Using virtual desktops in Windows 11 can be highly advantageous, particularly for anyone with a single-monitor setup. If you're still working from home due to the pandemic and juggling several different projects on the same computer, multiple desktops can be a life-saver.
The Task View pane in Windows 11 allows you to add virtual desktops quickly and easily. You can manage the view of your virtual desktop and move applications to different desktops, show windows on all desktops or close pages on a selected desktop. Here's how to do it.
How to add a desktop in Windows 11
Different desktops open in Windows 11.
MicrosoftTo add a virtual desktop, open up the new Task View pane by clicking the Task View button (two overlapping black and white rectangles) on the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows Key + Tab.
If you don't see the Task View button in your taskbar, right click the taskbar and click Taskbar settings. Then go to Task View and toggle the switch to On.
Now, in the Task View pane, click New desktop to add a virtual desktop. The "Add a desktop" button will appear as a gray tile with a plus symbol. Click that tile for your new desktop.
You can also quickly add a desktop without entering the Task View pane by using the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Ctrl + D.
How to switch between desktops in Windows 11
To switch between virtual desktops, open the Task View pane and click on the desktop you want to switch to. You can also quickly switch desktops without going into the Task View pane by using the keyboard shortcuts Windows Key + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Windows Key + Ctrl + Right Arrow.
How to rename desktops in Windows 11
Renaming desktops can help keep your workspace organized. To rename your desktops, open the Task View pane, right-click a desktop and click Rename. Now you can have all your work on one desktop while your music plays on another.
Renaming and changing desktop backgrounds is easy in Windows 11.
MicrosoftHow to change desktop backgrounds in Windows 11
Changing the background of each desktop can help distinguish between workspaces. To do this, open the Task View pane, right-click a desktop and click Choose background.
How to move windows between desktops in Windows 11
To move an application from one desktop to another, open the Task View pane and then hover over the desktop containing the application you want to move. The applications on the desktop you're on will pop up. You can click and drag applications from one desktop to another through the Task View pane, or you can right-click an application, click Move to and then click which desktop you want to move the application to.
How to close a desktop in Windows 11
To close a virtual desktop, open up the Task View pane and hover over the desktop you want to close until an X appears in the upper-right corner. Click the X to close the desktop.
You can also open Task View by clicking Windows Key + Tab. Then, use your arrow keys to select a virtual desktop and clicking the Delete key on the virtual desktop you want to close.
For more on Windows 11, check out how to download Windows 11 for free, how to tell if your computer is compatible with Windows 11 and the best Windows 11 features.
