Ubuntu – Unity, Files/Nautilus doesn’t appear on alt+tab switcher

You can revert back to the older style of window switcher by enabling the Static Application Switcher plugin in CompizConfig Settings Manager:

• Warning: What are some of the issues with CCSM and why would I want to avoid it?

Steps:

1. CompizConfig Manager is gotten through sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager (thanks to @donbright)

2. sudo apt-get install compiz-plugins to get the static application switcher to show up. (thanks to @Milimetric)

3. CompizConfig Manager is started by typing ccsm in terminal (thanks to @donbright)

4. Disable the keyboard shortcuts for Unity's switcher by unchecking CompizConfig Settings Manager ▸ Desktop ▸ Ubuntu Unity Plugin ▸ Switcher ▸ Key to start the switcher ▸ Enabled and Key to start the switcher in reverse ▸ Enabled

5. Enable the Static Application Switcher by checking CompizConfig Settings Manager ▸ Window Management ▸ Static Application Switcher ▸ Enable Static Application Switcher

It sounds like you might be waiting for the application switcher to appear on screen before pressing Tab again. You don't have to do this; pressing Alt+Tab, Tab before the application switcher appears will still bring the third window into focus.

If you'd like to reduce the 0.2-second delay before the application switcher is displayed, see How do I adjust the alt-tab speed?.