Why Does Minecraft Close When I Tab Out?
Are you experiencing the frustration of Minecraft closing every time you try to switch to a different application or minimize the window?
This issue can be a real annoyance for gamers who want to multitask or manage their computer while playing Minecraft.
But why does this happen?

Technical Overview
In Minecraft, when running in fullscreen mode, the game window may become unresponsive or freeze when switching between apps or virtual desktops.
This issue is documented in MCPE-19393 and can be avoided by running Minecraft in a windowed mode.
How Minecraft Operates in Fullscreen Mode
Here are the general steps of how Minecraft operates in fullscreen mode:
- The player selects fullscreen mode from the game’s settings or presses the F11 key.
- Minecraft creates a dedicated fullscreen mode window.
- The game sets the screen resolution to match the player’s monitor resolution.
- Minecraft hides the operating system’s user interface elements, such as the taskbar or dock, to maximize immersion.
- The game renders the world, characters, and objects in the window, using the graphics hardware directly for optimal performance.
- The game also captures player input, such as keyboard and mouse actions, to allow for seamless interaction with the game world.
- The game continues to update the screen in real-time, rendering new frames at a high frame rate to ensure smooth gameplay.
- The player can exit fullscreen mode by pressing the F11 key or selecting the option from the game’s settings.
Differences Between Windowed and Fullscreen Modes
In windowed mode, the game operates within a smaller window, allowing for easier multitasking and app switching. The game window can be resized, minimized, and moved around the screen.
In fullscreen mode, the game takes over the entire screen, and the game window cannot be easily resized or minimized. This mode provides a more immersive gaming experience but at the expense of multitasking.
Explanation of Virtual Desktops
A virtual desktop is like an additional screen on your computer that allows you to organize and group running apps. Virtual desktops allow you to switch between multiple desktop environments, each with its own set of apps and windows.
This makes multitasking easier, as you can have multiple apps open at the same time, without having to clutter the main desktop environment.
When switching between virtual desktops, the operating system moves all open apps and windows to the new environment, including the Minecraft game window.
However, since Minecraft operates in fullscreen mode, the game’s window may become unresponsive or freeze, as it was not designed to operate within a virtual desktop environment.
Running Minecraft in windowed mode instead of fullscreen mode can avoid unresponsive and freezing game windows when switching between apps or virtual desktops.
Additionally, virtual desktops can be useful for multitasking, but fullscreen mode games may not be optimized for this environment.
Causes of Minecraft Closing
Minecraft is a popular sandbox video game that lets players create and explore their own virtual worlds. Despite its popularity, Minecraft can sometimes close unexpectedly, leaving players frustrated and disappointed.
There are various causes of Minecraft closing, including technical issues with the game, specific issues with the operating system, and other software or hardware issues.
Technical Issues With Minecraft
Minecraft is a complex game with numerous functions and features, making it prone to technical issues.
Some common technical issues that cause Minecraft to close include outdated versions of Minecraft or Java, corrupted game files, conflicts with antivirus software, and incompatible mods.
One of the ways to address technical issues is to update Minecraft or Java to their latest versions, reinstall the game or mods, or disable antivirus software that may cause conflicts.
Specific Issues With the Operating System
Minecraft may also close unexpectedly due to specific issues with the operating system. Some common causes of such issues include outdated or incompatible operating system versions, conflicts between Minecraft and other software or drivers, insufficient system resources such as RAM, and faulty hardware components.
To avoid such occurrences, ensure that your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements to run Minecraft smoothly and update your operating system regularly.
Other Software or Hardware Issues
Sometimes, Minecraft may close unexpectedly due to issues with other software installed on the PC. For example, incompatible graphic card drivers, outdated DirectX, or hardware issues such as overheating or faulty RAM may cause Minecraft to crash.
Ensure that your PC meets the required hardware specifications to run Minecraft and regularly update drivers and software to solve the issues.
Minecraft closing unexpectedly can be frustrating to players. However, it can be caused by various factors such as technical issues, operating system issues, or other software or hardware issues.
To prevent such issues, always ensure that Minecraft and other software are updated regularly, check compatibility issues before installing mods, and ensure hardware specifications are met.
Impact on Minecraft Gameplay
Minecraft is an incredibly popular video game that has been loved by gamers of all ages for many years.
From its early days as a simple sandbox game to its current iteration as a complex world-building game, Minecraft has always been incredibly popular.
However, like any software, Minecraft can sometimes suffer from technical issues that can disrupt gameplay and cause frustration for players.
In this article, we will examine one such issue – window focus problems – and explore how they can impact Minecraft gameplay.
Window Focus Problems in Minecraft
Window focus problems are issues that occur when Minecraft loses focus and stops responding to mouse and keyboard inputs.
There are many reasons why this can happen, but some common causes include hardware-related issues, software conflicts, and errors in the game code itself.
These problems are especially common when Minecraft is run in fullscreen mode, but they can also occur in windowed mode.
Managing Window Focus Problems in Minecraft
There are a few different strategies that Minecraft players can use to manage window focus problems. Perhaps the most effective approach is to run Minecraft in windowed mode instead of fullscreen mode.
This can help ensure that the game does not lose focus when the player switches between programs or virtual desktops.
Additionally, players should avoid minimizing Minecraft or switching virtual desktops while the game is running.
