You can "tab through" different elements on a Windows screen primarily using the Tab key and its modifier keys. How this works depends on what you mean by "screens." Let's break down a few interpretations:
Tabbing Through Applications
If you are referring to switching between running applications, you can use the following shortcuts:
- Alt + Tab: This is the most common way to switch between open windows. Press and hold Alt, then press Tab repeatedly to cycle through the open application windows. Release Alt to select the highlighted window.
- Alt + Shift + Tab: This combination allows you to cycle backwards through the open application windows while holding down the Alt key.
- Windows Key + Tab: This opens Task View, which displays all your open windows and virtual desktops. You can then use the arrow keys or your mouse to select the window you want.
Tabbing Through Elements Within a Window
Within a window, the Tab key allows you to move the focus between different interactive elements, such as:
- Buttons
- Text boxes
- Links
- Dropdown menus
Pressing Tab moves the focus forward, while pressing Shift + Tab moves the focus backward. This is especially useful for navigating forms or dialog boxes without using the mouse.
Tabbing Through Tabs in a Browser or Application
In applications like web browsers that use tabbed interfaces:
- Ctrl + Tab: Moves you to the next tab (to the right, typically).
- Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Moves you to the previous tab (to the left, typically).
- Ctrl + [number key]: Quickly jumps to a specific tab, where the number corresponds to the tab's position from the left (e.g., Ctrl + 1 jumps to the first tab).
Examples
- Switching between Word, Excel, and a web browser: Use Alt + Tab to quickly move between these applications.
- Navigating a login form: Use Tab to move from the username field to the password field, and then to the login button.
- Switching between tabs in Chrome: Use Ctrl + Tab to go to the next tab and Ctrl + Shift + Tab to go back.
These techniques provide efficient keyboard navigation within Windows, improving productivity and accessibility.
