Windows 11 has some productivity-focused features you should know about if you want to work faster on your computer. One of them are virtual desktops. But do you really know how they work? Do you already know how to get the most out of this feature? Read on because we’ll tell you how to switch between virtual desktops in windows 11 and much more.
What are virtual desktops in Windows 11 and what are they for?
when we in Windows the term Desktop use, we refer to the elements that make up the workspace. We assume that the taskbar, start menu and windows are on the desktop and arranged as the user chooses. Although the desk space is generally adequate, it can sometimes be a bit cramped. Because of this, Microsoft virtual desktops integrated into his system, that is, duplicates of the main workspace that work independently.
As described in the previous paragraph, it is possible on a virtual desktop host different windows or applications than the other workspaces. It is also possible to move windows from one desktop to another, rename them or change the wallpaper on each one.
You should not confuse this feature with the virtualization of an operating system. Rather, Windows creates areas next to the main desktop that the organization of the workflow and to effectively sort the open windows. Since this is essentially a organizational function is, adding multiple virtual desktops does not have a very drastic impact on the computer’s performance.
How to access the virtual desktop view in Windows 11
Before we show you how to switch between virtual desktops in windows 11, you should keep a few things in mind. First, it’s about how you access the task view where you can access your virtual desktops vcan manage. Basically there are three ways to do this:
- With the keyboard shortcut Windows + Tab.
- By clicking the Virtual Desktops button on the taskbar.
- By sliding three fingers up on the trackpad.
How to create a virtual desktop in Windows 11
How to create a new desktop
We know you can’t wait to find out how to change your virtual desktop in windows 11. Before you can do that, however, you’ll need to create a new one. That’s how it’s done.
- Press the keys Strg + Windows + D. Immediately a new virtual desktop will be activated and you will be sent to it.
- If you prefer to do this with the mouse, go to Task View and click New Desktop.
- Then click on the new desktop to enter it.
How to close a virtual desktop in Windows 11
How to close a virtual desktop
We’re assuming you don’t want virtual desktops piling up on you, especially when they’re no longer useful. If so, follow these steps to close it:
- Go to the task view.
- Click the X button to close the desired desktop.
- Alternatively, you can also Delete key press if you previously selected it.
Both methods have the same effect: they close the virtual desktop. Don’t forget that the applications are not stopped and their active windows are reassigned to another desktop.
How to move applications from one virtual desktop to another and sort them
Send applications to another desktop
In the task view you can Move applications from one virtual desktop to another. How it works? Here’s how to do it:
- Go to task view to see all your desktops.
- Select and hold an application or window.
- Move it to the desktop you think it should be on.
- When you let go, the window has been moved between the two desktops.
Changing the order of virtual desktops
As you can see in the image above, you can also sort the desktops to your liking. The process is similar to the process described above. In that case you have to select the desktop and move it to the desired location.
How to change the name and background of a virtual desktop
Change the background image of each virtual desktop
There are two additional parameters that you should master if you want to get the most out of virtual desktops. One of them is the selection of an individual background image for each area. This allows you to better differentiate each desktop and its purpose. You can easily change them by following these instructions:
- Go to the task view.
- Right-click on the desktop you want to change the wallpaper for.
- Choose the option from the menu Chose background (Select background).
- When the settings dialog appears, choose the background you want for your desktop.
In case you noticed, the same context menu offers the possibility to rename each of the rooms you have activated on your computer. This is the other option that you shouldn’t overlook.
How to change your virtual desktop in Windows 11
Browse between virtual desktops
So far we have explained to you How to use Windows 11 task view and such a convenient function as virtual desktops uses optimally. What else should you know? Now it’s time to find out How to switch between desktops in Windows 11. You can do that with these tricks:
- Swipe four fingers across the trackpad to switch between desktops in the order you set.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Windows + Ctrl + left or right arrow.
- Open Task View and click on the desktop you want to switch to. This method is useful when there are many slots available and you don’t want to jump from one to another.
As soon as you reach the last available desktop, Windows will show a black area on the left or right (depending on which direction you scroll). This is an indication that no virtual desktops more are available.