The fastest way to switch between desktops in Windows 11 is the keyboard shortcut Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow to go to the next desktop, and Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow to go back. You can also press Windows + Tab (or click the Task View button on the taskbar) and click the desktop you want, or swipe left or right with four fingers on a touchpad.
Here are all the ways to create, switch, organize, and close virtual desktops in Windows 11.
Virtual desktop shortcuts at a glance
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Switch to the next desktop | Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow |
| Switch to the previous desktop | Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow |
| Open Task View | Windows + Tab |
| Create a new desktop | Windows + Ctrl + D |
| Close the current desktop | Windows + Ctrl + F4 |
| Switch with a touchpad | Four-finger swipe left or right |
Method 1: Use keyboard shortcuts
- Press Windows + Ctrl + D to create a desktop if you only have one.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow or Left Arrow to move between desktops. Windows slides the screen to show you’ve switched.
Method 2: Use Task View
- Click the Task View button on the taskbar (two overlapping squares), or press Windows + Tab.
- At the bottom of the screen, click the desktop you want to switch to.
You can also just hover over the Task View button to see your desktops in a small pop-up and click one. If you don’t see the button, right-click the taskbar, choose Taskbar settings, and turn on Task view.
Method 3: Use touchpad gestures
- Swipe left or right with four fingers to switch desktops.
- Swipe up with three fingers to open Task View.
If the gestures don’t work, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad > Four-finger gestures and set Swipes to Switch desktops and show desktop. Your laptop needs a precision touchpad for these options.
How to create, rename, and reorder desktops
- Create: Open Task View and click New desktop, or press Windows + Ctrl + D.
- Rename: In Task View, click the desktop’s name (or right-click it and choose Rename) and type a new one, like Work or Personal.
- Reorder: Drag desktops left or right in Task View. You can also right-click one and choose Move left or Move right, or press Alt + Shift + Left/Right Arrow while a desktop thumbnail is selected.
- Different wallpaper: Right-click a desktop in Task View and choose Choose background.
How to move windows between desktops
- Open Task View.
- Drag a window onto another desktop at the bottom of the screen.
Or right-click a window’s thumbnail in Task View and choose Move to > the desktop you want. From the same menu, choose Show this window on all desktops or Show windows from this app on all desktops for apps you always need, like a chat or music app.
Show all open apps in Alt + Tab and the taskbar
By default, the taskbar and Alt + Tab only show windows on the current desktop. To see everything:
- Go to Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Expand Desktops.
- Change On the taskbar, show all the open windows and Show all open windows when I press Alt + Tab to On all desktops.
How to close a desktop
Press Windows + Ctrl + F4, or open Task View, hover over a desktop, and click its X. Any open windows move to the desktop on its left, so you won’t lose anything.
See also how to remove Chat from the taskbar.
Related: Keep a window on top in Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
How many desktops can I have in Windows 11?
There’s no fixed limit. Most people find two to four desktops easiest to manage.
Do virtual desktops slow down my PC?
The desktops themselves use almost no resources. Your apps use the same memory and CPU no matter which desktop they’re on.
Do my desktops stay after I restart?
Yes. Windows 11 keeps your desktops, names, and wallpapers after a restart. The apps on them close, though, unless they reopen on their own.
Can I use different desktops on each monitor?
No. Switching desktops changes all monitors at once. Use Show this window on all desktops for windows you want to keep visible.
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.