How to Move Open Applications Between Desktops on Windows 11
Virtual desktops in Windows 11 give you separate workspaces to keep tasks tidy, and moving open apps between these screens takes only a moment. You can slide any open window from one workspace to another without installing extra software or changing complex settings.
Dragging an application window through the Task View screen or onto a taskbar button handles the shift instantly. This built-in feature lets you separate work apps from personal projects on up to 10 different desktop screens.
Open Task View by pressing Win+Tab. Drag the app’s thumbnail to another desktop thumbnail, or right-click the app, select “Move to,” and choose your desired desktop.
Method 1Drag and Drop in Task View
Press Win+Tab or click the Task View icon on your taskbar to open the overview screen. Locate the thumbnail preview (the small preview image of the running program) for the application you want to shift. Click and hold that app’s thumbnail, then drag it onto the target desktop at the top of the screen before releasing the mouse button.
Press Win+Tab or click the Task View icon to view active apps. Locate the thumbnail (the small preview image of the running program) for the program you want to shift. Click and hold the thumbnail, then drag it to the desired desktop at the top of Task View. Releasing the mouse button completes the transfer.
- Open Task View: Press the Win + Tab key together. Or, click the Task View icon on your taskbar .
- Find the App Window: You will see small pictures (thumbnails) of all the apps you have open. Find the one you want to move.
- Click and Drag: Click on the app’s thumbnail and hold down your left mouse button.
- Drag to the Other Desktop: While still holding the mouse button, drag the app’s thumbnail over to the thumbnail of the desktop you want to move it to. You’ll see your different desktops listed at the top of Task View.
- Let Go to Drop: When the app’s thumbnail is over the desktop you want, release the mouse button. That’s it! The app is now on that desktop.
Method 2Using the Right-Click Menu
Right-click menus inside Task View provide another method for shifting apps between desktops. Open Task View, locate the target app, and right-click its thumbnail to open a menu. Pick the destination desktop from the available options.
Open Task View by pressing Win+Tab or clicking the taskbar icon. Locate the app’s thumbnail, then right-click it to open a menu without dragging. Select ‘Move to’ to reveal available desktops, and click the destination you prefer.
- Open Task View: Press Windows key + Tab key or click the Task View icon on your taskbar.
- Find Your App: Look for the thumbnail of the app you want to move.
- Right-Click the App: Instead of dragging, right-click directly on the app's thumbnail.
- Select 'Move to': A small menu will appear. Click on the option that says 'Move to'.
- Choose Where to Move It: Another small menu will show up with all your available desktops. Click on the name or thumbnail of the desktop you want to move the app to.
Why Move Apps Between Desktops?
Shifting apps between virtual desktops helps keep screens tidy and organised.
What Happens When You Move an App?
Dropping an app onto a new desktop removes it from the previous workspace while keeping all ongoing work intact.
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Summary
Windows 11 virtual desktops accept application transfers via drag-and-drop actions in Task View or through the 'Move to' right-click menu. Organizing workspaces this way speeds up transitions between separate projects.
How do I move icons from one desktop to another?
Press Windows key + Tab to launch Task View and shift icons between desktops. Click and drag the application icon from its current desktop thumbnail to the desired virtual desktop thumbnail. Visual organization improves significantly with this method.
How to transfer apps from one desktop to another?
Task View handles app transfers between desktops on Windows 11. Press Windows key + Tab, then click and drag the thumbnail of the app you want to move. Drop it onto the target virtual desktop thumbnail to keep workspaces organized.
How do I move something from desktop 1 to desktop 2?
Press Windows key + Tab to open Task View when shifting an application from Desktop 1 to Desktop 2. Locate the application thumbnail on Desktop 1, click and hold it, then drag the icon over to the Desktop 2 thumbnail. Releasing the mouse button finishes the relocation.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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