How to Use Task View in Windows 11

Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Task View is a powerful feature in Windows 11 that allows you to organize and manage multiple open applications and virtual desktops. The feature is designed to help users switch between their tasks more efficiently, improve productivity, and create a clutter-free workspace. In this guide, we'll go over how to use Task View effectively, step by step, using simple language and practical examples.

What is a task view?

Task View is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that enables users to quickly switch between open applications and windows and also provides the ability to manage virtual desktops. Essentially, it acts as a timeline of your activities, showing all the windows you have open at a glance and allowing you to switch tasks seamlessly.

Accessing the Tasks View

Accessing Task View in Windows 11 is straightforward. There are multiple ways to open the Task View interface:

• Task View button: You can click the Task View button located on the taskbar. It is represented by an icon that looks like two overlaying rectangles.
• Keyboard shortcut: You can also press Windows + Tab keys on your keyboard simultaneously.

Exploring the Task View Interface

When you launch Task View, you'll see a new interface with your open windows and applications displayed as thumbnails. Here's what you'll find:

• Current Activities: The top section shows the applications and windows currently open on your desktop. This allows you to click on any of them to bring it to the foreground.
• Virtual desktops: At the bottom of the Task View, you'll see the option to add new virtual desktops. This helps you separate your tasks and organize your workflow into different desktops.

Using Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops are a key feature of Task View, which allows you to separate your work into different desktops. This is especially useful for users who need to organize different types of work or activities. Here's how you can do it:

1. Create a new virtual desktop: Click the "New Desktop" button at the bottom of Task View. This creates a new, blank desktop where you can open apps and organize your tasks.
2. Switching between desktops: Once multiple desktops are created, they can be viewed as thumbnails in Task View. Simply click on a desktop thumbnail to switch to that virtual desktop.
3. Moving windows between desktops: In Task View, you can drag and drop windows from one desktop thumbnail to another, giving you more control over what appears on each virtual desktop.
4. Closing a virtual desktop: Hover your mouse over the desktop thumbnail you want to close and click the "X" button that appears. Closing a virtual desktop will not close applications; they will move to the desktop currently being viewed.

Using Task View with Timeline

Task View also includes a Timeline feature, which provides a chronological view of opened apps and files, going back up to a month. This is useful for retrieving previously worked on files or apps.

• Accessing the timeline: As you scroll down in Task View, you'll see entries of your activities. These are organized by date, so you can quickly view and access your past activities.
• Resume previous activities: Click on any item in the timeline to reopen it. This provides a seamless way to continue working on documents or projects without having to search for the original files.

Benefits of Task View

Using Task View in Windows 11 offers various benefits that enhance productivity and task management:

• Improved task switching: Easily switch between applications and tasks without losing focus or rhythm.
• Advanced organization: Virtual desktops help divide work into separate spaces, which can be customized for specific projects or activities.
• Historical record: The Timeline aspect of Task view acts as a memory aid, showing you the last files and apps you used, which can be invaluable for resuming a task where you left off.

Best practices

For those who want to get the most out of Task View, here are some quick best practices:

• Use multiple desktops for different contexts: To reduce clutter and improve focus, allocate virtual desktops for specific tasks, such as work, entertainment, research, and more.
• Take advantage of keyboard shortcuts: Alt + Tab shortcut can also be used with Task View for quick switching between recent applications.
• Customize display settings: Under the Settings menu, explore the available options to customize Task View and Virtual Desktops to suit your work style.

General Troubleshooting Tips

Although Task View is generally straightforward, users may encounter some minor issues. Here are common problems and solutions:

• Task View button missing: Right-click the taskbar, open “Taskbar Settings”, and make sure the Task View button is enabled.
• Applications not visible in task view: Make sure applications are not minimized or closed. Sometimes restarting the system can resolve glitches.
• Virtual desktop problems: If the desktop is not working as expected, closing unnecessary windows or restarting Explorer.exe may resolve temporary glitches.

Conclusion

Task View in Windows 11 is a versatile tool for managing tasks and achieving a seamless workflow. Using its features like virtual desktops and timeline, users can effectively manage their time and tasks. Remember to personalize its use according to your needs, to ensure a more productive computing experience.

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