How to Stop Your PC from Tabbing Out of Games in Windows 11/10

When playing a game on a PC, you might encounter an issue where the computer keeps tabbing out of the game on Windows 11/10, which can be quite frustrating. This issue primarily occurs when playing in full-screen mode or if there is an incorrect keyboard connection. Outdated device drivers, viruses, and conflicting tasks can also be the cause of this problem on your device.

Furthermore, installed third-party programs may alter keyboard shortcuts or create dialogue boxes, leading to the computer tabbing out. Additionally, scheduled programs may start unexpectedly, causing the error.

To address this error, you should run virus scans on your PC, restart your computer, and modify the game settings.

Below are some methods to help you resolve this problem:

1. Check the Keyboard Connection

The issue may stem from the keyboard itself – there could be problems with the keys, or the connection might be incorrect. If you are using a USB keyboard, unplug it and then plug it back in, use a different USB port, or test it on another computer to see if the error persists.

Replacing a faulty keyboard and ensuring the USB ports are clean can help address the error. Additionally, disable sticky keys on your computer as the shortcuts might conflict with your gaming, particularly when playing the game using the keyboard.

1. Search for Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.
2. Find and open the Ease of Access Center.

   

3. Navigate to the Make the keyboard easier to use section.

   

4. Deselect the Sticky Keys checkbox.
5. Click on Apply and then OK.

   

2. Run Virus Scan

A virus or malware infection on your computer might cause the tabbing error, and running a virus scan could help resolve it. Windows Security provides real-time protection and scans your PC for viruses while also downloading updates to help keep your computer safe.

1. Click on the Start button and open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security from the menu.

   

3. Click on Windows Security and then Virus & Threat Protection.

   

4. Under Current Threats, select the scan option you prefer.
5. Click on Scan now.

   

3. Update Windows

Your current version of Windows might be outdated or contain errors that are causing the tabbing issue. Updating Windows may fix the problem.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.

   

3. Select Windows Update then click on Check for updates.

   

4. Download and install any available updates.
5. Restart your PC.

4. Disable Startup Programs

Startup programs may be programmed to launch using shortcut keys that you might inadvertently press while gaming. This can cause the game to minimize unexpectedly. Disabling such programs while gaming can prevent this issue:

1. Type Task Manager in the search bar and click Open.
2. Go to the Startup tab.

   

3. Select the startup program you wish to disable, click on it, and select Disable from the drop-down menu.

   

5. Disable Tasks from the Task Scheduler

The Task Scheduler allows you to automate tasks on your computer. If a scheduled task starts while you are gaming, it might cause your game to minimize.

1. Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.

   

2. Select the task you wish to disable.
3. Click Disable in the right-side pane.

   

6. Update Keyboard and Display Drivers

If the error is possibly due to an issue with the keyboard or display drivers, which may be outdated, missing, or damaged, updating them could resolve the problem.

6.1 Keyboard Driver

1. Type Device Manager in the search box and open it.
2. Double-click on Keyboards to show the connected devices.

   

3. Right-click on the keyboard device and select Update driver.

   

4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions.

   

6.2 Display Adapter

1. Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
2. Double-click on Display Adapters.

   

3. Right-click on the device and select Update Driver.

   

4. Click on Search automatically for drivers and let the update process complete.

   

7. Perform a Clean Boot

Your Windows environment carries a variety of programs, device drivers, and settings that can sometimes conflict with one another, making it difficult to identify the sources of those conflicts.

Performing a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which may help resolve the error causing the game to tab out on your Windows 11/10 PC.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type msconfig and press enter.
2. Switch to the Services tab.

   

3. Select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box.
4. Click the Disable All button.

   

5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.

   

6. Select the startup program that might be interfering with your game and click Disable. Repeat for all suspected programs.

   

7. Close the Task Manager.
8. On the System Configuration Startup tab, click OK and restart your computer.