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When I press alt/tab a window displays WDA Desktop service. Why is this open and how do I close it?

Anonymous
2025-06-21T23:49:49+00:00

When I use control /Tab a window shows WDA Desktop Servie....why is this open and how do I close it.?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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quietman7 MVP Alumni 19,735 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-06-22T00:21:12+00:00

When you press the Alt+Tab hotkey it shows the thumbnails of opened programs (File Explorer, Apps) and browser tabs which allows you to easily switch between them...switch from one application to another.

When I use that hotkey on my laptop, just letting go of Alt+Tab returns the screen to normal. . Are you indicating it does not do this for you?
 
Do you have a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter for wirelessly mirroring your screen?

In Windows 11, you can choose what to show when you press the Alt+Tab keys...

How to Customize Alt + Tab Settings in Windows 11

How to Change Alt+Tab Settings in Windows 11

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-22T00:24:28+00:00

    Hi Bill,

    I'm Yve, an Independent Advisor. I'd be happy to asssit you with this issue.

    The WDA Desktop Service you’re seeing when you press Alt+Tab or Ctrl+Tab is just a background app or tool that’s running on your computer. It might be part of a remote access program or screen sharing software you’ve installed.

    If you want to stop it from showing up, here’s what you can do:

    1. Try closing it through Task Manager.
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
    • Look for something called WDA Desktop Service
    • Click on it and choose End Task
    1. Stop it from starting up with your PC.
    • Press Windows key + R, then type msconfig and press Enter
    • Go to the Startup tab
    • See if WDA Desktop Service is listed
    • If it is, uncheck it so it doesn’t open next time you restart
    1. Run a quick antivirus scan
    • Just to be on the safe side, run a scan to make sure it’s nothing harmful.

    If this doesn’t do the trick or it keeps popping up, I’ve got a few more things we can try, just let me know. Happy to help further!

    Best regards,

    Yve

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