Navigating multiple desktops in Windows 11 and Windows 10 can significantly enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. By efficiently managing your virtual desktops, you can keep your tasks organized, reduce clutter, and easily switch between workspaces. Windows offers several methods to switch between desktops, each tailored to different user preferences, whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, using the Task View button, or touchpad gestures.
In Windows 11, the interface has been refined with improved navigation tools, making it easier to switch between desktops. Windows 10 also provides robust tools for desktop management, although the approach is slightly different. This guide will walk you through each method, ensuring you can switch between desktops seamlessly, regardless of which version of Windows you're using.
Below, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to switch between desktops using three distinct methods: keyboard shortcuts, the Task View button, and touchpad gestures. These instructions are designed to be straightforward, helping both new and experienced users to navigate Windows' desktop management features with ease.
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as it is in Windows 10. However, bear in mind that we'll be using screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different.
How to Use the Windows Switch Desktop Shortcut
Keyboard shortcuts are the quickest way to switch between desktops, allowing you to change your workspace without taking your hands off the keyboard.
- Press the Shortcut Keys
Press “Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow” on your keyboard. This combination will cycle through your open desktops, allowing you to switch between them quickly.
How to Switch between Desktops in Windows 11 Hovering Using the Task View Button
The Task View button is a visual tool that lets you see all your open desktops and applications at a glance, making it easy to navigate between them.
- Using Hover for Quick Switching between Desktops
When you hover over the Task View Shortcut, a preview of all Desktops will pop up where you can click to switch between desktops quickly.
- Clicking the Task View Shortcut to Show Desktops and Windows
When you click the Task View shortcut, Windows 11 will show the full Task View interface.
Hover your mouse over the desktop you want to switch to. A preview will appear, showing you the applications open on that desktop.
Click on the desired desktop from the Task View interface to switch to it instantly.
How to Switch Between Multiple Desktops on Windows with Touchpad Gestures
If your device has a precision touchpad, you can use gestures to switch between desktops, making the process even more intuitive.
- Open Settings
Click on the Start button and select Settings. Alternatively, press Windows + I to open the Settings directly.
- Navigate to Touchpad Settings
In the Settings window, go to Devices and select Touchpad. Here you can configure the gestures for switching desktops.
- Enable Touchpad Gestures
Ensure that the touchpad is enabled. Under the Gestures section, toggle on Three-finger gestures and Four-finger gestures.
- Define a Three-Finger Gesture
Choose a gesture under the three-finger options, such as Swipe left or right to switch between desktops.
- Define a Four-Finger Gesture
Similarly, under the four-finger options, assign a gesture for switching desktops, such as Swipe left or right.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Desktops on Windows
How do I create a new virtual desktop in Windows 11 or Windows 10?
To create a new virtual desktop, press “Windows + Ctrl + D”. This shortcut will instantly open a new virtual desktop, allowing you to manage multiple projects or applications in separate spaces efficiently.
Can I move applications from one desktop to another?
To move an application to another desktop, open Task View by pressing “Windows + Tab”, right-click on the application you wish to move, choose “Move to”, then select the desktop you want the application moved to. This feature allows you to reorganize your workspace without closing and reopening apps.
Can I use different wallpapers for each virtual desktop?
In Windows 11, you can set different wallpapers for each virtual desktop to help you distinguish between workspaces visually. To do this, navigate to the desktop you want to customize, right-click on the background, select “Personalize”, and then choose your preferred wallpaper for that specific desktop.
Is there a way to persist virtual desktops after a restart?
Windows does not currently support saving virtual desktops through restarts natively. However, some third-party utilities can save and restore your desktop layout after rebooting, so you might consider exploring those solutions for persistent setups.
How do I disable the multi-desktop feature completely?
To disable the multiple desktops feature, go to Settings > System > Multitasking. In this menu, you can turn off the settings related to Snap windows and Virtual Desktops, effectively disabling the Task View and virtual desktop functionalities.
What is the maximum number of virtual desktops Windows supports?
While Windows does not enforce a strict limit on the number of virtual desktops you can create, it's important to note that your system's performance might be affected if you open a large number. Typically, staying under 10 virtual desktops will keep things manageable without affecting performance significantly.
