CMD-Tab not working

I use Cmd-Tab a lot to switch Applications. However, on my MacBook Pro, running macOS Catalina, it does not work. When I use it, the running Apps are shown but when I choose one that is running in a different space, it doesn't switch to the App in that space. If the App that choose is in the same space that I am in then it switches to correct App. This command works OK on my 27" iMac. I have set all of the MBP system preferences to be the same as the iMac system preferences, but still have the problem. Very frustrating.

MacBook Pro 13”, macOS 10.15

Posted on May 18, 2020 9:31 AM

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Posted on May 18, 2020 7:04 PM

clp698 Said:

"I booted in Safe Mode and the problem still persists. I then logged out and restarted as a guest user and CMD-Tab worked as expected. So I guess there is something in my user account that is keeping the function from working. Thank you for all for taking the time to help in with this problem."

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1. Create a New Administrator:

If if there is no issue in this newly-created guest user, then now create an administrator. It is most likely an issue with your current user.


Then...


2. Delete this Current User:

Once created, log into it. Be sure to transfer data (i.e. images and documents to this new administrator. From there delete this administrator you are logged into. You should be set from there.

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17 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 18, 2020 7:04 PM in response to clp698

clp698 Said:

"I booted in Safe Mode and the problem still persists. I then logged out and restarted as a guest user and CMD-Tab worked as expected. So I guess there is something in my user account that is keeping the function from working. Thank you for all for taking the time to help in with this problem."

-------


1. Create a New Administrator:

If if there is no issue in this newly-created guest user, then now create an administrator. It is most likely an issue with your current user.


Then...


2. Delete this Current User:

Once created, log into it. Be sure to transfer data (i.e. images and documents to this new administrator. From there delete this administrator you are logged into. You should be set from there.

May 18, 2020 9:48 AM in response to clp698

clp698 wrote:

I use Cmd-Tab a lot to switch Applications. However, on my MacBook Pro, running macOS Catalina, it does not work. When I use it, the running Apps are shown but when I choose one that is running in a different space, it doesn't switch to the App in that space. If the App that choose is in the same space that I am in then it switches to correct App. This command works OK on my 27" iMac. I have set all of the MBP system preferences to be the same as the iMac system preferences, but still have the problem. Very frustrating.


Seems a glitch in the UI—


I would try simply reinstalling the Combo update macOS 10.15.4 https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2037?locale=en_US

on top of your existing macOS 10.15.4

May 18, 2020 10:36 AM in response to clp698

clp698 Said:

"CMD-Tab not working: [...]This command works OK on my 27" iMac. I have set all of the MBP system preferences to be the same as the iMac system preferences, but still have the problem. Very frustrating."

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Reset the SMC and NVRAM:

Sometimes operations are performed and then the keyboard settings become manipulated, technically (in this case, the keyboard). So... Try resetting the SMC and NVRAM. Then reboot, logging in once more.

May 18, 2020 11:30 AM in response to clp698

It could be a corrupted preference file.

You could try unchecking that box, quitting system preferences and then checking it again to see it gets "unstuck".


If not, try deleting the corresponding preference file: in the Finder, press command-shift-G and type or paste


~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.spaces.plist


Drag that file out of the folder and place it on the Desktop for now (just in case you may want to put it back later).


Logout and back in.


Go to System Preferences->Mission Control and set things as desired. See if they now work.

May 19, 2020 9:34 AM in response to clp698

clp698 Said:

CMD-Tab not working: I use Cmd-Tab a lot to switch Applications. However, on my MacBook Pro, running macOS Catalina, it does not work. [...]I do Time Machine Backups regularly. Thank you for your help with this matter.

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Reinstall the macOS Anew:

If nothing mentioned before this reply works, then reinstall the MacOS anew. All would be deleted; you would reinstall the macOS; then you would reinstall the software either by containing the developer or by use of Migration Assistant(see below)


Perform the following in the order provided:


I. If it applies: Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


Then...


II. Reinstall the macOS Anew:

  1. Boot: into Recovery Mode.
  2. Open: Disk Utilities
  3. Delete: the partition
  4. Reinstall: the macOS


Once Installed Anew...


III. Reinstall All the Software:

  1. Use Migration Assistant to move Apps a Files back in.
  2. Ask developers for new software keys- but contact the developers only --- none other --- elsewise you might end up with malware and spyware installed.

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CMD-Tab not working

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