Having multiple desktops on Windows 10 is a great way to keep your work organized and your screen tidy. By following a few simple steps, you can easily create and switch between different desktops, each dedicated to specific tasks or projects. This makes multitasking smoother and can significantly boost your productivity.
How to Have Multiple Desktops on Windows 10
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up and use multiple desktops on Windows 10. By the end of it, you’ll be able to create, switch between, and manage multiple desktops with ease.
Step 1: Open Task View
Click the “Task View” button on the taskbar next to the search box, or press “Windows Key + Tab” on your keyboard.
Task View is the gateway to managing your desktops. It shows an overview of all open windows and desktops, giving you a clear picture of your workspace.
Step 2: Add a New Desktop
In Task View, click on the “New Desktop” button located at the top left corner of the screen.
Creating a new desktop is like getting a fresh canvas. You can start new tasks without cluttering your main workspace, making it easier to focus.
Step 3: Switch Between Desktops
Use Task View to click on the desktop you want to switch to, or use “Windows Key + Ctrl + Left Arrow/Right Arrow” to cycle through them.
Switching between desktops is seamless. You can quickly move from one project to another without losing track of what you were doing.
Step 4: Move Windows Between Desktops
In Task View, drag and drop windows from one desktop to another as needed.
Need to move a document from your work desktop to your personal one? It’s as simple as dragging and dropping, keeping your tasks organized.
Step 5: Close a Desktop
In Task View, click the “X” button on the desktop you want to close. Open windows on the closed desktop will move to the main desktop.
Closing desktops you no longer need is crucial for keeping your system running efficiently. It ensures you don’t get overwhelmed by too many open tasks.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a more organized and efficient workspace. You can easily manage different tasks by keeping them separated on different desktops, making multitasking more manageable.
Tips for How to Have Multiple Desktops on Windows 10
- Use Desktops for Different Projects: Dedicate each desktop to a specific project or type of task to stay organized.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize shortcuts like “Windows Key + Ctrl + D” to create a new desktop quickly.
- Name Your Desktops: If you have many desktops, consider using third-party software to name them for better organization.
- Custom Wallpapers: Assign different wallpapers to each desktop to quickly identify them.
- Use Virtual Desktops for Privacy: If you share your computer, use virtual desktops to separate personal and workspaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my open windows if I close a desktop?
All open windows on a closed desktop will move to the main desktop.
Can I name my desktops?
Windows 10 doesn’t natively support naming desktops, but third-party software can help.
Are there limits to how many desktops I can create?
There’s no strict limit, but too many desktops might slow down your system.
Can I use different wallpapers for each desktop?
Windows 10 doesn’t support separate wallpapers for each desktop by default.
Do multiple desktops consume more resources?
While having multiple desktops open does use more memory, the impact is usually minimal.
Summary
- Open Task View.
- Add a new desktop.
- Switch between desktops.
- Move windows between desktops.
- Close a desktop.
Conclusion
Using multiple desktops on Windows 10 is an excellent way to enhance your productivity. Whether you are juggling multiple projects, keeping work and personal tasks separate, or just trying to keep your screen less cluttered, this feature can be a game-changer. By mastering a few simple steps and utilizing some handy tips, you can transform how you work on your computer.
The process is intuitive and designed to make multitasking a breeze. While it may take a little time to get used to, once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. If you’re interested in further boosting your productivity, consider exploring other Windows 10 features like Snap Assist and virtual desktops settings.
So, go ahead, start organizing your work with multiple desktops and experience a more efficient way to manage your tasks. Happy working!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.