To use multiple desktops on one screen in Windows 11, open the Task View window by clicking the Task View button on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key and Tab key together

How to Use Multiple Desktops on One Screen in Windows 11

1. Introduction to Multiple Desktops

Hello there! Have you ever wanted more space on your device’s screen? Or perhaps separate spaces for different tasks? Then you’re in the right place because today we’ll be discussing how to use multiple desktops on one screen in Windows 11. Using multiple desktops can greatly enhance your productivity as it allows you to dedicate each workspace to a specific task or application.

The concept of multiple desktops isn’t new and has been around in other operating systems like Linux and MacOS. But now Windows 11 has made it easier than ever, so let’s get started. In simple terms, this feature provides you with virtual desktops that you can switch between, keeping all your work separated and organized neatly.

Imagine having one desktop for work applications, another for personal, and maybe even a third one specifically for social media. It sounds cool, doesn’t it?

• The multiple desktops feature is built directly into Windows, so no additional software needed.
• You can easily switch between desktops through keyboard shortcuts, an overview screen, or the taskbar.
• Each virtual desktop is independent and does not share a screen with others.
• You can customize background images for each desktop separately.
• Opened files or applications within a desktop are only visible within that particular desktop.
• Windows support moving windows from one desktop to another.

2. Accessing Task View

First things first: how do you access multiple desktops in Windows 11? Well, it starts with the task view option from the taskbar. When you click on it, you will see windows of all open apps and any extra desktops you have created. This view also allows you to add new desktops effortlessly and navigate between them.

So, if you’re working on a project and have your browser, word processor, and image editing software open, then decide you want to take a break, you can just switch to another desktop with just your music app or streaming service running without having to minimize or close any apps.

• Task view is easily accessible from the taskbar (icon with two overlapping rectangles).
• The Task view button provides an overview of all open apps.
• You can view the different virtual desktops in task view mode.
• We use task view to manage and create new desktops.
• You can move applications across desktops in task view mode.
• You add or delete desktops while in the task view screen.

3. Creating Multiple Desktops

Now that we know where it all starts, let’s talk about how you actually create multiple desktops. Creating a new desktop in Windows 11 is easy. Once in task view, there’s a New Desktop button at the top left of the screen. Just click it, and voila! You have a brand-new desktop.

Think of it like buying a new monitor to put next to your old one, only this time, it’s free and doesn’t take up any physical space. Each desktop created will appear as a small window on top of your screen when in task view mode.

• Creating new desktops is done from the task view screen.
• Simply click ‘New Desktop’ button at the top left corner to create a desktop.
• The newly created desktop appears as a separate window at the top of the screen in Task View.
• You can generate as many desktops as needed to keep your apps and tasks separated.
• Every desktop behaves independently – just like having multiple monitors.
• Switching between desktops is seamless and quick.

4. Customizing Desktop Backgrounds

Not only can you create multiple new desktops, but you can even customize each one’s background to make it more personal or easily identifiable. Yes, you heard it right, Windows 11 allows you to set a unique wallpaper for each virtual desktop.

So, if you want your work desktop to have a more professional look while leaving your personal desktop with a casual feel, that’s totally possible. How fantastic is it to know that each desktop could have its own vibe?

• The option to customize the background of each desktop is found within the personalization settings.
• You can set unique wallpapers for all your different desktops.
• Differentiating desktops through wallpapers increases efficiency.
• Selecting wallpapers based on the type of the desktop (work, personal, etc.) makes navigation easier.
• This feature helps in establishing a different mood for each desktop.
• Customization gives a personalized and organized feel to each workspace.

5. Switching Between Desktops

So, now that we have these beautiful, custom-designed virtual desktops, how do we move back and forth between them? Fear not! It’s quite easy. Once the multiple desktops feature is activated, you just use a simple keyboard shortcut to move back and forth: simply hold ‘Ctrl’ and ‘Win’ keys together and press either the left or the right arrow key.

You can summon task view and select the desktop you wish to go to from there. Both methods are super handy and make managing tasks on different desktops a breeze.

• There are easy keyboard shortcuts to switch between desktops: ‘Ctrl + Win + Arrow Left/Right’.
• You can also switch desktops through task view mode via the mouse or touchpad.
• Switching between desktops is nearly instantaneous – there’s no lag time.
• You can pull up an overview of all your desktops by clicking the task view button on the taskbar.
• When you hover over a desktop in task view, it shows you what applications are open on that desktop.
• Applications remain open while switching between desktops.

