How to Close Virtual Desktops on Windows 11

To close a virtual desktop in Windows 11, press Windows + Tab to open Task View, hover over the desktop at the bottom, and click the X in its corner. To close the desktop you’re on right now, press Windows + Ctrl + F4. Closing a desktop doesn’t close its apps; open windows move to the desktop next to it.

Quick Answer

Windows + Tab > hover the desktop > X. Or Windows + Ctrl + F4 to close the current desktop.

Steps to Close a Desktop

1. Press Windows + Tab, or click the Task View button on the taskbar.
2. Hover over the desktop you want to remove at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click the X that appears. You can also right-click it and choose Close.

Desktop Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Windows + Tab	Open Task View
Windows + Ctrl + D	Create a new desktop
Windows + Ctrl + Left / Right	Switch desktops
Windows + Ctrl + F4	Close the current desktop

What Happens to Open Windows

Apps on the closed desktop move to the desktop to its left (or right, if it was the first). Nothing is lost. To tidy up first, drag windows between desktops in Task View.

Also see switching windows with Alt + Tab and Task View.

Close Several Desktops Quickly

Windows 11 doesn’t have a single “close all desktops” button, but the keyboard makes it fast. Switch to the desktop you want to keep last, then press Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow to move to another desktop and press Windows + Ctrl + F4 to close it. Repeat until only one desktop remains. Every window you had open ends up on the remaining desktop.

Move Windows Before You Close a Desktop

If you’d rather choose where each app goes:

1. Press Windows + Tab to open Task View.
2. Hover over the desktop whose windows you want to move.
3. Right-click a window thumbnail and choose Move to, then pick a desktop. You can also drag the thumbnail onto another desktop at the bottom of the screen.
4. Close the now-empty desktop.

The same right-click menu has Show this window on all desktops and Show windows from this app on all desktops, which are useful for chat or music apps you always want in view. If you want one window to stay in front of the others rather than appear on every desktop, see how to pin a window on top in Windows 11.

Multitasking Settings for Desktops

Open Settings > System > Multitasking and expand Desktops to control how desktops behave:

Setting	Options
On the taskbar, show all the open windows	On all desktops, or only on the desktop I’m using
Show all open windows when I press Alt + Tab	On all desktops, or only on the desktop I’m using

Choosing “Only on the desktop I’m using” for both keeps each desktop tidy and makes it obvious which apps live where before you close one.

Give Each Desktop a Purpose

Desktops are easiest to manage when each one has a job, such as work, personal and a meeting desktop. Rename them by right-clicking in Task View and choosing Rename, and set a different background for each with Choose background on the same menu. You’ll close the right one with less guesswork. To set up more desktops, see how to have multiple desktops, and to see them all at once.

Troubleshooting

• X doesn’t appear: You can’t close the only desktop. Create another first, or you already have just one.
• Task View button missing: Turn it on in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar items.
• Managing lots of windows? See seeing all open windows and bringing all windows to one screen.
• Multiple monitors instead? See separating screens on Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do desktops stay after a restart?

Yes. Windows 11 keeps your desktops and their names, but apps don’t reopen on them automatically.

Can I rename a desktop?

Yes. In Task View, click its name or right-click and choose Rename.

Does this work in Windows 10?

Yes. Task View and the same shortcuts work.

Summary

1. Open Task View with Windows + Tab.
2. Hover a desktop and click X.
3. Or press Windows + Ctrl + F4.
4. Its apps move to a neighbouring desktop.