Tip of the week # 644
5 March 2021


Show running applications and find recently opened documents (Windows 10) *

Windows 10 has a wealth of nifty, new features which means you might not be using your PC to its full potential. Although you probably know there must be easier ways, you simply don't have the time or energy to sift through and find the hints and tips yourself. So here's another one I would like to share with you ... flip through open applications or remind yourself what file you were working on a couple of days ago.

Here's how:

  1. Press WIN + TAB. (There's also a Task View button on the taskbar, next to the search box.)
  2. Use your arrow keys on your keyboard to flip through your running applications or recently opened files.
  3. Press ENTER to activate the window or open the document.

You will see up to 30 days in your timeline, making it easier to pick up where you left off. You can also use the scrollbar rather than your keyboard arrows to go through your history.

By the way, I've developed a new 60-minute webinar helping you to discover hidden features to improve your efficiency and increase productivity using Windows 10. The first one was run for the Cambridge Science Park yesterday and as one of the delegates wrote afterwards ... "Thank you so much for the workshop, your tips are always helpful. You can legitimately say that my mind was blown."

The next one will be held on Friday 26 March. The price is the same as all the other 60-minute webinars ... only 24 pounds. So what are you waiting for? See sixty_minutes.php#Windows for details.

If you would like me to run this webinar for your team ... I give group discounts. Just give a shout.

Related tips

  1. Search for a document containing certain words or phrases : tip_640.php
  2. Automatically start an application, such as Outlook : tip_638.php
  3. View and paste your copied items from one place : tip_615.php
  4. Set the Print Screen key to open screen snipping : tip_603.php


* Unless stated otherwise this tip is written for Microsoft 365 and Windows 10 users, but can also be useful in Office 2010, 2013 and 2016.