Swapping desktops in Windows 10 can make multitasking a breeze by organizing your open apps and tasks into different virtual screens. Just follow a few simple steps and you’ll be able to switch between these desktops quickly and efficiently.
How to Swap Desktops in Windows 10
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of creating and switching between virtual desktops on Windows 10. These steps will help you manage multiple tasks more efficiently.
Step 1: Open Task View
To begin, you need to access the Task View interface.
Click on the Task View button located on your taskbar next to the Cortana search box. Alternatively, you can press Win + Tab on your keyboard to open Task View.
Step 2: Create a New Desktop
Create a new virtual desktop for your tasks.
In the Task View interface, click on the "New Desktop" button located at the top-left corner of the screen. This action will generate a new virtual desktop.
Step 3: Switch Between Desktops
Now, let’s switch between the desktops you’ve created.
While still in the Task View interface, click on the thumbnail of the desktop you want to switch to. You can also use Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow keys to cycle through your desktops.
Step 4: Move Windows Between Desktops
You might want to rearrange which windows are open on which desktop.
Drag and drop the window thumbnail from one desktop to another within the Task View interface. This will move the selected window to the new desktop.
Step 5: Close a Desktop
When you’re done with a desktop, you can close it without losing any open windows.
In the Task View interface, hover over the desktop thumbnail you want to close and click on the "X" button. Any open windows on the closed desktop will be moved to the next available desktop.
After completing these steps, you will have successfully swapped desktops, allowing you to organize and manage your workspaces more effectively.
Tips for Swapping Desktops in Windows 10
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn key combinations like Win + Ctrl + D to create a new desktop, and Win + Ctrl + F4 to close the current desktop.
- Naming Desktops: Use a third-party app to name your desktops for better organization.
- Taskbar Behavior: Customize the taskbar to show only the windows open on the current desktop for less clutter.
- Custom Backgrounds: Set different wallpapers for each desktop using third-party software to visually distinguish between them.
- Sticky Notes: Use Sticky Notes to keep track of tasks on different desktops, ensuring you don’t lose sight of your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many virtual desktops can I create in Windows 10?
There is no official limit, but performance may be affected if you create too many.
Can I rename virtual desktops in Windows 10?
Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in feature for renaming desktops, but third-party apps can help.
Do virtual desktops save after a restart?
No, virtual desktops and their open windows do not persist after a restart.
Can I use different wallpapers for each desktop?
Windows 10 doesn’t support this natively, but third-party tools can enable this feature.
Are virtual desktops private?
No, virtual desktops are user-specific but not private; they are just organizational tools.
Summary
- Open Task View
- Create a new desktop
- Switch between desktops
- Move windows between desktops
- Close a desktop
Conclusion
Swapping desktops in Windows 10 is a fantastic way to keep your workspaces organized and your workflow streamlined. By following a few simple steps, you can create, manage, and switch between multiple virtual desktops, making multitasking easier than ever. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to keep things tidy, mastering virtual desktops can significantly improve your productivity.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more advanced Windows 10 features to further enhance your experience. Happy multitasking!
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.