How to Use Virtual Desktops in Windows 11

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Virtual DesktopsProductivityWindows 11Task ManagementMultitaskingFeaturesOperationUser InterfaceEfficiencyTips

Virtual desktops in Windows 11 provide a powerful way to organize your workspace. By allowing multiple desktop environments, you can easily separate and categorize your tasks, whether it's work, personal projects, or leisure activities. This capability not only increases productivity but also reduces clutter, allowing for greater focus and efficiency.

What are virtual desktops?

Virtual desktops is a feature in Windows 11 that allows users to create multiple desktops. Think of each desktop as a separate workspace. Instead of opening too many windows on the same screen and getting upset, you can switch between desktops and keep your work environment clean and organized.

Why use virtual desktops?

While multiple monitors offer multiple screens to enhance productivity, not everyone has the space or resources for such a setup. Virtual desktops offer a software-driven alternative that replicates the benefits of having multiple screens on a single monitor.

• Organization: Separate desktops mean you can categorize your tasks or projects differently. One for work, another for browsing, etc.
• Focus: Eliminate distractions by dedicating a desktop to work only.
• Efficiency: Quickly switch between different tasks without having to close and reopen applications.

Getting started with virtual desktops

Before we dive into the advanced functionalities, let’s make sure your system is ready to use virtual desktops.

Checking system requirements

Windows 11 must be installed, and it is important to confirm that it is working properly. Virtual desktops are available in Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions. Make sure your edition supports this feature.

Accessing the tasks view

Task View is where you manage virtual desktops. You can access it in several ways:

• Click the Task View button on the taskbar next to the Start menu.
• Alternatively, press Windows + Tab on your keyboard to open Task View directly.

Creating new virtual desktops

Creating a new virtual desktop in Windows 11 is a straightforward process:

1. Open Task View by clicking the Task View button or pressing Windows + Tab.
2. In Task View, you'll see a + icon labeled "New Desktop" in the top or bottom left. Click it.
3. A new, blank virtual desktop will appear, and you can immediately switch to it to start working in a new environment.

You can create as many desktops as you need. Each desktop will have different types of applications and open windows.

Switching between virtual desktops

When you have multiple desktops open, you can easily switch between them:

• Open Task View by clicking the Task View button or pressing Windows + Tab.
• Select the desktop thumbnail you want to switch to in Task View. Clicking the thumbnail takes you instantly to that desktop.
• You can also switch to different desktops using Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow keys.

Moving windows between desktops

Sometimes you'll want to move a window from one desktop to another. Here's how:

• Open Task View to see all your desktops and applications.
• Find the window you want to move. Hover your mouse over its miniature preview.
• Click and drag a window from one desktop to another desktop's thumbnail at the top or bottom of Task View.

This functionality allows you to better organize your workflow dynamically as your projects and tasks evolve.

Customizing virtual desktops

Renaming the desktop

Windows 11 allows you to assign custom names to each virtual desktop for better organization:

1. Open Task View by pressing Windows + Tab.
2. Right-click on the desktop you want to rename.
3. Select the “Rename” option from the dropdown and enter the name you want.

Background customization

Make each desktop visually different by changing the desktop background:

1. Go to the desktop by clicking the desktop thumbnail in Task View.
2. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select "Personalize."
3. Select "Background" and choose or upload the image you want for that specific desktop.

Turning off virtual desktops

If you no longer need a virtual desktop, you can simply turn it off:

• Open Task View by clicking the Task View icon or pressing Windows + Tab.
• Hover the mouse over the desktop you want to close - a small "X" button will appear.
• Click the "X" to close the desktop. All open windows on the closed desktop will move to the adjacent desktop.

Productivity tips with virtual desktops

Desktop workspace

Assign each desktop space to a specific task or project. For example:

• Use a desktop for work-related tasks and applications like Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Set aside another desktop for leisure with a web browser for social media, streaming, and news.
• Create a dedicated desktop for learning or skill development with educational apps and resources.

Task integration

Combine virtual desktops with task management tools to increase productivity:

• Link specific desktops to specific projects or clients. Open and organize all the necessary documents and applications on a single desktop.
• Switch between different project desktops, maintaining focus and organization when transitioning between meetings or tasks.

Advanced features and shortcuts

Windows 11 virtual desktops come with several shortcuts to help you optimize your workflow:

• Windows + Ctrl + D: Create a new virtual desktop.
• Windows + Ctrl + F4: Close the current desktop.
• Windows + CTRL + Left / Right Arrow: Switch between desktops.

Conclusion

Using virtual desktops on Windows 11 is a great way to streamline your workflow, stay organized, and increase productivity without additional hardware. Whether you're an average user or a professional managing multiple extensive projects, virtual desktops provide a flexible, efficient solution for managing your workspace. If you haven't taken full advantage of this feature yet, it's time to start experimenting and creating your own personal desktop ecosystem!

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update