How to Use Virtual Desktops in Windows 11

This post describes to students and new users what Task View is and how to use it in Windows 11 to group and organize apps and tasks on virtual desktops.

Similarly to other operating systems and previous versions of Windows, Task View is used to create virtual desktops or workspaces where users can conveniently group apps and tasks to stay organized. You can create multiple workspaces, which act like virtual desktops.

You can also use Task View to organize your work, reducing clutter and making your desktop easier to navigate. If you keep a lot of apps open at once and you want to separate them by tasks, using virtual desktops or workspaces may be useful.

For example, you could have all your communication apps, such as e-mail and chat programs, on one virtual desktop and your work on a different desktop. It helps you quickly locate and hide all windows, show the desktop, and manage windows across multiple displays or virtual desktops.

To get started with using Task View in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to create virtual desktops via keyboard shortcuts

Task View is automatically added to the Taskbar in Windows 11. However, a keyboard shortcut can quickly create a new virtual desktop.

To do that, press the CTRL + WIN + D on your keyboard to create a new virtual desktop.

You can create as many virtual desktops using your keyboard.

How to create a virtual desktop from the Taskbar

As mentioned above, Task View is automatically added to the Taskbar in Windows 11. To access Task View, click the Task View icon on the Taskbar.

To add a virtual desktop, click the blank white screen to the right with the Plus sign ( + ). You can then select each virtual desktop and open apps and tasks. Do this to another workspace to organize your work.

To remove a virtual desktop, simply close its windows, and all apps on that desktop will automatically move over to the next workspace. There is always at least one workspace available.

You can also move apps from one desktop to another simply by clicking on the Task View on the Taskbar, then right-clicking on the apps, selecting to move to another desktop, or having it show on all desktops.

This workspace now contains the app you moved.

This is how one uses virtual desktops or workspaces to organize applications and files on Windows 11. I hope this helps you get your desktop organized.

Conclusion:

• Task View in Windows 11 provides an efficient way to manage apps and tasks through virtual desktops.
• Users can create multiple workspaces to group related applications, enhancing productivity and organization.
• Keyboard shortcuts, such as CTRL + WIN + D, allow for quick virtual desktop creation.
• The Taskbar offers easy access to Task View for adding, removing, and organizing virtual desktops.
• Moving applications between desktops is straightforward, helping tailor your work environment to your needs.
• Virtual desktops can significantly reduce desktop clutter, making navigating and focusing on specific tasks easier.