Previous Tab Keyboard Shortcut

About

Previous Tab Keyboard Shortcut 🔄

Switch to your previously active tab with simple keyboard shortcuts. No more "where was I?" moments.

WHAT DOES THIS DO?
Ever wanted Ctrl+Tab to switch to your previously focused tab instead of Chrome's default cycling behavior? This extension gives you that sanity-saving functionality.

KEY FEATURES:
🎯 Smart Tab Switching - Alt+W to jump to your previously focused tab
⬅️ Left Tab Navigation - Alt+Q to switch left (wraps around)
➡️ Right Tab Navigation - Alt+E to switch right (wraps around)
🧠 Remembers Everything - Maintains history of last 10 focused tabs
🔄 Handles Closed Tabs - Tries next tab in history if previous was closed
🪟 Multi-Window Support - Works independently in each Chrome window

DEFAULT SHORTCUTS:
• Alt+W - Switch to previously active tab
• Alt+Q - Switch to left tab
• Alt+E - Switch to right tab

⚠️ IMPORTANT: After installation, Chrome may not automatically enable the default shortcuts. To check/enable them:
1. Go to chrome://extensions/shortcuts
2. Find "Previous Tab Keyboard Shortcut" Extension
3. Verify shortcuts are set to Alt+W, Alt+Q, Alt+E
4. If not set, click "Edit" and assign the shortcuts manually

CTRL+TAB WORKAROUND:
Want true Ctrl+Tab behavior? Use Windows PowerToys Keyboard Manager along with this extension:

1. Download and install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store
2. Open PowerToys Settings
3. Go to "Keyboard Manager" → "Remap a key"
4. Click "Add key remapping"
5. Set "Physical Key" to "Ctrl+Tab"
6. Set "Mapped To" to "Alt+W"
7. Click "OK" and restart Chrome

This gives you the Ctrl+Tab behavior Chrome should have had all along.

WHY THIS EXISTS:
Chrome removed the ability to override Ctrl+Tab in Manifest V3. This extension provides the functionality Chrome refuses to build.