How it works
- Pick the window by its app, title or class, or use one an earlier step found or opened.
- A minimized window is restored first, and you can tell it to wait a while for an app that is still starting.
- Windows sometimes refuses to change the window in front; then the step says "focus refused" instead of forcing it, and templates let the routine carry on.
- While a protected game is in front, KeyRoutines only asks Windows politely and never uses its extra tricks to take focus.
Routines that use it
Hotkey app switcher
Ctrl+Alt+1 focuses your editor, Ctrl+Alt+2 your browser, each a Hotkey trigger with one Focus window step.
Land in the game
After Wait until Game is ready, Focus window uses the window it found so you start right at the menu.
Back to the call
A hotkey focuses your meeting window and Mute or unmute toggles your microphone at the same time.
Settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Window | The window to bring to the front. |
| Restoreadvanced | Restore the window first if it is minimized. |
| Wait foradvanced | Wait this long for the window to appear (for an app that is still starting). |
Good to know
- Windows may refuse to bring a window forward, especially some time after your last key press; the step then reports it instead of forcing it.
Questions
- Why won't Windows bring a window to the front?
- Windows has a focus lock that stops programs from stealing focus. KeyRoutines tries the usual safe ways and, if Windows still refuses, reports "focus refused" rather than forcing it.
- Can I switch to a specific app with a keyboard shortcut?
- Yes. Make a routine with a Hotkey trigger and a Focus window step for that app.