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The Switcher in Windows 8 is really convenient for managing running applications, but unfortunately all desktop apps are grouped into one position in the switcher... I like to kill background apps with the middle mouse button, but it's not possible to do with the regular "alt-tab" switcher... Is there any way to have the best of these two worlds - that is the ability to easily kill apps with the middle mouse button but without desktop apps being grouped into one item?

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Does it work with Win-Tab? –  tvStatic Oct 30 '12 at 22:46
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2 Answers

There are two ways to switch between applications win+tab and alt+tab.

Using win+tab all Windows 8 Store apps running are shown individually in the left task switcher. Desktop applications in this scenario are all shown as a single block - "desktop". There is no way to show them individually with win+tab.

Using alt+tab all Windows 8 Store apps running are shown individually in the center task selector. Desktop applications are ALSO shown individually and the user can alt+tab and shift+alt+tab through them as desired.

This is how it works. win+tab simply groups desktop applications like it or not. If you don't like it (and I can understand why not) then use alt+tab (which is the old standby anyway).

Bonus! There is a third way, of course, to switch between applications either swiping from the right with your finger or pointing your mouse to the top-left corner. But I think it was keyboard shortcuts you are really asking about in your question.

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Unfortunately I can't close the apps visible in alt+tab switcher with the middle-mouse button... –  groovy354 Nov 3 '12 at 11:13
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Just came across this old question. If it's still an issue for you, or if others are having the same problem, below is an answer that most likely will resolve it.

Alt + Tab shortcut toggles between each active Start app and desktop app. This is what you want. Win + Tab shortcut will toggle between Start apps and your desktop only, which is not what you want.

As far as closing apps via clicking the mouse wheel, you might want to try Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center for Windows 8 to solve your problem. You can download it free from Microsoft website.

Make sure to choose the right version for your computer.

Once installed, if you have a supported mouse, then the app should detect the device. Here is a list of supported mice.

If your device is detected, then you're all set! Just use MS Mouse and Keyboard Center to reconfigure the behavior triggered when clicking the wheel to close apps. For directions to change settings, search on Microsoft for "Windows 8 How-To: Mice" (I would post the link but I'm only allows to post two links max).

It reads: "Customize basic settings for your device. Your Microsoft device comes with preset button and key settings. You can reassign them to different commands or keyboard shortcuts that better fit your work style. You can also disable buttons you might press accidentally, such as the wheel button.

Reassign a button or key

  1. Click Basic settings. A list of current button/key command assignments displays.
  2. Click the button/key whose assignment you want to change. A list of the most commonly used commands displays.
  3. To view more commands, click View all commands.
  4. Some commands have an InfoTip icon on the left. Click this icon for more information about the command.
  5. To change the assignment, click the command you want.
  6. To disable the button/key, click Disable this button.
  7. Click Back to return to the previous screen.
  8. Repeat steps 4-7 for each button/key whose assignment you want to change.

(My mouse is not supported, so unfortunately I could not complete testing this resolution. Hope this helps.)

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This will cause clicking anywhere to close the app, am I right? I don't think that's what OP's asking for. –  gronostaj Nov 15 '13 at 8:58
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