Something keeps switching to Windows desktop every 5 minutes or so

[Weasel Bandit]

I have a problem that is really just a minor nuisance, but it has been going on for so long that it is really starting to bug me.

No matter what I have going on, a game, a Netflix stream, a word document or what have you, some piece of software keeps switching the main focus to the desktop every few minutes.

In a game it sometimes minimizes the game completely.
If i'm writing something in word, then every few minutes it switches focus and I end up writing something for a few seconds that doesn't get's noticed by word.
When watching Netflix in full screen you'll see the taskbar pop up and dissappear every so often.

I have tried closing the different ongoing programs that's open in the taskbar one after one, without luck.
Other than that I have no idea how to even approach the problem.

Any Ideas?

 

[jgod1993]

For sure it's some software that's running in the background that may be constantly trying to send you some reminders of some sort. Shot at the dark here, but are you running MSI Live Update 6? I know that can constantly get in the way in the manner you are describing.

 

[Weasel Bandit]

For sure it's some software that's running in the background that may be constantly trying to send you some reminders of some sort. Shot at the dark here, but are you running MSI Live Update 6? I know that can constantly get in the way in the manner you are describing.

Yeah that's what I'm thinking too... The problem is how to find that software... :b
No I don't have MSI Live Updater installed. :/

 

[jgod1993]

For sure it's some software that's running in the background that may be constantly trying to send you some reminders of some sort. Shot at the dark here, but are you running MSI Live Update 6? I know that can constantly get in the way in the manner you are describing.

Yeah that's what I'm thinking too... The problem is how to find that software... :b
No I don't have MSI Live Updater installed. :/

I'd keep a sharp lookout for any windows popping out in the bottom right corner of your screen that would be a notification that would kick you out of any application. Unfortunately, there are a large number of programs that can do this such as Anti-Virus software, Update notifications, and maybe even something as simple as Facebook reminders! It's too hard for me to deduce unless I'm physically with you looking at your enabled software.

 

[gardenman]

Determining which program it is can probably be done with a [Clean Boot]. A clean boot will temporarily disable all 3rd party software, leaving only Microsoft software running. Important: Read the directions carefully on how to perform the clean boot. Be sure the Hide all Microsoft services box is checked. Do not disable the Microsoft Services. There are basically 2 steps, disable the start up programs and disable 3rd party services (not the Microsoft services), then reboot and see if the problem still exists.

If the problem disappears while in clean boot, then it's one of the programs that you disabled for the clean boot that was causing the problem. Re-enable the programs/services a few at a time with each reboot until you discover which program is causing the problem.

Another option is to try using the [Windows Focus Logger] (freeware). This program is new to me. I just downloaded it and gave it a quick test it appears to work, showing you which program has focus. It doesn't give much information though. It *might* help by showing you which program is taking focus away from your game/application that you are using. If this program says it's "conhost", then that is likely a command prompt application.