VistaSwitcher FAQ

This is the list of Frequently Asked Questions for VistaSwitcher, the most elegant and powerful Alt-Tab replacement for Windows OS. If your question is not answered here, please check the support forum before sending an email.

Q: What are the system requirements for VistaSwitcher?

A: You can install VistaSwitcher on any computer running Windows XP, Vista or 7. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are supported. For performance reasons, I recommend having at least a 1 GHz CPU with 512 MB RAM. Note that:

  • VistaSwitcher runs faster on multi-core processors (on XP, previews are generated in a separate thread).
  • VistaSwitcher uses less memory and CPU resources when it runs on Windows Vista or Windows 7 with the Aero theme enabled – previews are drawn by the OS directly on the screen surface (no caching required).

Q: Does it work on Windows XP?

A: Yes. There are no live previews (only static), but VistaSwitcher definitely works on XP.

Q: How do I can change the size of preview?

A: You need to change the “Number of items” in the task list (VistaSwitcher Preferences, Appearance tab). The preview width and height will be changed proportionally.

Q: Why are there no previews of minimized windows?

A: Previews of minimized windows are displayed only on Windows Vista and Windows 7, with the Aero theme enabled.

Q: Is there any way to activate VistaSwitcher using only the mouse?

A: Open VistaSwitcher Preferences, General tab, enable “Replace system Right-Click + Mouse Wheel”. To switch between windows using only the mouse, hold down the right mouse button and scroll the mouse wheel up or down to activate VistaSwitcher. Then, pick the task you want to switch to and release the right mouse button.

For more information, please see: Switch Between Windows Using Only the Mouse

Q: Is there a shortcut key to … ?

A: See this page for the full list of keyboard shortcuts for VistaSwitcher.

Q: I'd like to switch between window instances using Win+Tab. When I try to set this shortcut to VistaSwitcher, I get the following error message: "Failed to register hotkey".

A: If you are on Windows Vista or 7, the Win+Tab shortcut is already used by Flip 3D. You need to disable Flip 3D, then restart your PC, and apply this shortcut to VistaSwitcher.

Q: Can I use VistaSwitcher on my work computer?

A: Yes, you can. VistaSwitcher is FREE for any usage, personal or professional.

Q: Are there any plans to make the source code available?

A: At the moment there are no plans to publish the source code for VistaSwitcher. It is freeware but not open source.


Also see: VistaSwitcher Forum Threads


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