Windows 10 offers multiple ways to close programs. You can click the close button on the title bar, double-click on the program’s icon on the extreme left of the title bar, right-click on the program’s icon on the taskbar and then click the close option, use the Alt + F4 hotkey, use the Task Manager or Command Prompt to close a program.
In addition to these well-known methods, there are ways to close programs and File Explorer windows from the Alt + Tab screen as well.
Most users use the Alt + Tab only to switch between programs. Since you can close a program from the Alt + Tab screen, you can easily close programs that you wish to close.
Here is how to close a program from the Alt + Tab screen in Windows 10.
Method 1 of 2
Use Delete key to close programs from Alt + Tab screen
This is our favorite method to close multiple programs quickly.
Step 1: Hold down the Alt key and then press the Tab key to reveal the Alt + Tab screen.
Step 2: Here, either use the Tab key or arrow keys to select or focus the program that you would like to close.
Step 3: After selecting/focusing a program, press the Delete key to close the selected program.
You can use this method to close the File Explorer window as well.
If you attempt to close a program with unsaved work, you will get the confirmation dialog.
TIP: To quickly close multiple programs, open the Alt + Tab screen, select a program to close, and then press the Delete key. Don’t leave the Alt key. Select another program (either pressing the Tab key or using arrow keys) and then press the Delete key. This way you can quickly close multiple programs.
Method 2 of 2
Use the mouse to close programs from Alt + Tab screen
Step 1: Open the Alt + Tab screen by pressing and holding down Alt + Tab keys. Windows 10 doesn’t offer a way to open the Alt + Tab screen with mouse for obvious reasons!
Step 2: When the Alt + Tab screen is active, move the mouse pointer on the program’s preview tile that you would like to close to see the close icon. Click the close icon to close the selected program.
Our how to quickly close all running programs in Windows 10 guide might also interest you.
M says
Why won’t this work with Explorer windows!
person says
You can also use the middle mouse button to close the window.
vlatko says
I would never remember to use delete key to close the window from Alt + Tab screen… I am serious.