Mac-like alt-tab replacement for Windows 7?

Question

Is there an alt-tab replacement for Windows 7 that works in the same manner as command-tab and command-tick (tilde) on OS X?

Requirements:

1. Completely keyboard-shortcut-based, no mouse action should be necessary.

2. 2 keyboard shortcuts with the following behavior:

a.) alt+tab: cycles through open applications (NOT windows... applications, meaning even if i have 10 firefox windows open, I only want to see firefox once in the list that comes up when i hit this shortcut)

b.) alt+`: cycles through WINDOWS that are instances of the currently active application (meaning if firefox is my active window and i hit shortcut2, it will cycle through those 10 firefox windows, while ignoring any other windows from ANY other application).

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Update 08:40 5/21: I tried out eidylon's suggestion, TopDesk. It doesn't provide any of the functionality described here. Other apps I've already tried:

• VistaSwitcher
• Switcher
• Dexpot (awesome app, still using, but doesn't do what I want in this case... also looked for plugins but couldn't find one that does it)
• UltraMon
• Nvidia nView

update: Unfortunately I still haven't found a solution for this.

update: made this a community wiki in case anyone is ever able to find a solution for this.

Answer 1

I happened to have written a script that does (almost) just the thing, using AutoHotkey. It's a lot closer than simply remapping ALT+` to ALT+F6.

http://www.autohotkey.com/board/topic/66588-cyclewindow/

If getting AutoHotkey set up with this code is too much overhead, just ask, and I will gladly post a lightweight compiled executable that will run in the background.

Otherwise, download cycleWindow.ahk and its dependency Thumbnail Lib.ahk, then execute the following AHK code to create your ALT+` hotkey:

#Include cycleWindow.ahk
!`::cycleCurrentWindow()

This switches windows of the same class, just like in Mac OS. However, Alt-Tab will still function as usual for Windows.

Answer 2

Win+T cycles between the apps in the taskbar. Or press Win+T once and then use the left/right arrow keys to move between apps.

It's not quite the same behavior as Cmd+Tab because the Cmd+Tab list is dynamically updated to reflect the retrospective order in which the apps have been accessed, whilst the Windows taskbar order is manually controlled.

But its a matter of opinion as to whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

I would also like to see a Cmd+Tab clone for Windows.

Answer 3

Using AutoHotkey, you can get a Command-Tilde equivalent by mapping a shortcut to Alt+F6 (which switches windows of the current app, as Daniel Beck said).

I use the following simple script to do this (I map Alt+` (backquote), which is "!`" in AutoHotKey's syntax:

!`::
Send !{F6}

Answer 4

Vista Switcher allows you to switch windows within an application. It even uses Alt+` for the hotkey to do so. Sadly it doesn't work the exact same as Command+Tab when pressing Alt+Tab. Instead it just behaves like regular Windows Alt+Tab.

Answer 5

I found a solution! Follow the instructions here: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/16334/make-the-taskbar-buttons-switch-to-the-last-active-window-in-windows-7/

And, then if you press windows + # of what place the program is in the task bar, it will switch to the last window of that program. This works best for windows you've pinned to the task bar and therefore know what # they are. For example, windows + 3 switches between my two open chrome windows.

Answer 6

I don't know if it fits your needs, but you could check these tips out: http://www.applesource.com.au/how-to/soa/How-to-Alt-tab-on-Mac-OS-X/0,2000451082,339287482,00.htm

Answer 7

Check out TopDesk from Otaku Software.

Answer 8

I don't know about the switching between open applications but if you do Ctrl+Tab you'll be able to switch between open windows of the same application. This works on Firefox, IE, Excel, Word, etc, etc.

Answer 9

Now, I know this method is mouse as opposed to keyboard, but it does replicate the same functionality somewhat (from what I can tell from your updated q, never used Mac myself), just a different means of getting to it. If you're not wedded to the idea of strict KB experience, it may help...

It will make it so clicking on the taskbar button in Win7 switch to the last active window of that app (switching applications) and clicking it repeatedly will cycle through the windows of that application in usage order.

For applications which do not open multiple documents as multiple taskbar buttons as say IE does (for example, FF without the secret switch on) you would still need to use CTRL-TAB as you said, but any app which actually opens tiles on the tasbar, this will work.

Answer 10

You can use Alt+F6 to cycle through windows in a multi-window application. (untested, via @SansMouse). Should help with part of your question at least.

Answer 11

You won't be able to do this (at least not without writing your own app) on Windows. Mac differentiates windows per-application, while Windows does not. This is why Alt+Tab and Alt+` are allowed. This is also why Expose supports current-app windows and all-windows modes of operation.

Answer 12

Ohh... I was missing my Mac's ALT+` so much... But I have just found the Windows 7 equivalent: CTRL+F6

Google "CTRL F6" for more info.

Answer 13

I found a solution that works for me, based on another partial solution (unfortunately, I cannot recall where I found that so cannot give due credit).

First, locate the IE "Window Switcher" shortcut on your PC (This is a shortcut or .LNK file):

C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Window Switcher

and copy it to a directory where you can easily locate it. For example:

C:\autohotkey\Window Switcher

Now add the following to your .ahk file:

LWin & Tab:: 
Run, "C:\home\jseidel\Window Switcher"
SetSwitch = 1
return

~$*LWin up::
if SetSwitch = 1
{
  Send {Return}
  SetSwitch = 0
}
return

Answer 14

One more product to try : Alt-Tab Thingy, available for Windows XP, Vista & 7.

A short description is available here : Alt-Tab Thingy – Windows Task Switcher Alternative

Answer 15

I'm not a Mac OS user, but have you tried Win+Tab? Significantly different than Alt+Tab and possibly to your liking.