The definitive guide to the use of multiple desktops in Windows 11.
The capability to create and use multiple desktops at the same time is an excellent feature to Windows 11 users. The desktops are separate
It is easy to create multiple desktops using Task View, its icon is located within the Taskbar by default. Although the prior version of Windows included an option to use the Task View feature and allowed the creation of multiple desktops however, there were a few options. Windows 11, on the contrary, provides many more options for customization and features, which are described in the sections below.
Before moving on to the how to create multiple desktops and various modifications, it is important to be aware of the concept and purpose for multiple desktops.
Table of Contents
Why do I need Multiple Desktops?
In all honesty it is a personal preference that cannot be generalized. We would however like to outline the advantages of virtual desktops in order to help you make an informed choice.
If you are using multiple windows simultaneously Separating them into categories is logical. As an example, for instance, you could have windows for work on one desktop, and entertainment applications and tabs on another. This makes it easier to sort the apps, making it easier for you to concentrate. You can make categories however you like and place them spread across a variety of desktops virtual.
Moving windows from one virtual desktop to another is easy, simply move and drag. This makes working with virtual desktops simple. Although many might say it is a hassle, using virtual desktops in Windows 11 actually makes working much easier.
There is also the option of having separate backgrounds for each of your virtual desktops in Windows 11, a feature we’ve been waiting for. A lot of users like setting backgrounds based on mood or the kind of work they’re doing. You don’t need to change your desktop wallpaper every time you want to you can simply sort the applications on various desktops and choose the wallpaper you want.
Test it for yourself before making a decision.
Creating Multiple Virtual Desktops in Windows 11
For creating a virtual computer, place your cursor above the Task View icon in the Taskbar and you’ll see the current active desktop listed as “Desktop 1” (unless you’ve changed its name) and the alternative to make a new desktop’. Select the option to create a brand new virtual desktop.
The cursor that is hovered over the ‘Task view button will only show the active virtual desktops. If you click on the button, or use the Windows + Tab keyboard shortcut, you’ll see all active windows on the desktop at the top , and the virtual desktops below. For creating a virtual computer, select the ‘New Desktop option, just like you did previously.
When you have created the virtual desktop it will appear alongside the desktop currently within Task View.
Can’t Find the Task View Button? It’s Probably Hidden
While it’s true that the Task View button is added to the Taskbar by default, you might have hidden it from Taskbar settings previously. If this is the case, here’s how to activate this Task View button.
Right-click on any empty area on the Taskbar and choose ‘Taskbar Settings’.
Make sure that you have the switch next to ‘Task View is turned on and the word the word ‘On’ appears prior to it. If the ‘Task View button is not enabled Click on the toggle to turn it on.
Switching Desktop in Windows 11
After you’ve set up several virtual desktops, it’s now time you understand which one to use. It’s possible to do this via Task View or using the keyboard shortcuts to do the identical.
To switch between desktops, place your cursor above the Task View button in the Taskbar and then select the virtual desktop that you wish to use. Then, you will be directed to the desktop.
It is also possible to press Windows + TAB to open the full Task View. select the desired virtual desktop at the lower.
To swiftly switch between desktops with keys, press WINDOWS + CTRL + right for switching to the desktop to the right side, or press Windows + CTRL + LEFT to switch to the desktop to the left.
The keyboard shortcuts are well if you only have two windows open on your virtual computer. If, however, you’ve created several Virtual Desktops, switching between Task View makes more sense.
Rename a Virtual Desktop
To change the name of a virtual desktop you simply need to place your cursor in the button ‘Task View’ on the Taskbar and then click upon the desktop’s name, then type the new name, then press Enter to save your modifications.
You can also change the name of the virtual desktop by right-clicking the image in the Task View, and then selecting the option ‘Rename’ in the contextual menu.
Enter the new name of the virtual desktop, then press Enter.
Rearranging Virtual Desktops
Rearranging desktops in virtual environments is as simple. You can arrange them by dropping them and dragging them, or by using keyboard shortcuts.
By Dragging and Dropping
To move virtual desktops around you need to click the button ‘Task View’ or press Windows + Tab. Then, click to the desktop that you wish to move and then, without releasing the button move it to the desired location. If you drag and hold an actual desktop, the other ones are dull.
