Before you start
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
Method 1 Create and switch desktops
-
Step 1: Open Task View
Press Win + Tab, or click the Task View button on the taskbar.
-
Step 2: Add a desktop
Click New desktop. Or press Win + Ctrl + D from anywhere.
-
Step 3: Switch desktops
Press Win + Ctrl + Right arrow or Left arrow, or click a desktop in Task View. On touchpads, swipe left/right with four fingers.
Method 2 Organise your desktops
-
Step 1: Rename
In Task View, click the desktop’s name (e.g. “Desktop 2”) and type a new one, such as “Work”.
-
Step 2: Change the wallpaper (Windows 11)
Right-click a desktop in Task View > Choose background.
-
Step 3: Move a window
In Task View, drag a window onto another desktop, or right-click it > Move to.
-
Step 4: Show a window on all desktops
Right-click a window in Task View > Show this window on all desktops (handy for music or chat).
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Tab | Open Task View |
| Win + Ctrl + D | New desktop |
| Win + Ctrl + Left/Right | Switch desktop |
| Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close current desktop |
Troubleshooting
The Task View button is missing
Turn it on in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Task view.
A window opens on the wrong desktop
Apps open on the current desktop. Some apps (like single-window apps) jump to the desktop where they’re already open.
Frequently asked questions
Do virtual desktops use more memory?
Only the apps you open use memory. Extra desktops themselves cost almost nothing.
Do desktops survive a restart?
In Windows 11, yes: desktops and their names stay, though apps need to be reopened.
Summary
Press Win + Ctrl + D to create a desktop and Win + Ctrl + arrow keys to switch. Rename them and give each its own wallpaper in Task View to keep work and personal apps apart.
