Question 1

Why doesn't Cmd+Tab work for minimized windows on Mac?

Accepted Answer

macOS treats minimized windows as set aside intentionally. When you Cmd+Tab to an app with only minimized windows, macOS activates the app but doesn't restore the window. The native workaround is Cmd+Tab → hold Option → release Command. Command Reopen eliminates this extra step entirely — windows restore automatically when you switch apps.

Question 2

What's the keyboard shortcut to restore a minimized window on Mac?

Accepted Answer

There is no direct keyboard shortcut to restore minimized windows on macOS. The workaround is: press Cmd+Tab to the app, keep Command held, press and hold Option, then release Command first. It only works for one window at a time and is easy to forget. Command Reopen makes this automatic — your minimized windows simply appear when you Cmd+Tab.

Question 3

Is Command Reopen the same as Alt+Tab on Mac?

Accepted Answer

Command Reopen is different from Alt+Tab replacements. Alt+Tab alternatives (like AltTab or HyperSwitch) replace the entire app switcher with a new interface. Command Reopen keeps the native macOS Cmd+Tab behavior and simply fixes the minimized/closed window problem. It's lighter, requires no permissions, and doesn't change your workflow.

Question 4

Why does Command+Tab not restore minimized windows on Mac?

Accepted Answer

macOS treats minimized windows as intentionally set aside. Command+Tab switches the active application, but it does not bring a minimized window back to the front by default. That is why it can feel like nothing happens. The built-in workaround is to keep holding Command, hold Option, then release Command. Command Reopen removes that extra step and restores minimized windows automatically.

Question 5

Is there a keyboard shortcut to un-minimize a window on Mac?

Accepted Answer

The native workaround is Command+Tab to the app, hold Option, then release Command to restore a minimized window. It only handles one window at a time and is easy to forget. Command Reopen makes normal Command+Tab bring the window back without the extra shortcut sequence.

Question 6

What's the difference between Hide (Cmd+H) and Minimize (Cmd+M)?

Accepted Answer

Hide removes all windows from view but keeps the app active in a way that Command+Tab can bring back. Minimize sends a window to the Dock; Command+Tab alone often activates the app without bringing that window back. Command Reopen fixes the minimized-window case so Command+Tab behaves the way many people expect.

Question 7

Does Command Reopen need Accessibility or Screen Recording permissions?

Accepted Answer

No. Command Reopen does not require Accessibility, Screen Recording, or any other extra permissions. That is different from many app switcher replacements that need broad system access.

Question 8

Can Command Reopen reopen windows that were closed, not just minimized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you Cmd+Tab to an app that has no open windows at all, Command Reopen automatically opens a new window for it. This goes beyond what most switcher tools do — they handle minimized windows, but not the closed-window case.

Question 9

Is Command Reopen open source?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The full source code is on GitHub. You can inspect it, fork it, or build and run it yourself for free. The Mac App Store version is the exact same code — purchasing it is a convenient way to install and a way to support continued development.

Blog

Cmd+Tab Not Working for Minimized Windows on Mac: Why & How to Fix

How to Restore Minimized Windows on Mac: Complete Keyboard Shortcut Guide

Alt+Tab on Mac: The Complete Windows-to-Mac Switcher Guide