Something is stealing focus from the active window

25
2014-05
  • kapa

    Some kind of program is stealing focus from the active window, it's quite strange. I am using Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit.

    So for example I open Notepad++ and start typing. After some time (few minutes, sometimes even less), the window loses focus and the program does not receive input anymore. Same with other programs, it's quite annoying.

    I already checked for malicious programs. Anybody have an idea?

  • Answers
  • kapa

    The only change I made to the computer before the problem started occurring is the installation of a new USB wireless adapter. So I thought it might be related to that.

    Turned out it was the TP-Link Wireless Utility that was recently installed. Got rid of it and it is fine now.


  • Related Question

    Stop Windows XP applications from stealing focus
  • FrustratedWithFormsDesigner

    This question already has an answer here:


  • Related Answers
  • Darth Android

    As provided by this tips & tricks article:

    To prevent applications from stealing the focus from the window you are working in:

    1. Start Regedit
    2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
    3. Edit the key ForegroundLockTimeout
    4. Give it a value of 00030d40

    You should have permission to modify this as a regular user (a corporate administrator could still lock down the setting if they really wanted to - I wouldn't see why, though). If editing the registry is not something you're comfortable with, you might also look at the program TweakXP and search for an option titled "Prevent other applications from stealing focus"