How to Move Open Applications Between Desktops on Windows 11
You can move open applications between virtual desktops in Windows 11 using the Task View feature.
Task View lets you manage multiple virtual desktops, essentially creating separate screen spaces for different tasks or applications. This is incredibly useful for organizing your workflow and keeping your main desktop clutter-free.
For instance, if you have your work emails open on Desktop 1 and want to move your social media app to Desktop 2, Windows 11 makes this a drag-and-drop process. This feature is built directly into Windows 11, so you won’t need any extra software.
Open Task View by pressing Windows key + 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
You can move open apps between different desktops on Windows 11 by simply dragging their icons in Task View.
First, open Task View. You can press the Windows key and Tab together, or click the Task View icon on your taskbar. Next, find the app you want to move. You’ll see small pictures, or thumbnails, of all your open apps; locate the one you need. Click its thumbnail and keep your left mouse button pressed down. While holding it, drag the thumbnail over to the desktop you want to move it to. Your different desktops appear at the top of Task View. Finally, release the mouse button to drop the app. It’s now on the new desktop!
- Open Task View: Press the Windows key + 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
You can also move apps between desktops in Windows 11 by using the right-click menu within Task View.
To get started, open Task View. You can press the Windows key and Tab together, or click the Task View icon on your taskbar. Next, locate the app you want to move by looking at its thumbnail. Right-click the app’s thumbnail instead of dragging it. Select ‘Move to’ from the menu that appears. Finally, choose where to move it from the next menu, which lists all your available desktops. Click on the name or thumbnail of your chosen desktop.
- 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?
Moving apps between your virtual desktops helps keep your screen tidy and organised.
What Happens When You Move an App?
When you move an app to another desktop, it disappears from the old one and shows up on the new one, keeping all your work intact.
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Summary
You can move open applications between your Windows 11 virtual desktops using either the drag-and-drop feature in Task View or the right-click ‘Move to’ option. This keeps your workspace organized and lets you quickly switch between different tasks or projects.
How do I move icons from one desktop to another?
To move icons between desktops in Windows 11, use Task View (Windows key + Tab). Click and drag the icon of the application you wish to move from its current desktop thumbnail to the desired virtual desktop thumbnail. This helps you visually organize your open applications.
How to transfer apps from one desktop to another?
Transferring apps between desktops in Windows 11 is simple using Task View. Press Windows key + Tab, then click and drag the thumbnail of the app you want to move. Drop it onto the thumbnail of the target virtual desktop. This keeps your workspace organized.
How do I move something from desktop 1 to desktop 2?
To move an application from Desktop 1 to Desktop 2 in Windows 11, open Task View by pressing Windows key + Tab. Locate the application’s thumbnail on Desktop 1, click and hold it, then drag it over to the Desktop 2 thumbnail. Release the mouse button to complete the move.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
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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