How to Create Virtual Desktops in Windows 11
Virtual desktops in Windows 11 let you set up multiple separate screens on a single PC so you can keep open apps and windows organized. Instead of crowding one monitor with twenty open windows, you can put work tasks on desktop one and personal projects on desktop two.
Windows 11 builds this feature right into the operating system, meaning you do not need to download extra apps. You can switch between your custom workspaces instantly by pressing the Win plus Tab on your keyboard or by clicking the Task View button on the taskbar.
Press Win+Ctrl+D to create a new virtual desktop. You can also click the Task View icon on the taskbar and then click the “+ New desktop” button.
How to Create Virtual Desktops in 🪟 Windows 11
Create virtual desktops using the taskbar or keyboard shortcuts. Task View (a management tool introduced in Windows 10) allows you to see and switch between all open applications and virtual desktops.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The fastest way to create a new workspace is with your keyboard. Press Win+Ctrl+D to instantly add a new desktop.
Using the Taskbar
Click the Task View icon on the taskbar (it looks like two overlapping squares). Click the + New desktop button to add more.
Managing Your Virtual Desktops
Customizing virtual desktops makes them much easier to spot at a glance.
Renaming and Backgrounds
In Task View, rename each virtual desktop by right-clicking its thumbnail. Right-click to pick a unique background for every virtual desktop. This visual separation makes it easier to keep work and personal tasks apart.
Moving Windows Between Desktops
Need to move an app? Open Task View, right-click the window you want to move, and select Move to. Choose the desktop where the app should go.
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Task View | Windows + Tab |
| Create New Desktop | Windows + Ctrl + D |
| Switch to Next Desktop | Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow |
| Switch to Previous Desktop | Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow |
| Close Current Desktop | Windows + Ctrl + F4 |
Summary
Virtual desktops help organize your digital life by letting you create separate spaces for different tasks.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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