AltTab doesn't list a Finder window after launching; it shows it after opening another tab and closing it

[oniatsu]

Describe the bug

Finder window is not displayed.

Therefore, switching to Finder window is not possible. I have not been able to confirm from which OS version or app version it can no longer be displayed. It used to be displayed before.

Screenshots / video

Finder window does not appear in the list. Other windows appear.

Steps to reproduce the bug

1. Reset settings.
2. Open and display windows.

Your environment

• AltTab version: 6.63.0
• macOS version: Ventura 13.6

[lwouis]

It is most likely #1324

[oniatsu]

I think it is a different issue. Only one space exists and I am able to get Finder window with another window switcher app.

[lwouis]

Hey @oniatsu,

Could you please clarify which window you're looking for? If you're looking for the Finder app, it's blacklisted by default. You can remove it from the blacklist in Preferences > Blacklists, if you want to see it.

If not, could you please share a video of the issue, and step by step on how to reproduce?

Thank you

[oniatsu]

@lwouis As it turns out, it did not seem to be an application problem.

What I was looking for: display of the Finder window (not the Finder app).

Before the operation, I Reset the settings. I hadn't noticed, but as you said, Finder was specified in Blacklist. However, for some reason, even when the Finder window was present, it was not actually displayed, but after several changes to the settings and attempts, the Finder window was also displayed.

I am not sure why, but at this point there seems to be no problem, so I am fine with the issue remaining Closed. Thank you very much.

[oniatsu]

@lwouis I have found a way to reproduce the problem. The problem is still that the Finder window does not appear.

How to reproduce

1. reset settings
2. Restart (Quit and reopen) AltTab
3. Send shortcut to display windows
4. Then, Finder window is not displayed

Workaround

1. Add another tab in Finder after the above
2. Send shortcut to display windows
3. Then, Finder window is not displayed Workaround 1.
4. Then, Finder window is displayed even if you close the new tab opened in Finder.

I suspect that there is a bug in the part of AltTab that gets the Finder window at open.

[lwouis]

Hi @oniatsu,

Is the window fullscreen? Fullscreen window create another Space, so that would explain things.

Could you please post a video showcasing the issue and the workaround you mention?

Thank you 🙇

[oniatsu]

@lwouis

This is the video recording of the reproduction procedure.

1. With AltTab closed and no full screen windows at all.
2. Normal Command + Tab can toggle between Finder and Chrome windows.
3. Open AltTab.
4. AltTab does not show Finder window.
5. Shows Blacklist in settings
6. Open another tab in Finder
7. AltTab makes the Finder window appear for the first time here

https://github.com/lwouis/alt-tab-macos/assets/5919569/e73c3d81-9d5b-447f-acbd-7f103e679add

[lwouis]

Hi @oniatsu,

Thank you for sharing more information.

I can't reproduce what you show on the video. I've spent hundreds of hours investigating that type of window detection. I'm very surprised that AltTab would miss a window which is not on another Space. You're not on a macOS beta, and you're using the latest version of AltTab. I don't know what to do to investigate this issue, since it doesn't happen on my side.

Is there anything more you could share that could be a clue as to what is going on? I'm afraid with the current level of information, I don't know how to investigate further.

Thank you 🙇

[oniatsu]

@lwouis Thanks.

It is the behavior of other apps, and there are some behaviors that are either quite too indirect or of some concern. It will be hard to be helpful, but I will share it just in case.

• Behavior of other window switcher apps
  • HyperSwitch
    • Window is displayed not only before and after opening a new tab in Finder. However, the Window does not become active when selected.
  • Hammerspoon
    • Windows is visible and can be activated.

I have created a window switcher application for macOS myself, and I know a little bit about macOS's API's that are quite quirky about window acquisition. (Not as quality as AltTab, and not as familiar with macOS APIs as you are.)

If I notice anything else that needs to be shared, I will add it again.