Cannot focus the selected window

[richardchui]

After switching to the selected window, that window does not receive the focus. Would require an additional mouse click.

[lwouis]

Could you please share a video of the issue? Which app is affected? All apps or a specific one?

[richardchui]

It seems to happen when the apps are on different spaces. When I first switch to a new app, it won't get focus. If I Alt-Tab to it again (it is now first in the list), it will get focus.

I am not sure if you can see my actions from this video.

• I switch to a notes app, no focus and cannot type
• I Alt-Tab to itself, can now type
• I switch to a browser app, no focus and cannot invoke the dialog box with keyboard shortcut
• I Alt-Tab to itself, now can invoke the dialog box
  https://github.com/lwouis/alt-tab-macos/assets/678409/f9d5c156-fd9a-48d7-8985-5b28a6652985

[richardchui]

Any update on the above? Thanks!

[lwouis]

Hi @richardchui,

I just tested this, and it focuses correctly on my machine. I think something is going on with your setup.

• Does this happen if the windows are on the same Space?
• When you switch to the other Space, and the window is not focused, I can see indeed that the window traffic-light buttons (i.e. the buttons to minimize, fullscreen, or close the window) are not colored. This confirms that the window is indeed not focused. What is the app title in the menubar at that point in time? It's not captured on the video. I have a feeling that it could be that you have another app running on your system that for some reason grabs focus right after you switch Space. Maybe it's that screenshot app I see listed in AltTab; not sure.

Thank you

[richardchui]

Hi @lwouis ，

It usually happens when the windows are on different spaces.

As you mentioned, it is possible that another app may grab the focus when switching spaces, and may have nothing to do with AltTab. I will try to investigate more.

AltTab is a great tool and it saves me a lot of trouble when trying to get to the right window. Thank you so much for your effort!!!

[lwouis]

Thank you @richardchui

Could you please share what the app title is in the menubar, when you switch to another window, but it is not focused? It could let us know right away which app is stealing focus.

Thank you

[richardchui]

Hi @lwouis ,

The menubar is show the title of the app that I am switching from.

[lwouis]

It's not that clear then what is happening. I'll close this ticket for now since it's not actionable with the current data we have. In the meantime, we discuss a general potential new implementation of window tracking/focusing here: #447