Automatically Switch to App when opening file

One Windows feature I like is how it automatically switches to an application when I open a file requiring that application. For example, I am switched to Excel when I open a spreadsheet, or Word when I open a document.

There isn't a setting. It should just do that.

Maybe you installed something that is interfering with the normal functionality. Anti-virus and other "security" software often does things like that. It's about all they ever do.

Never actually attempted that, so I don't know if it is something new in Catalina.

It does that for the Recents, but not any opened windows (as far as I tested), so I wonder if it was a design thing instead of something they missed. I have no idea why they would implement it that way, though.

I tried holding down all the key combinations and couldn't get it to come up active.

If you are using the Open Recent from Excel's Dock icon, I experimented and, for me, holding the Option key (sometimes called 'Alt' key) makes the window open in the front.

I couldn't get that to work, or any other modifier key.

I can't get that to work with any Office 2019 apps.

However, I did try Pages and Numbers, and it opens a document from the recent list in front (no modifier key needed). So, perhaps it is an Office issue.

This works consistently for me: click and hold the Dock icon to show the menu, then hold down option and select from Open Recent.

If you are using the Open Recent from Excel's Dock icon, I experimented and, for me, holding the Option key (sometimes called 'Alt' key) makes the window open in the front.