Windows 10 struggles to identify open windows or applications.
Windows 10 struggles to identify open windows or applications.
Over the last few weeks I've observed that frequently opening new windows doesn't always trigger the selection process, even when nothing else is running on the desktop. For instance, when I launch Firefox with no other windows active, typing into the address bar doesn't proceed until the window is manually chosen—either by clicking it or using Alt+Tab. This issue isn't limited to browsers; it also affects File Explorer and windowed games. It's quite annoying, particularly when a newly opened window appears on top of others but isn't actually selected. (Keyboard actions seem to have no impact on previously opened windows either; it feels like Windows is using a double-click system.) Additionally, it doesn't seem to matter whether the window comes from the Start menu or a shortcut. I'm really puzzled by this situation.
You're dealing with software that distracts attention. I'm trying to identify what it is based on your clues. From past encounters, keyboard/mouse makers often produce poor-quality programs. I'd consider removing them to test whether the issue resolves. If not, reinstalling might help. For startup items, check scheduled tasks and auto-updater entries—disable or enable them to see if that makes a difference. It's a search, but hopefully you can locate an update that fixes the problem.
I just received a Corsair keyboard with iCUE installed. That seems to be the main issue. The MFer shouldn’t be too demanding on the processor either.
I've killed iCUE and a handful of other BG programs in the Task Manager, and the problem persists. According to my System Tray, I've currently got the following running: My external drives, via USB; Steam (which hasn't triggered this problem in the decade+ that I've had it); OneNote's quick launch; Intel Rapid Storage Technology; RealTek Audio Manager (MSI's branded version); Sennheiser Audio 1.13 (headset; no problems in the past 4 years of use); Epic Games launcher (I know, Epic Bad, but Hades was only available there for the first year and I love Super Giant more than I hate Epic's bullshit; eat me); NVIDIA Settings; Windows Security; OneDrive; Folding @ Home (paused cuz shit gets hot); OnScreen Control (LG monitor); Volume Mixer; Spotify; Discord; 1Password; Dropbox; and Language settings. The RealTek program is just there because my MoBo is MSI; I have no reason to keep that if it's know to trigger issues.
Check startup programs instead of the system tray. Still, it’s impressive how many items there are. I’ve got Logitech Options (Mouse/Keyboard soft), OneDrive and Windows Defender. That covers it. The rest runs as needed. To be honest, from what you listed, I’m not sure which programs or drivers need updating. They often change without much notice. Here’s what I’d try next: Create a new account on the system and test there. If it works, the issue is likely software-related and tied to your account. If you have an unused SSD or HDD (you can format it), unplug it when the machine powers off, replace it with the empty drive, and perform a clean Windows installation (about 5–10 minutes). After that, check for updates—don’t worry about activating Windows. Make sure everything shows up in Device Manager, install Firefox, and see if the problem persists.
REMEMBER: These steps aren’t guaranteed fixes. If it resolves, I’ll gradually rebuild my setup, one program at a time, until I pinpoint the cause. If the issue stays with Firefox, it might be an extension or a bug in that software.
I can verify that the problem isn't confined to a single application. Sometimes starting a game via Steam causes it to appear under the Steam interface, etc. I value the detailed troubleshooting steps, but for now, without a clear list of common causes to test, I won’t have time to go through everything. I also face an unspecified software glitch (with various error codes) that occasionally causes a BSOD, though it doesn’t occur too frequently. My work laptop can handle the issue during restarts. (I’m a first-year clerk at a law firm, and it feels like I’ve been experiencing “one of those days” for four months in a row…) Right now, the most probable solution is to wait for new hardware next month, set up a fresh system, and simply reformat this device to function as a media center or something similar.
I observed that many users still struggled with their Wi-Fi receivers after a BSOD reset, and their connections felt unreliable. After installing an Ethernet cable directly into my office, it seems the old Wi-Fi dongle was failing, causing both performance drops and frequent crashes. This particular model, no longer sold on Amazon, has worked well so far—my internet is now solid even in a building over 100 years old. If hardware issues were the problem, being a USB device is a relief compared to other drives. Assuming this holds true, my setup should support future upgrades without delays.