Swapping between tabs shouldn’t cost you the match. If VALORANT freezes, stutters, or acts up when you press Alt + Tab, it’s often caused by how Windows handles multitasking and display settings.
Follow the steps below to smooth out your tab-switching and keep your game running without interruptions.
Adjust Alt + Tab Multitasking Settings
This limits Alt + Tab to just your open apps, preventing Windows from trying to load background thumbnails that can cause delays or stutters in-game.
- Click the Start button, then go to Settings > System
- Select Multitasking
- Under Alt + Tab
- Open the dropdown menu for Pressing Alt + Tab shows
- Select Open windows only
Turn Off Windows Animations
Disabling these effects helps reduce visual lag when switching between the game and desktop, especially on mid-range systems.
- Click the Start button and
- Select Settings > System
- Scroll down and turn off all animations listed under Simplify and personalize Windows
Disable Fullscreen Optimization
This setting stops Windows from forcing its own fullscreen management on VALORANT, which can cause flickers or black screens when alt-tabbing.
- Right-click your VALORANT.exe file (or desktop shortcut)
- Select Properties
- Go to the Compatibility tab
- Check the box for Disable fullscreen optimizations
- Click Apply, then OK
Clean Reinstall VALORANT
A clean reinstallation can sometimes help with absolving this issue. If you're not sure how to proceed with a clean reinstallation, check out our Uninstall and Reinstall VALORANT article for a full guide!
Still stuck after trying out all the steps? Scroll down and submit a ticket, our Support Team will be ready to jump in and get you back in the fight.