Using multiple desktops in Windows 11 is like having multiple workspaces on a single screen. It helps you keep your tasks organized and separate. To use this feature, click on the Task View button on your taskbar or press Windows + Tab. Then, click on “New Desktop” to create a new virtual desktop. You can switch between desktops easily by clicking on the Task View button again and selecting the desktop you want to work on. This way, you can dedicate different desktops to different tasks, keeping everything neat and focused.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Multiple Desktops in Windows 11
Navigating multiple desktops in Windows 11 can significantly boost your productivity. Here’s how to master this feature step by step.
Step 1: Open Task View
Click the Task View button on the taskbar or press Windows + Tab.
The Task View button usually looks like two overlapping squares on the taskbar. If it’s not there, you can right-click on the taskbar and check “Show Task View button”. Windows + Tab is a quick shortcut that also opens Task View.
Step 2: Create a New Desktop
Click on “New Desktop” at the top of the Task View screen.
Creating a new desktop is as easy as clicking a button. You’ll see a new miniature desktop appear in the Task View area. This is where your new workspace is born!
Step 3: Switch Desktops
To switch, click on the Task View button again and select the desktop you want.
Switching between desktops is seamless. Each desktop functions as an independent workspace, so feel free to open different apps on each desktop without them interfering with one another.
Step 4: Move Windows Between Desktops
Drag and drop an open window from one desktop to another in Task View.
If you find that a window fits better on a different desktop, just drag it over to the desired desktop in Task View. This helps in keeping the flow of work more organized and logical.
Step 5: Close a Desktop
To close, hover over the desktop in Task View and click the “X”.
Closing a desktop doesn’t mean you lose your open applications. They’ll hop over to the previous desktop, ensuring you don’t lose track of your work.
After setting up your desktops, you’ll notice your workflow becoming more streamlined. Each desktop will serve as a dedicated space – one might be for work, another for study, and perhaps another for leisure.
Tips for Using Multiple Desktops in Windows 11
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow to quickly switch between desktops.
- Right-click on an app in Task View to open it on all desktops if needed.
- Rename desktops by right-clicking them in Task View for better organization.
- Customize each desktop’s wallpaper to visually distinguish them.
- Use different desktops for different types of tasks to maintain focus and reduce clutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are multiple desktops in Windows 11?
Multiple desktops allow you to create separate workspaces on your computer, enabling different setups for various tasks.
How many desktops can I create in Windows 11?
You can create an unlimited number of desktops, but the practical limit depends on your computer’s memory and performance.
Will closing a desktop delete my open apps?
No, closing a desktop will move any open applications to another desktop, ensuring that nothing is lost.
Can I use different wallpapers for each desktop?
Yes, you can set different wallpapers for each desktop by going to the Personalization settings.
How can I quickly switch between desktops?
Use the shortcut Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow to swiftly move between desktops.
Summary
- Open Task View with a button or shortcut.
- Click “New Desktop” to create.
- Switch desktops in Task View.
- Move windows between desktops with drag and drop.
- Close desktops in Task View.
Conclusion
Using multiple desktops in Windows 11 is a fantastic way to declutter your digital workspace. Imagine it as having different rooms in a house, each designed for a specific purpose. Whether you’re juggling between work presentations, school assignments, or leisure activities, multiple desktops help you keep each task in its own space, reducing distractions and boosting your efficiency.
This feature can transform your computer usage from a chaotic mix of open windows to a neatly organized suite of tasks. If you’re someone who thrives in an organized environment, this could be the tool you never knew you needed. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your productivity soar.
For further exploration, you might want to learn about additional Windows 11 features like Snap Layouts and Widgets. These tools can further enhance how you work with multiple desktops. Remember, technology should work for you, not the other way around. So, embrace the versatility of multiple desktops and make your Windows 11 experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
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.