When you have moved your desktop to the preferred location then release the button. Other virtual screens will reorganize in the same manner.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
If you have several virtual desktops and you want to arrange them drag and drop could be a good idea. If there are only a handful, keyboard shortcuts are equally useful. Many people do not like using the drag-and-drop technique because of a lack of control.
To rearrange virtual desktops with keyboard shortcuts, first select the icon ‘Task View’ or press Windows + Tab to open Task View. To choose the virtual desktop, simply hit the TAB key. There will be an outline of black along the virtual desktop currently. Press the keys ALT + SHIFT + RIGHT to shift your virtual screen to right, and use ALT + Shift + LEFT to shift towards the left.
The virtual desktop you have selected will be moved in the direction you have chosen.
Change Background of Virtual Desktop
One of the features which weren’t made available on Windows 10, and something people were eagerly anticipating. You can choose the ideal background for all one of these virtual desktops. Here’s how to do it.
To alter the background of the virtual desktop, select the Task View button in the Taskbar or press Windows + TAB. Then, right-click on the virtual desktop on which you wish to alter the background, and choose ‘Choose background’ from the contextual menu.
The personalization settings for background will appear on the virtual desktop you have selected. Select the background you want to use or theme like you normally do. The theme will be then only applied to the desktop currently in use, while other desktops remain unaffected.
We have created various background backgrounds to each individual virtual desktops to give you an understanding of how it functions.
Unable to Change Virtual Desktop Background?
A lot of users have reported being not able to alter the background of the virtual desktop they have chosen. This is due to the fact that if you start ‘Settings’ on one virtual desktop and attempt to launch it on the other, Windows will automatically redirect users to the previous virtual desktop, with no warning or request.
It’s the same for trying to alter the background of your virtual desktop. If you attempt to change the background of the virtual desktop using the ‘Settings’ application open in a different window, you’ll be directed to another app without realizing that you have changed the background of the incorrect virtual desktop.
To make it easier for you to comprehend, let’s look at an example. Let’s say you want to change the background on your Web’s virtual desktop. It is best to right-click it and choose “Choose background” in the contextual menu. If you are able to see that the Settings application is open in the virtual desktop. When you click the option to choose a background it will take you to the Work virtual desktop, and any modifications made to the background will be applied there instead of the Web virtual desktop.
How can we solve this problem? It’s quite simple, in fact. All you need to do is make sure that the ‘Settings’ application isn’t open on any virtual desktop as making the adjustments. Therefore, you must look through all the virtual desktops, and then close the ‘Settings’ application in the event that it is running on one of them.
Change Virtual Desktop Settings
Windows 11 offers you the possibility of deciding what that will be shown in the Taskbar or in the ALT + TAB task switcher. You can choose to have all open windows on virtual desktops or only those that are currently on the virtual desktop.
To alter settings for the Virtual Desktop settings, search for the term ‘Settings’ within the Start Menu and click on the appropriate search result to open the application.
In the System settings which are opened as default, go to the right side and choose Multitasking.
Click on “Desktops There are two choices under it and each one has an option next to it. Simply click on the menu beside each option to make the right choice.
If you choose the menu that appears next to one of the choices and click on the menu, you’ll see the two options listed. The option “On all desktops” will show all windows that are open on virtual desktops and ‘Only on the computer I’m currently using only shows the windows that are currently open on the virtual desktop.
Choose the best option for each option to improve your experience on the virtual desktop.
Move Apps Between Virtual Desktops
Another feature that is sure to enhance the Windows 11 virtual desktop experience more enjoyable is the capability to transfer apps across virtual desktops. If, for instance, you’re working on an application that you think would could be a good fit for a different virtual desktop. It is easy to move it from one desktop to another.
To transfer applications between desktops that are virtual, go towards the desktop on which the application is running and hit Windows + Tab to open Task View. Task View. The app will appear as an app’s thumbnail in the display.
Simply hold the button and drag the application to your desired desktop on the bottom, then release your mouse.
It is now possible to access the application from the virtual desktop that it was moved to.
This is all there is to Virtual Desktops on Windows 11. Explore the many options and customizes and you’ll get grasp of it in only a few minutes.