14 replies to this topic

[weekend.ahker]

Hello AHKers,

I recently installed Windows 8 x64 and tried to keep using an AHK script that worked well on Windows 7. Now I got a new problem on Windows 8.

"How can I emulate Alt-Tab function on Win 8 using AHK?"

1. Until Windows 7, "Send, {Alt Down}{Tab}" launched the application-switching window. On Windows 8, it doesn't work.
2. "AltTab" command doesn't work either.

Thank you for your comments and suggestions in advance.

[GodlyCheese]

You can't. From what I understand Win8 blocks all of AHK's methods to send keystrokes to activate Win8's natural Hotkeys. Don't worry though, we have our top men working on it. Our. Top. MEN! Though this will likely remain an issue for the foreseeable future.

[weekend.ahker]

GodlyCheese, thanks for your useful information. Then I look forward to our top men's excellent updates.

[Lexikos]

See Alt+tab mapping isn't working anymore in Windows 8.

[dericbytes]

Work Around - If you just want to toggle between the last program you can use ALT-ESC

Send !{ESC}

[squarerootof2]

Work Around - If you just want to toggle between the last program you can use ALT-ESC

Send !{ESC}

 

I finally joined this community just to say THANK YOU.  That workaround has made my day a lot easier. 

[traedoril]

Find Window Switcher.lnk in C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch .

Copy the The shortcut to somewhere else (I use documents/ahk).

 

Use this script: 

 

#Tab:: Run, "C:\Users\YourUserNameHere\Documents\ahk\Window Switcher"

 

If you are trying to use the app switcher in SetPoint then I suggest this: 

 

^!*0:: Run, "C:\Users\YourUserNameHere\Documents\ahk\Window Switcher"

 

Then in SetPoint Bind the keystroke for app switcher to Ctrl+Alt+Shift+0

[loop]

Thanks, traedoril, for the tip on using Window Switcher.lnk.

 

It's the work-around I've been looking for.  I tried using the ALT-ESC method, but unfortunately this only works in one direction and wont toggle back and forth between two windows the same as ALT-TAB will.  Below is the script I use:

 

;;  *****************************************

    GoTo.Last.Window:

;;  *****************************************

               CoordMode, Mouse, Screen

               Sleep, 125 ; 1,000 = 1 second

               run C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Window Switcher.lnk

               Sleep, 100 ; 1,000 = 1 second

               sendinput {return}

               return

 

I call this subroutine in my script every time i need to use ALT-TAB.

 

I know this is an old thread, but the topic is still relevant.  I hope this might help someone else.

[b0dhikey]

Nice find of that shortcut but AHK is not able to sendinput like tab, enter, or left/right arrow to that popup.

At least in my windows 8.1

No wait nevermind!
I didn't put enough sleep! THANKS FOR THE WORKAROUND!

Here's how i used it to switch to my youtube, press pause/play, and then switch back to the two latest tabs that i am alt tabbing between.

 

 

;SCROLLLOCK = PAUSE/PLAY YOUTUBE NO !ESC

sc0046::

KeyWait, ScrollLock

WinGet, currentwindow,id, a

WinActivate, - YouTube - Google Chrome

SendInput, {space}

WinActivate,ahk_id  %currentwindow%

run, C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Window Switcher.lnk

sleep, 100

SendInput, {tab}

SendInput, {return}

[arizonabuckeye]

So in my getting to know AHK I didn't know/realize there was an AltTab command so i wrote the following:

 

Send, {Alt Down}

Sleep, %SleepVar%

Send, {Tab}

Sleep, %SleepVar%

Send, {Alt Up}

 

Where %SleepVar% is a variable I use outside Setkeydelay to make sure the operation is acted upon/completed before moving on. Would that get around the Win8 blockage?

[b0dhikey]

So in my getting to know AHK I didn't know/realize there was an AltTab command so i wrote the following:

 

Send, {Alt Down}

Sleep, %SleepVar%

Send, {Tab}

Sleep, %SleepVar%

Send, {Alt Up}

 

Where %SleepVar% is a variable I use outside Setkeydelay to make sure the operation is acted upon/completed before moving on. Would that get around the Win8 blockage?

 

No, it won't.
Why?
Look up UIaccess in the forums.

[b0dhikey]

So in my getting to know AHK I didn't know/realize there was an AltTab command so i wrote the following:

 

Send, {Alt Down}

Sleep, %SleepVar%

Send, {Tab}

Sleep, %SleepVar%

Send, {Alt Up}

 

Where %SleepVar% is a variable I use outside Setkeydelay to make sure the operation is acted upon/completed before moving on. Would that get around the Win8 blockage?

 

No, it won't.
Why?
Look up UIaccess in the forums. http://www.autohotke...ative-programs/

[vildauget]

A take on alt-tab for win8 utilizing above information. This example uses a Xbox360 controller key-combo (joy1+6) - change them throughout the code to change.

 

Joy1::

Joy6::

  If GetKeyState("Joy1")

    If GetKeyState("Joy6")

      run C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Window Switcher.lnk

  If not alttabbing_active

  {

    alttabbing_active := true

    SetTimer, AltTabbing, 10

  }

return

 

AltTabbing:

  If not GetKeyState("Joy1")

    If not GetKeyState("Joy6")

    {

      alttabbing_active := false

      send, {enter}

      SetTimer, AltTabbing, Off

    }

return

[rommmcek]

LCtrl & z:: ; AltTabMenu

 
state := GetKeyState("Capslock", "T")
if state = 1
 SetCapsLockState, Off  ; CapsLock On blocks Task Switching metro window
 
           Send, !{Tab}   ; prevents displaying inactive Task Switching metro window
   run, Window Switcher.lnk ; must be in script directory otherwise include path 
 WinWait, Task Switching,, 2
KeyWait, Ctrl
Send, {Enter}
 
 if state = 1
  SetCapsLockState, On  ; restores CapsLock State
state =
 
return
 
#IfWinActive, Task Switching
LCtrl & q::Send, {Right}
LCtrl & a::Send, {Left}

See also: http://ahkscript.org...p=44371&e=44371 and: http://ahkscript.org....php?f=6&t=5192
 
bye

[diaewad]

Nice find of that shortcut but AHK is not able to sendinput like tab, enter, or left/right arrow to that popup.

At least in my windows 8.1

No wait nevermind!
I didn't put enough sleep! THANKS FOR THE WORKAROUND!

Here's how i used it to switch to my youtube, press pause/play, and then switch back to the two latest tabs that i am alt tabbing between.

 

Why not use COM or ControlSend to do that instead?  You wouldn't even have to activate the window.