How to Move Open Applications Between Desktops on Windows 11
Moving open apps between virtual desktops in Windows 11 is a neat trick that helps you organize your workspace. Virtual desktops are like extra, separate screens you can use to keep different tasks tidy.
This feature lets you have one desktop for your emails and another for your games, for example. Windows 11 makes it simple to slide an app from one of these virtual screens to another.
You can quickly move an application window by dragging it using the Task View button on your taskbar. This built-in Windows 11 function means you don’t need to download anything extra to keep your digital life uncluttered.
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 apps between desktops on Windows 11 using drag and drop in Task View. Open Task View by pressing the Windows key + Tab, or by clicking its icon. Then, click and hold the app’s thumbnail—that little preview image—and drag it to the desktop you want it on.
Task View lets you move apps between your Windows 11 desktops. To do this, press the Windows key + Tab or click the Task View icon. Find the app’s thumbnail. Click and hold it, then drag it to the desktop you want at the top of Task View. Releasing the mouse button moves the app.
- 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
Moving apps between desktops in Windows 11 is also possible with the right-click menu in Task View. After opening Task View, find the app you want to move. Right-click its thumbnail, and a menu will appear allowing you to pick which desktop to send it to.
You can also move apps using the right-click menu in Task View. Open Task View (Windows key + Tab or the taskbar icon). Find the app’s thumbnail. Right-click it—don’t drag—to open a menu. Select ‘Move to.’ This will show your available desktops, and you can click the one you want to send the app to.
- 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?
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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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