If you want to How to switch desktops in Windows 11, You can easily do this using the virtual desktops feature included in the operating system.
The Windows 11 virtual desktops They allow you to better organize your programs and windows by creating different workspaces within the same computer.
This feature can be especially useful if you use your PC for work, study, play, or do different activities and you want to keep each task separate.
In this guide you will learn How to switch between desktops in Windows 11, How to create new desktops, how to delete them, and what the most useful keyboard shortcuts are.
What are Windows 11 virtual desktops? 💻
The virtual desktops These are independent workspaces that you can use to arrange the windows and applications open on your computer.
For example, you can create a desk for working with Word, Excel and your browser and keep another desktop exclusively for personal applications.
You don't need multiple monitors to use them, as all desktops work within the same system. the same screen.
Furthermore, you can quickly switch from one space to another without needing constantly close your programs or minimize windows.
You can find more information about the operating system's features directly in Microsoft Windows.
How to switch desktops in Windows 11 from the taskbar 🔄
The easiest way to Switching between desktops in Windows 11 It involves using Task View.
Follow these steps:
- Look for the button Task View located in the Windows 11 taskbar.
- Click on the button to view your open windows and virtual desktops.
- Locate on the screen the virtual desktop which you want to access.
- Click on that desktop to immediately switch workspaces.
- To return to the previous desktop, reopen Task View and select it again.
The change happens almost instantly, and the applications open on each desktop are affected. They remain organized in their corresponding space.
How to switch desktops in Windows 11 using the keyboard ⌨️
Windows 11 also includes several keyboard shortcuts that allow you to switch desktops without using the mouse.
You can use Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow to move to the next virtual desktop.
To return to the desktop on the left, use Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow.
These shortcuts are especially useful when you constantly work with multiple desktops because you can Switch workspaces in seconds.
You can also press Windows + Tab to directly open Task View and select the desktop you need from there.
How to create a new desktop in Windows 11 ➕
Before you can switch between multiple desktops, you will need to have two or more virtual desktops created.
You can create a new one by following these steps:
- Click Windows + Tab to open the Task View.
- Search for the option New desktop.
- Click on it to create a additional virtual desktop.
- Select the new desktop to start using it.
You can also use the shortcut Windows + Ctrl + D to immediately create a new desktop and access it.
You can repeat this process as many times as you need to have different workspaces.
How to name your Windows 11 desktops ✏️
Assigning different names can help you quickly identify each desktop when you have several open.
You can use names like Work, Studies, Personal, Games or Multimedia depending on the activities you usually do.
To change the name:
- Click Windows + Tab to open the Task View.
- Locate the desktop you want to modify.
- Click on the desktop name.
- Enter the new name you want to use.
- Click Enter to save the change.
Using descriptive names can greatly improve the organizing your virtual desktops.
How to move a window from one desktop to another 📂
You don't need to close an application and reopen it when you want to use it in another virtual desktop.
Windows 11 allows you to easily move open windows between different desktops.
Follow these steps:
- Click Windows + Tab.
- Locate the window you want to move.
- Click with the right button over the window.
- Select the option to move it to another desktop.
- Choose the destination desktop.
The window will appear on the selected desktop and you can continue working. without closing the application.
How to delete a virtual desktop in Windows 11 ❌
When you no longer need one of your workspaces you can close virtual desktop without necessarily closing your applications.
To do so:
- Click Windows + Tab to open the Task View.
- Locate the desktop you want to delete.
- Place the cursor over its thumbnail.
- Press the button X to close it.
You can also use Windows + Ctrl + F4 to quickly close the virtual desktop you are using.
When closing a desk, the windows that remained open They move to another available desk, Therefore, you don't have to close all your programs beforehand.
Shortcuts to switch desktops in Windows 11 ⚡
Keyboard shortcuts are probably the fastest way to Manage virtual desktops in Windows 11.
| Action | Keyboard shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Task View | Windows + Tab |
| Create a new desktop | Windows + Ctrl + D |
| Switch to the right desktop | Windows + Ctrl + → |
| Switch to the left desktop | Windows + Ctrl + ← |
| Close the current desktop | Windows + Ctrl + F4 |
Memorizing these commands can help you work with multiple desktops more efficiently. much faster and more convenient.
How do I show the Task View button? 👁️
If you can't find the button Task View in the taskbar, it may be disabled.
You can activate it from Windows 11 settings by following these steps:
- Right-click on an empty area of the task bar.
- Select Taskbar configuration.
- Look for options related to the bar items.
- Activate Task View.
Once activated, you'll have a shortcut to manage your virtual desktops without needing to use keyboard shortcuts.
You can find additional documentation and help in the official Microsoft support.
Summary table for changing desktops in Windows 11 📋
| Function | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Switch desktops | Windows + Ctrl + ← / → |
| View all desktops | Windows + Tab |
| Create desktop | Windows + Ctrl + D |
| Close desktop | Windows + Ctrl + F4 |
| Change name | From Task View |
| Move windows | From Task View |
Advantages of using multiple desktops in Windows 11 🚀
Using different desktops allows you separate applications and tasks without filling a single space with too many windows.
You can dedicate a desktop exclusively to work, one to communications and another to entertainment.
This organization is especially useful when you use many applications simultaneously because it reduces the time you need to search for a specific window.
Virtual desktops can also help you maintain visual separation between your professional and personal activities.
Tips for organizing your virtual desktops 💡
Try assigning a specific purpose to each desktop to avoid ending up with too many disorganized workspaces.
Use simple names like Work, Browsing, Communication or Personal to quickly recognize each space.
It is also advisable to learn the shortcuts. Windows + Ctrl + Left or Right Arrow, because they allow you to move quickly between your desktops.
If you use this feature daily, virtual desktops can become a very practical tool for Improve your productivity in Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions about Windows 11 desktops ❓
Can I have multiple desktops in Windows 11? Yes, you can create multiple virtual desktops to organize different applications and activities.
Do programs close when I delete a desktop? Normally not, because Open windows are moved to another available desktop.
What is the shortcut to switch desktops? Use Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow.
What is the shortcut to create a new desktop? Click Windows + Ctrl + D to create one immediately.
Do I need multiple monitors? No, you can use multiple virtual desktops with a single monitor.
Conclusion 🎯
Now that you know How to switch desktops in Windows 11, You can use this feature to keep your schedules organized and quickly switch between different activities.
The quickest way is to use Windows + Ctrl + Left or Right Arrowwhile Windows + Tab It gives you a complete view of all your desktops and windows.
If you tend to work with many applications simultaneously, organizing your computer by virtual desktops It can make your workflow more comfortable, clean, and efficient.