Is it possible to rename virtual desktops in Windows?
Yes, in Windows 11 you can rename virtual desktops to keep your tasks better organized. Just open Task View with “Windows + Tab”, click the name area of the desktop you wish to rename at the top of its thumbnail, and enter the new name directly.
How do I access Task View with touch gestures?
On devices with touch capabilities, you can access Task View by using a three-finger swipe upwards on your touchpad. This gesture makes it convenient to quickly see all your open windows and virtual desktops.
Can virtual desktops be used across multiple monitors?
Yes, the virtual desktops feature in Windows extends across all connected monitors. Each desktop you create or switch to will span across your multi-monitor setup, allowing for extensive screen real estate management.
How do I close a virtual desktop without switching to it?
You can close any virtual desktop from the Task View screen without having to switch to it by pressing “Windows + Tab”, hovering over the desktop you want to close, and clicking the ‘X' in the upper right corner of the desktop thumbnail.
How do I recover accidentally closed applications on a virtual desktop?
When you close a virtual desktop using “Windows + Ctrl + F4”, any applications that were open on that desktop will automatically shift to the adjacent virtual desktop. You can manually reopen any particular app that was closed by checking the Task View or the Start menu's list of recently used apps.
Can keyboard shortcuts for desktop management be customized?
Currently, Windows does not provide a built-in option to customize keyboard shortcuts for managing virtual desktops. However, third-party software solutions are available that allow you to customize shortcuts according to your preferences.
What is the shortcut to directly delete a virtual desktop?
Press “Windows + Ctrl + F4” and the current virtual desktop will close, automatically shifting any open applications to the adjacent desktop. This is a quick way to tidy up your workspace without manually moving applications.
How can I see which applications are open on another desktop without switching to it?
Using Task View (Windows + Tab), you can get a preview of the applications open on any desktop. Simply hover over the desktop thumbnail to see miniatures of all open apps on that particular desktop.
Is there a shortcut to view all keyboard shortcuts related to virtual desktops?
There is no specific shortcut that reveals a list exclusively of virtual desktop-related keyboard shortcuts. However, you can always refer to Windows Help or online resources, or you can press “Windows + .” to access the emoji panel, which also hosts other useful shortcuts.
Related: How to Use Google Calendar on Your Windows 11 Desktop
If you're an Android phone user, Google Calendar is probably your organization app of choice. The convenience of having a calendar in your pocket can't be understated. This creates a conflict with desktop use, though, with Windows 11 or Windows 10 using Microsoft's Calendar instead. To remedy this, today we're going to show you how to use Google Calendar on Windows 11 or Windows 10 by linking it to your built-in Windows 11 Calendar app.
Related: How to Change the Desktop Background on Windows 11 or Windows 10
Windows 11 and Windows 10 come with various desktop background options to suit your style and mood. You might want to switch to a dark-mode desktop background, which is similar to the default one but with a darker color scheme. If you want to add some color and vibrancy to your desktop, you can one abstract and artistic background wallpaper. In our other guide, we show you how to change the Desktop Background on Windows 11 and Windows 10 using the dark and light theme, a desktop wallpaper, solid colors othe slideshow feature.
Related: How to Change Desktop Icon Size and Taskbar Icon Size in Windows
You may want to make your desktop icons smaller so you can fit more on, or larger if your screen is a high resolution or you have poor eyesight. In our other guide, we show you how to change your desktop icon size in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Related: How to Change Icons on Windows 11 and Windows 10
Windows has always had a bit of an icon problem. While operating systems like Android and Google still have a general “style” for third-party app icons, Windows struggles to remain consistent. Icons can be 3D or 2D and round or square, or simply just bad. In our other guide, we show you how to change app icons, folder icons, and user icons in Windows 11 and Windows 10 by utilizing the Settings app and Registry Editor.
Related: How to Create a Desktop Shortcut to Apps, Websites, or Commands
Though these days many prefer to use Start pins rather than create a shortcut on the desktop, they have their place. Knowing how to create a desktop shortcut can open additional avenues for efficiency, allowing you to pin a website or run a command with a double-click. In our other guide, we show you how to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11 or Windows 10 using fast, simple, and effective methods.
