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macOS Skips Minimized Windows in Cmd+Tab – Here's a Simple Fix

• 3 min read • Solution
Cmd⇥
App Switcher Fix

One of the most frustrating aspects of switching from Windows or Linux to macOS is discovering that Cmd+Tab doesn't include minimized windows. This limitation disrupts workflows and forces users to develop workarounds that shouldn't be necessary.

The macOS App Switching Limitation

On macOS, using Cmd+Tab to switch between open applications has a significant limitation: minimized windows are excluded from the switcher entirely. If you minimize a window to reduce desktop clutter, Cmd+Tab will skip over it unless you remember to hold the Option key — which is neither intuitive nor practical during fast-paced work sessions.

This default behavior is consistent across all macOS versions and isn't configurable through System Preferences or System Settings. Apple's design philosophy treats minimized apps as "hidden" rather than simply "organized," which conflicts with how many users actually work.

Common User Frustrations:

  • • Losing track of important applications that were minimized
  • • Breaking workflow rhythm to manually restore windows
  • • Inconsistent behavior compared to other operating systems
  • • Having to remember the Option+Cmd+Tab workaround

The TabLift Solution: Automatic and Seamless

TabLift is a purpose-built utility designed to address this specific macOS limitation. When active, it automatically restores minimized apps during Cmd+Tab switching, eliminating the need for workarounds or additional key combinations.

How TabLift Works:

  1. 1
    TabLift runs silently in the background with minimal resource usage
  2. 2
    When you press Cmd+Tab, it detects the app switching action
  3. 3
    If the selected app has minimized windows, TabLift automatically restores them
  4. 4
    Your workflow continues uninterrupted with consistent app switching behavior

TabLift Advantages:

  • • Zero learning curve – Works with existing Cmd+Tab muscle memory
  • • No visible interface – Completely transparent operation
  • • Minimal system impact – Lightweight and efficient
  • • No interference – Doesn't affect other macOS features
  • • Open source – Fully transparent and community-driven

Quick Setup Guide

Getting TabLift working takes less than 60 seconds:

  1. 1. Download: Visit tablift.dev and download the latest version
  2. 2. Install: Drag TabLift to your Applications folder
  3. 3. Launch: Open TabLift and grant accessibility permissions when prompted
  4. 4. Use: Start using Cmd+Tab normally – minimized apps will now be included automatically

Experience Consistent App Switching

Stop losing track of minimized apps. Make Cmd+Tab work the way it should with TabLift.

Download Free View Source Code

Community and Support

TabLift is actively maintained and welcomes community contributions. Whether you want to report a bug, suggest a feature, or contribute code, the project is hosted on GitHub with full transparency.

For support, feature requests, or technical discussions, visit the GitHub repository or contact the developer directly.

Keywords: cmd tab mac minimized fix, mac switcher missing minimized windows, fix Cmd+tab macos minimized windows, mac app switcher not showing minimized apps, how to include minimized apps in command tab mac, macOS productivity, app switching solution

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