Window focus problems can have a significant impact on Minecraft gameplay. First and foremost, they can disrupt players’ progress in the game.
When Minecraft stops responding to input, it becomes impossible to continue playing until the issue is resolved. This can be especially frustrating for players who are in the middle of a challenging level or trying to achieve a specific goal.
Furthermore, disruptions to the player experience can be quite severe. Players may become frustrated or disengaged from the game if they encounter frequent window focus problems.
This can lead to a decline in the player base or a general decrease in interest in Minecraft as a whole.
Finally, there are often concerns from the Minecraft community regarding technical issues like window focus problems.
Players may voice their frustrations on forums or social media platforms, and this can lead to negative publicity for the game. If these issues persist, they may lead to a decline in the popularity of Minecraft over time.
Window focus problems can be a significant challenge for Minecraft players. While there are some strategies that players can use to manage these issues, they can still have a disruptive impact on gameplay, as well as cause frustration and concerns in the Minecraft community.
As such, it is essential for players and game developers alike to remain vigilant when it comes to identifying and mitigating these technical issues to help ensure that Minecraft remains a popular and beloved video game for years to come.
Solutions to the Problem
The problem of Minecraft freezing or crashing when switching apps on Windows 10 has been reported by many users.
This issue is mainly caused by the computer’s graphics driver or conflicting software, resulting in a halt to game performance. There are various solutions to fix this problem.
The first solution is running Minecraft in windowed mode. When running the game in fullscreen mode, the problem can occur when switching apps.
However, when running Minecraft in windowed mode, the game will stop responding before switching apps, and the issue will not occur.
To switch Minecraft to windowed mode, go to the game’s option settings and select the “Video Settings” tab. Here, find the “Fullscreen” option and deselect it. The game will now run in windowed mode.
The second solution is adjusting the settings on the operating system. It is essential to ensure that the computer’s settings are optimized to run Minecraft correctly.
A clean boot or disabling non-essential startup programs can help reduce the system’s resources. Other options include updating the operating system or disabling game mode.
The third solution involves updating the drivers and software. One of the leading causes of Minecraft freezing or crashing during app switching is outdated drivers or software.
To update the drivers, go to the device manager and locate the display adapter. Right-click on it and select “Update Driver.”
Find the latest version of the driver and update it. Updating conflicting software can also help resolve the issue. Minecraft’s freezing or crashing during app switching is a common issue, but several solutions can help fix it.
Running Minecraft in windowed mode, adjusting OS settings, and updating drivers and software are necessary to ensure smooth game performance.
It is essential to note that the solutions may vary depending on the computer’s specifications and operating system.
Why Does My Screen Black Out When I Tab in and Out of Minecraft?
Tabbing in and out of Minecraft can cause a black screen. This is due to the graphics driver becoming unresponsive.
Updating the graphics driver can fix the issue. Using ALT+TAB can cause the issue. Minecraft requires a lot of graphics power to run.
This can cause problems if the graphics driver is outdated. Running Minecraft in full-screen mode can help avoid the issue.
Some graphics cards may have compatibility issues with Minecraft. Switching to a different graphics card may fix the issue. Disabling certain programs running in the background can also help.
How Do You Alt Tab Without Leaving Game Bedrock?
- Why Alt-Tabbing in Bedrock can be difficult Alt-tabbing in Bedrock can cause the screen to darken or bring up the menu, making it difficult to see the game.
- How to bring up the emotes screen Pressing “B” brings up the emotes screen, which allows you to access various emotes and other tools.
- Difficulty of Alt-Tabbing while on the emotes screen, alt-tabbing can still be problematic as it can interrupt the usage of emotes and other tools.
- New method for alt-tabbing without leaving the game The latest Bedrock update includes a feature that allows players to alt-tab without leaving the game or interrupting the use of emotes.
- Benefits of the new feature This new feature allows for a more seamless gaming experience and allows players to multitask without interfering with their gameplay.
How Do You Make Minecraft Not Kick You Out?
When a player gets kicked out of a Minecraft server, it means that the server disconnected the player for inactivity, too much lag, or violating the server’s rules. Bans are more severe and permanent, whereas kicks are temporary.
Avoiding AFK kicks
To avoid being kicked for AFK, players can use AFK pools, auto clickers, or other techniques to simulate motion and activity in-game. It’s important to check the server’s rules and mods before using any AFK techniques.
Improving Internet Connection
Lag can cause a player’s connection to the server to drop, resulting in disconnection. Players can improve their internet connection by reducing downloads/uploads, using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, and playing during off-peak hours.
Following Server Rules
Breaking a server’s rules can result in being kicked or banned from the server. It’s important to read and follow the rules carefully to avoid any trouble.
Communicating With the Server Mods
If a player is having trouble staying connected to a server or has been unfairly kicked or banned, they can contact the server’s mods or admins to resolve the issue. It’s important to be respectful and provide evidence if necessary.
To Recap
The reason why Minecraft closes when you tab out is due to a bug in the game’s coding. This problem occurs when the game is in fullscreen mode or when you attempt to switch between virtual desktops.
While it can be frustrating, there are ways to avoid this issue, such as running Minecraft in windowed mode or not minimizing the game when switching to other apps
Developers are aware of this issue and are actively working on a solution. So, if you are experiencing this problem, don’t worry; a fix may be in the works soon.