Virtual desktops can refer to more than one thing on Windows machines, but here, we discuss the “multiple desktops” that you can create on a singleWindows PCand session.
The biggest benefit of multiple virtual desktops is the ability to separate your different workflows and usage scenarios, for example - work and play - boosting your focus and productivity. One could argue that virtual desktops can mimic a multi-monitor setup’s added real estate and organisational benefits with zero additional investment.
What can virtual desktops do?
With Windows virtual desktops, you can group your apps for unrelated projects, opening instances of the ones you need for each project on different desktops. You can also use the same instance of an app on more than one desktop or even just one window of that app.
You can move one app from one desktop to another, as well. If you close a virtual desktop by mistake, any app or window opened on that desktop will be moved to another active virtual desktop. You can also rename each desktop to help quickly switch between them.
Virtual desktop options include the ability to show windows open on all desktops on the taskbar or using Alt + Tab to switch between windows on all desktops. Everything is accessed via the Task View, which on Windows 10 also shows activity over time. A lot of virtual desktop features and navigation can be accessed via keyboard shortcuts, and we will detail all of them in this article.
Microsoft introduced the virtual desktop concept to its Windows operating systems with Windows 10, catching up with Mac and Linux. With Windows 11, Microsoft has added a few new virtual desktop features, including the ability to use different backgrounds for different desktops.
How to use virtual desktops on Windows 10
Here’s all you need to know to use virtual desktops on Windows 10. Functionality is almost identical to Windows 11, though there are some interface changes that we will also detail.
How to use virtual desktops on Windows 11
These are all the details you need to use virtual desktops on Windows 11. As we mentioned, there have been some changes in the way Microsoft has implemented virtual desktops in Windows 11, but the underlying functionality is mostly the same. We’ve listed the differences.
Handy virtual desktop keyboard shortcuts
We’ve mentioned these virtual desktop keyboard shortcuts in the two sets of steps above, but here they are - all together - for your reference:
