Having multiple desktops on Windows 10 is a great way to keep your work organized and clutter-free. In just a few steps, you’ll be able to switch between different desktops like a pro, making multitasking easier and more efficient.
How to Have Multiple Desktops on Windows 10
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps to create and manage multiple desktops on Windows 10. This will help you keep different tasks or projects separate, making your workspace cleaner and your workflow smoother.
Step 1: Open Task View
To open Task View, click the Task View button on your taskbar or press Win + Tab.
The Task View button is usually located to the right of the search bar on the taskbar. If you don’t see it, you might need to enable it by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting "Show Task View button." Pressing Win + Tab will bring up the Task View window, showing all your open windows and desktops.
Step 2: Add a New Desktop
In Task View, click the "New Desktop" button located at the top-right corner.
When you click "New Desktop," a new, clean desktop environment will appear. This lets you start fresh without closing your current windows or applications. You can create as many desktops as you need.
Step 3: Switch Between Desktops
To switch between desktops, go back to Task View and click on the desktop you want to switch to.
Once you have multiple desktops, switching between them is simple. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to cycle through your desktops quickly. This is especially handy if you’re juggling several tasks.
Step 4: Move Windows Between Desktops
In Task View, drag and drop windows to the desired desktop.
Sometimes you might open a window on one desktop and realize it belongs to another. Just drag it from Task View to the appropriate desktop. This flexibility helps you keep everything in its correct place.
Step 5: Close a Desktop
In Task View, hover over the desktop you want to close and click the X button.
Closing a desktop will move all its windows to the previous desktop, so you won’t lose any work. This feature is useful when you’re done with a particular set of tasks and want to declutter your workspace.
After completing these steps, you will have successfully set up and managed multiple desktops. This will streamline your workflow and help keep you organized.
Tips for How to Have Multiple Desktops on Windows 10
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with shortcuts like Ctrl + Win + D (to create a new desktop) and Ctrl + Win + F4 (to close the current desktop).
- Name Your Desktops: Assign names to your desktops to quickly recognize them. Unfortunately, this isn’t a built-in feature, but you can use third-party apps.
- Group Related Tasks: Keep similar tasks or projects on the same desktop to minimize distractions.
- Use Desktops for Privacy: Separate personal and work-related activities into different desktops to keep them private.
- Regularly Clean Up: Periodically close unnecessary desktops to keep your system running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Have Multiple Desktops on Windows 10
Can I have different wallpapers on each desktop?
Unfortunately, Windows 10 does not support different wallpapers for each desktop by default. You will need third-party software to achieve this.
What happens if I close a desktop with open windows?
The windows from the closed desktop will move to the previous desktop. You won’t lose any open applications or documents.
How many desktops can I create?
There’s no specified limit, but creating too many desktops might slow down your system, depending on your computer’s resources.
Can I rename my desktops?
Not natively. You’ll need third-party software to rename your desktops.
Will my desktops be saved after restarting my computer?
No, when you restart your computer, all desktops will merge into a single desktop, and you’ll need to set them up again.
Summary of How to Have Multiple Desktops on Windows 10
- Open Task View: Click the Task View button or press Win + Tab.
- Add a New Desktop: Click the "New Desktop" button.
- Switch Between Desktops: Use Task View or Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow.
- Move Windows Between Desktops: Drag and drop windows in Task View.
- Close a Desktop: Hover over the desktop in Task View and click X.
Conclusion
Using multiple desktops on Windows 10 can dramatically improve how you manage your tasks and projects. It’s like having multiple workspaces in one computer, keeping everything neat and organized. Imagine having a desk for each of your projects – it’s the same concept but digital.
By following the steps outlined above, you’ll quickly get the hang of creating, managing, and switching between desktops. And remember, the tips and shortcuts will help you use this feature more efficiently.
Whether you’re a student juggling different classes, a professional managing various projects, or just someone who likes keeping personal and work lives separate, multiple desktops can be a game-changer.
So, why not give it a try today? Your productivity will thank you! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out other Windows 10 tips and tricks to make the most out of your operating system.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.