Whether you’re responding to a Discord message, checking a guide, or adjusting your Spotify playlist mid-match, tabbing out of League of Legends is a common necessity for modern players. But if you’ve ever attempted to Alt-Tab during a game only to be met with stuttering, a frozen screen, or other interruptions, you’re not alone.
So, how exactly do you tab out of League of Legends smoothly—and what should you do if it’s not working? Here’s a full breakdown of the issue and the best ways to manage it.
The Basics: How to Tab Out of League of Legends
By default, you can tab out of the game using one of the following standard Windows shortcuts:
- Alt + Tab: Quickly switches to the last used application.
- Alt + Enter (in some cases): Toggles between fullscreen and windowed mode.
- Windows Key + D: Minimizes all open windows and returns you to the desktop.
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Task Manager: A measure if the game is unresponsive.
However, the success of these shortcuts—and how smoothly they work—can depend significantly on your in-game display mode settings and your computer’s hardware.
Display Modes and Their Impact on Tabbing Out
League offers three display modes, each with different behavior when it comes to tabbing out:
- Fullscreen Mode
- Often provides the highest potential performance (FPS and responsiveness).
- Can be less smooth for tabbing out – Alt-Tab may cause screen flickering, delays, or temporary freezing on some systems.
- Borderless Window Mode
- Excellent for multitasking: Allows for quick and smooth switching between applications.
- May have a minor impact on FPS compared to Fullscreen on certain systems, though often negligible on modern hardware.
- Recommended for players who frequently multitask or use multiple monitors.
- Windowed Mode
- Runs the game inside a smaller window.
- Easy to move and tab between applications.
- Generally not preferred for immersive gameplay or competitive matches due to the reduced screen space.
Tip: To change your display mode, go to: Settings → Video → Window Mode Switching to Borderless is widely considered the most reliable way to Alt-Tab out of the game quickly and with minimal issues.
Common Issues When Tabbing Out (and Fixes)
Game Freezes or Goes Black When Alt-Tabbing
- Fix: Switch to Borderless Window mode in your settings.
- Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
Alt-Tab Lags or Takes Too Long
- Fix: Close unnecessary background apps that consume system resources.
- Ensure Game Mode is enabled in Windows settings to prioritize game performance.
Monitor Flickers on Tab-Out
- Fix: This is often related to the transition from fullscreen. Switching to Borderless typically resolves this for most players.
Can You Tab Out During Champ Select or Loading Screen?
Yes, you can tab out during champion select and the loading screen—but caution is advised:
- During champ select: Be mindful of pick and ban timers. Game sound notifications can help alert you.
- During loading screen: League runs in a different process during this phase. Tabbing can sometimes cause brief stuttering or delays when you switch back, and it’s generally best to return to the game window before loading is fully complete to ensure stability.
Advanced Tips for Smooth Tabbing
- Use a second monitor: If available, keep other applications on a separate screen to avoid the need to tab out of the game window entirely.
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Experiment with in-game video settings, as lower settings can sometimes contribute to smoother alt-tabbing performance, especially on less powerful hardware.
Final Thoughts: Performance Meets Convenience
While League of Legends (LoL) is designed to run optimally in fullscreen mode for dedicated focus, players today often need the flexibility to switch tasks. Whether you’re communicating with teammates, checking crucial information, or simply managing your system, knowing how to tab out efficiently enhances your overall experience.
For many modern setups, Borderless Window mode offers the most practical balance between smooth gameplay and effortless multitasking, making it the preferred choice for reliable alt-tabbing.
Written by:
Christian