How to Disable App Switch List Hot Corner on Windows 8

Some people love hot corners on Windows 8. They offer a quick way to switch between apps, access the power menu or charm bar. However, not every Windows 8 user is a fan, myself included.

Consider the app switch list as an example. It appears when you point to the top left corner and swipe downwards. This behavior often interrupts my work because many desktop programs have the file menu in that area. I frequently launch the app switch list accidentally while trying to access the menu.

There are several ways to toggle among open apps, and my personal preference is using keyboard shortcuts. Therefore, I decided to disable the hot corner that displays the app switch list. If you are seeking a similar solution, here it is.

Steps to Disable App Switch List

It’s a simple settings change. You can easily revert when you like. Swipe right to show the charm bar on your screen. Select “Settings”. From the menu, click “Change PC Settings”. When the “PC Settings” page is brought up, navigate to “General”. Finally, on the right, disable “Allow switching between recent apps”. To activate the feature again, just turn the switch on.

When you change the switch, the feature will be deactivated. You don’t have to save the settings. Test it before closing the Settings window.

Switching Among Apps

Once you disable the app switch list, you eliminate the trouble but lose a simple way to switch among apps. Like other versions of Windows, you can use Alt + Tab to toggle between desktop and metro apps. However, this method only allows you to switch to the most recently opened metro app. Additionally, note that the Windows + Tab combination no longer works when the app switch list is disabled. Feel free to explore alternative methods if available.

Conclusion

Hot corners is the best and easiest way to launch the app switch list. If it troubles you more than it comforts you, disabling it would be a better option.