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Quick Answer

Press Windows Key + Tab to open the Task View screen, and click + New desktop at the bottom. You can open different apps on this new desktop to separate tasks, and press Win+Ctrl+Left/Right Arrow to quickly switch between them.

How to Use Virtual Desktops on Windows ​

Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

Virtual desktops let you organize your work into separate desktops — for example, one for email and chat and another for focused project work. This article explains how to create, switch between, and manage virtual desktops.

Prerequisites ​

  • Your device must be running Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Instructions ​

1. Open Task View ​

Access the virtual desktop manager.

  1. Press Windows key + Tab to open Task View.
  2. Alternatively, click the Task View button on the taskbar (two overlapping rectangles icon). If the button is not visible, right-click the taskbar and select Show Task View button.
  3. Task View shows all open windows and virtual desktops at the top of the screen.

2. Create a New Desktop ​

Add a fresh workspace.

  1. Open Task View (press Windows key + Tab).
  2. Click New desktop at the top of the screen (Windows 11) or the + button (Windows 10).
  3. A new desktop appears. Click it to switch to it — it starts empty with no open windows.

Tip: Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Windows key + D to create a new desktop instantly without opening Task View.

3. Switch Between Desktops ​

Move between your workspaces.

  • Keyboard: Press Ctrl + Windows key + Left Arrow or Ctrl + Windows key + Right Arrow to switch between desktops.
  • Task View: Press Windows key + Tab, then click the desktop you want.
  • Trackpad (Windows 11): Swipe left or right with four fingers to switch desktops.

4. Move Windows Between Desktops ​

Reorganize apps across your workspaces.

  1. Open Task View (press Windows key + Tab).
  2. On the current desktop, find the window you want to move.
  3. Right-click the window thumbnail.
  4. Select Move to > choose the target desktop.
  5. Alternatively, drag the window thumbnail and drop it onto the target desktop at the top of the screen.

5. Rename a Desktop (Windows 11) ​

Give desktops meaningful names.

  1. Open Task View.
  2. Right-click the desktop thumbnail at the top.
  3. Select Rename.
  4. Enter a name (e.g., "Project Work," "Communications") and press Enter.

6. Close a Desktop ​

Remove a desktop you no longer need.

  1. Open Task View.
  2. Hover over the desktop you want to close.
  3. Click the X button that appears on the desktop thumbnail.
  4. Any open windows on that desktop are moved to the adjacent desktop — they are not closed.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

If you want an app to appear on all desktops (e.g., a music player), open Task View, right-click the app window, and select Show this window on all desktops.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Task View button missing from taskbarButton hiddenRight-click the taskbar and enable Show Task View button (Windows 11) or Show Task View (Windows 10).
Keyboard shortcuts not workingShortcut conflict or key binding errorVerify no third-party app is overriding the Ctrl+Win shortcuts. Restart your computer to reset key bindings.
Open windows disappeared after closing desktopWindows moved to adjacent desktopCheck your other desktops — windows are automatically relocated, not closed.