tools has first been designed on Mac, and Mac OS and PT are extensively using 4 modifier key commands (SHIFT, OPTION, COMMAND and CONTROL) while Windows is extensively using Right-click + contextual menus.

SHIFT, OPTION and COMMAND on Mac are respectively SHIFT, ALT and CONTROL on PC. But the 4th modifier is not obvious on a PC keyboard.

Avid has chosen to use the Window's START key to emulate the Mac's CONTROL key. Why don't they use 'ALT GR' instead ???, I don't know -> certainly for left-handed people and because all 4 mod keys are close.

So the START key isn't working the same with Pro Tools as with all others Windows Programs (and the OS itself). I don't think it is a good choice but Windows users should complain way before. In the same way, they added right-clic menus because Window's Users asked for them (when PT was mac only, there were no contextual menus) .

And I'm pretty sure a lot of Window's Users don't use shortcuts the same as Mac's Users do (and even don't know they can use the START key as a modifier key command). (It is not a critic, just a fact).

[The Weed]

Try Auto Hotkeys to make your own shortcuts.

Also, IIRC, if the cursor is outside Pro Tools, ie on the Task Bar, Alt+Tab should work, but I'm not at my PT computer to confirm, sorry.

Happy New Year!

[guitardom]

Originally Posted by weezerboy

Sorry, late to the party. No, I never found a fix for this. I think what's happening is that the modifier key you hold when tabbing through windows is used by both Windows and Pro Tools. When you're focused on the Pro Tools window, the OS functionality of that key is overridden by Pro Tools. I suspect the only real fix is to somehow remap the key, but I don't know how to do that on Windows.

What OS are you using?? There was a known update in Win 8.1 that broke this and other functions. Alt+tab for instance is working perfect in Win 10.

[guitardom]

Originally Posted by demodigi

The "thing" is that Pro Tools has first been designed on Mac, and Mac OS and PT are extensively using 4 modifier key commands (SHIFT, OPTION, COMMAND and CONTROL) while Windows is extensively using Right-click + contextual menus.

SHIFT, OPTION and COMMAND on Mac are respectively SHIFT, ALT and CONTROL on PC. But the 4th modifier is not obvious on a PC keyboard.

Avid has chosen to use the Window's START key to emulate the Mac's CONTROL key. Why don't they use 'ALT GR' instead ???, I don't know -> certainly for left-handed people and because all 4 mod keys are close.

So the START key isn't working the same with Pro Tools as with all others Windows Programs (and the OS itself). I don't think it is a good choice but Windows users should complain way before. In the same way, they added right-clic menus because Window's Users asked for them (when PT was mac only, there were no contextual menus) .

And I'm pretty sure a lot of Window's Users don't use shortcuts the same as Mac's Users do (and even don't know they can use the START key as a modifier key command). (It is not a critic, just a fact).

Wow, this post is full of misinformation......

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by guitardom

Wow, this post is full of misinformation......

Let me add to it....Hillary is not a criminal


And the Republican Party Candidates are really good people....down deep


jk er'body have a great New Years

[weezerboy]

This still sucks...

Are there any magic tricks out there to get Alt+Tab to work in ProTools?

Windows 10
ProTools 11.3.1