Chrome on macOS doesn't select visible tab after switching windows

Are you a Mac user who frequently switches between different windows in Google Chrome? Have you noticed that sometimes when you switch windows, the selected tab is not the one you were viewing? You're not alone! This is a common issue that many macOS users face while using Chrome. In this article, we will discuss why this happens and how you can fix it.

The problem occurs when you have multiple windows open in Chrome and switch between them using the Command+` shortcut or by clicking on the window in the Dock. Instead of selecting the visible tab in the new window, Chrome selects the last active tab from the previous window. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you have many tabs open and need to quickly find the one you were working on.

Fortunately, there are a few workarounds you can try to resolve this issue:

Method 1: Use the Window menu

Instead of using the Command+` shortcut or clicking on the window in the Dock, you can use the Window menu in Chrome to switch between windows. Here's how:

1. Click on the "Window" option in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
2. Select the window you want to switch to from the drop-down menu.

This method ensures that Chrome selects the visible tab in the new window, eliminating the issue of the wrong tab being selected.

Method 2: Update Chrome

Another possible solution is to make sure you are using the latest version of Google Chrome. Sometimes, outdated software can cause unexpected behavior. To update Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Chrome" menu in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
2. Select "About Google Chrome" from the drop-down menu.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
4. Restart Chrome to apply the updates.

Updating Chrome may fix any bugs or glitches that could be causing the issue with tab selection.

Method 3: Use a Chrome extension

If the previous methods didn't work for you, there is a Chrome extension called "Tab Activate" that can help. This extension automatically activates the most recently used tab when you switch between windows. Here's how to install and use it:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store in your Chrome browser.
2. Search for "Tab Activate" in the search bar.
3. Click on the "Add to Chrome" button next to the extension.
4. Once installed, the extension will automatically activate the most recently used tab when you switch between windows.

Tab Activate is a handy tool that can save you time and frustration by ensuring that the correct tab is selected every time you switch windows.

By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the issue of Chrome not selecting the visible tab after switching windows on your macOS device. If the problem persists, you may need to reach out to Google Chrome support for further assistance.