The Cmd + Tab shortcut doesn’t work since the update to Sequoia

I’ve encountered a very strange problem since I updated to Sequoia. I keep experiencing that the command + tab shortcut, which is supposed to bring up a window to switch between apps, doesn’t work. Nothing happens when I press the keys. The only thing that helps is restarting, but the problem returns. Is this a bug that Apple is likely working on right now, or is it something I’ll have to fix on my own?

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.0

Posted on Sep 20, 2024 6:14 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 25, 2025 9:41 AM

Pkeady wrote:

I've noticed that the apps will switch if they're on the same desktop, but not between desktops.

Go to Settings->Desktop & Dock and check that

”When switching to an application, switch to a space with open windows for that application” is ON.

38 replies

Apr 6, 2025 7:29 AM in response to crosscriss

I have had this happen with screen sharing running and when I exited that it started working again.

Thanks @crosscriss, this worked for me! Command-tab, Command-space, Command-` and Command-Q were not working for me (although others were, such as Command-S), and after I quit the Screen Sharing app (even though I wasn't actually observing/controlling any screens at the time), all Command key functionality was restored.

Feb 11, 2025 12:54 PM in response to AlexDodd

FWIW, this is NOT a general issue that people are having with 15.3 (or any other version of macOS, for that matter).

Try restarting. Sometimes it is all it takes. If the problem persists, test to see if it happens in Safe Mode.

If it works in Safe Mode, as I expect, then this has to do with some third party software. Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

Mar 2, 2025 11:23 PM in response to ZZClub

Seems indeed related to screen saver preview. I've been experimenting a bit with screen savers lately because of some long-running task in the terminal, leaving the Mac on during the night, after clicking Preview on the Screen Saver settings page. In the morning, Cmd + Tab was gone and I could revive it only with a reboot. This started on Sequoia 15.1. The same day, I upgraded to 15.3.1, same story.

I never had this before, but then again, I never really used screen savers before.

Sep 20, 2024 7:17 AM in response to ZZClub

No problem here.


n Disk Utility>View, select Show all Devices, highlight the top left entry.


Run Disk First Aid on all items in the left panel, from top down.

You can use Drive DX to possibly get a better view of Drive health…

https://binaryfruit.com/drivedx


Are you running any VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps?


We need to see what all is running, a report from this will not display any personal info...

Using EtreCheck - Apple Community


EtreCheck is a FREE simple little diagnostic tool to display the important details of your system configuration and allow you to copy that information to the Clipboard. It is meant to be used with Apple Support Communities to help people help you with your Mac. It will not display any personal info. Give it Full Disk Access.

https://www.etrecheck.com/


Give etrecheck Full Disk Access before running.


Thanks for Old Toad’s etrecheck instructions…

Slow iMac 2017 - Apple Community


Jan 16, 2025 4:13 AM in response to yorkevin

yorkevin wrote:

15.2 here. honestly I am surprised this bug has been here for so long. MacOS quality has been constantly decreased.

What bug? I’ve got two Macs running Sequoia and neither one of them have this problem that only seems to affect a handful of people. Perhaps it’s some crapware you have installed.

if it is a problem with Sequoia, then you need to be talking to Apple. Nobody here can do anything about that.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

The Cmd + Tab shortcut doesn’t work since the update to Sequoia

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