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How to Fix Cmd+Tab on macOS So It Includes Minimized Windows

• 4 min read • Tutorial
Cmd
Command + Tab Fix

If you've ever been frustrated by macOS's Cmd+Tab behavior skipping over your minimized windows, you're not alone. This seemingly simple issue affects millions of Mac users daily, disrupting workflows and causing unnecessary friction in what should be seamless app switching.

Why Does macOS Skip Minimized Windows in Cmd+Tab?

By default, when you use Cmd+Tab on macOS to switch between applications, minimized windows are completely ignored. This behavior is built into macOS and affects anyone who expects app switching to work similarly to Windows' Alt+Tab or other operating systems.

Apple designed this behavior intentionally, assuming that minimized apps are "out of sight, out of mind." However, this creates a significant usability issue for users who minimize apps as part of their workflow organization rather than as a way to hide them completely.

The Problem: There is no built-in option in macOS System Preferences to include minimized windows in Cmd+Tab. The only workaround has been to hold the Option key while tabbing, which is not intuitive and easily forgotten during fast-paced work.

The Permanent Solution: TabLift

TabLift is a lightweight macOS utility specifically designed to fix this behavior permanently. Unlike temporary workarounds or complex system modifications, TabLift ensures that when you use Cmd+Tab, minimized apps are automatically restored and included in the switcher cycle.

Key Benefits of TabLift:

  • ✓ No additional key presses required – Works with standard Cmd+Tab
  • ✓ Completely unobtrusive – Runs silently in the background
  • ✓ Open-source and transparent – Full code available on GitHub
  • ✓ Minimal resource usage – Designed for efficiency
  • ✓ No interference with other macOS features – Focused solution

How to Install and Use TabLift

Getting TabLift up and running is straightforward and takes less than two minutes:

  1. 1
    Download TabLift from the homepage
  2. 2
    Launch the application – Double-click the downloaded .dmg file and drag TabLift to your Applications folder
  3. 3
    Grant accessibility permissions – macOS will prompt you to allow TabLift to control window management (this is required for the app to restore minimized windows)
  4. 4
    Start using Cmd+Tab normally – No additional configuration needed

Privacy Note: TabLift operates entirely locally on your Mac. It doesn't collect personal data, send information to external servers, or interfere with your privacy. The accessibility permission is used solely for window management functionality.

Ready to Fix Your Cmd+Tab Experience?

Download TabLift and start enjoying seamless app switching that includes all your minimized windows.

Download TabLift Free

Open Source and Community

TabLift is completely open-source, meaning you can review the code, contribute improvements, or even build your own version. The project welcomes community contributions and feedback.

For technical details, bug reports, or to contribute to the project, visit the TabLift GitHub repository.

Keywords: fix cmd tab mac minimized, cmd tab not showing minimized windows mac, mac Cmd+tab skip minimized windows, macos app switcher include minimized, how to fix command tab behavior mac, TabLift, macOS productivity, app switching

TabLift icon GitHub