6. Managing Your Desktops

With newly created desktops comes new responsibility – managing those desktops! It’s straightforward and intuitive to close or manage these virtual desktops once you get the hang of using them.

You can choose to close a desktop when you’re done using it, or you could keep it open for later use. This versatility provides flexibility for different types of work and personal needs, making it such an incredibly powerful tool for users.

In case you have a lot of windows open and it gets confusing, you can even move one window from one desktop to another. Just click, drag, and drop!

• You can close a desktop whenever you’d like, closing all apps running on it or moving them to another desktop.
• You can rearrange the order of your desktops in Task View as you want.
• Click and drag a window to move it from one desktop to another.
• You can rename your desktops to help differentiate between them more easily.
• A right-click on any desktop in Task View will bring up additional functionality.
• Restarting your computer will not remove your virtual desktops; they will be restored after a restart.

7. Making Use Of Keyboard Shortcuts

To truly become proficient with multiple desktops in Windows 11, making use of keyboard shortcuts is crucial. Knowing these can make your work smoother and faster as you won’t have to use your mouse or touchpad for these common tasks.

For instance, maybe you find switching desktops with the task view a bit slow, especially if you have a large number of them. Instead, ‘Ctrl + Win + Arrow Left/Right’ will become your best friend.

• ‘Ctrl + Win + D’ creates a new virtual desktop.
• ‘Ctrl + Win + Arrow Left/Right’ switches between existing desktops.
• To show open windows on all desktops, use ‘Ctrl + Win + Tab’.
• ‘Win + Tab’ brings up Task View.
• ‘Ctrl + Win + F4’ closes the current desktop.
• Remember that ‘Alt + Tab’ will only switch between apps on the current desktop.

8. Understanding Potential Hiccups

While multiple desktops in Windows 11 is mostly hassle-free to use, it does come with its own set of challenges worth discussion. For instance, by default, the applications running on one desktop aren’t accessible on others. That means if you want to have the same application open on each desktop, you’ll need to open separate instances of it on each desktop.

Also, keep in mind that closing a desktop doesn’t really close the apps within it — they just get moved to another desktop.

• An app running on one desktop isn’t accessible from any other desktop, unless opened separately on each.
• Closing a desktop moves the apps on it to another desktop instead of closing them outright.
• You cannot move a group of windows simultaneously – only one at a time.
• Notifications will appear across all desktops, regardless of which one they pertain to.
• There is no native function currently to set different screen brightness levels for each desktop.
• All desktops share the same taskbar, so you’ll see an icon for all open apps regardless of which desktop you’re in.

9. Getting Advanced with Third-Party Tools

If you find yourself falling in love with Windows 11’s multiple desktop feature and want to take things to the next level, third-party tools have got your back! Advance users can go ahead and use third party applications like Microsoft’s PowerToys or DisplayFusion for more advanced features.

These software provide additional capabilities like screenshotting one specific virtual desktop, syncing wallpapers across all desktops, setting up custom keyboard shortcuts, and many more.

• Microsoft’s own ‘PowerToys’ utility has some useful additions for virtual desktops.
• ‘DisplayFusion’ can provide even more granular control over multiple desktops and displays.
• Third-party tools are great for advanced multi-monitor support as well.
• You get bonus features like the ability to mirror one desktop onto another.
• Such utilities often allow for more extensive customization of individual desktop experiences.
• Many such tools also come with very handy window management features.

10. Wrapping It Up

So that’s about it; we covered how you can access multiple desktops in Windows 11, create new ones, customize them, switch between them, manage them, learn some useful keyboard shortcuts, understand potential hiccups along the way, and even step up your game with third-party tools.

Sure, it might take a little practice to get used to navigating between desktops smoothly if you are new to this feature. But rest assured, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

• Windows 11 multiple desktops can significantly enhance productivity and organization.
• The learning curve isn’t steep – so give it a go, even if you’re new to this platform!
• With customization and easy management, each desktop can create its own productive environment.
• Keyboard shortcuts make navigation fluid between desktops and application windows.
• While there may be minor hitches, they are far outweighed by the benefits.
• If you want more control over your desktops, consider some third-party tools for advanced features.

Summary Table

Well, that’s your guide to using multiple desktops on one screen in Windows 11 sorted! Please remember that it is a tool designed to boost your productivity and help make your computer working life smoother. So don’t hesitate to experiment and find the setup that works best for you. Good luck!