Working with Multiple Windows
A computer lets you open several programs at the same time. Each program sits in its own window. You switch between them quickly without closing any of them first.
🪟 Three Programs Open at the Same Time
How to Switch Between Windows
The active window sits in front with a bright title bar. All other windows wait behind it. Switch to another window by clicking it in the taskbar or by using a keyboard shortcut.
| Method | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Click taskbar button | Click the program button at the bottom of the screen |
| Alt + Tab | Hold Alt and press Tab to cycle through open windows |
| Click visible window | Click any part of a window showing behind the active one |
Active vs Inactive Windows
The window you use right now is the active window. Windows sitting behind it are inactive. The active window always shows a brighter title bar.
Example: Imagine two open books on your desk. You read one at a time — that book is "active." The other waits on the side — it is "inactive." You switch by picking the other one up.
✏️ Exercise
Open Paint and Notepad at the same time. Switch between them using the taskbar. Then try using Alt + Tab to switch.
| # | Question |
|---|---|
| 1 | What is the active window? |
| 2 | Which shortcut keys cycle through open windows? |
| 3 | How does the active window look different from inactive windows? |
| 1. | The window you are using right now |
| 2. | Alt + Tab |
| 3. | It has a brighter / more colourful title bar |
Quick Review
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you open two programs at once? | Yes, each opens in its own window |
| How do you switch using the taskbar? | Click the program button in the taskbar |
| What is an inactive window? | A window open in the background that you are not using |