Switching desktops in Windows 11 is a breeze. You can quickly navigate through multiple virtual desktops, making it easier to manage your work and personal tasks separately. With just a few clicks or keyboard shortcuts, you can jump from one desktop to another effortlessly, boosting your productivity and keeping your screen clutter-free.
How to Switch Desktops in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to switch between desktops in Windows 11. Follow these steps to seamlessly transition from one virtual desktop to another.
Step 1: Open Task View
Click on the Task View button on the taskbar, or press Win + Tab on your keyboard.
Task View is your gateway to managing multiple desktops. It’s a handy feature located on the taskbar, right next to the Start menu button. If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, Win + Tab does the trick.
Step 2: Create a New Desktop
Click on the "New Desktop" button at the top of the screen.
Creating a new desktop gives you a fresh workspace. It’s like having multiple monitors without the physical setup. You can use this space to organize different tasks or projects.
Step 3: Switch to Another Desktop
Click on the desktop thumbnail you want to switch to.
You’ll see thumbnails of all your active desktops. Clicking on any thumbnail will take you to that particular desktop, where you can continue your work just where you left off.
Step 4: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Press Win + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow to switch between desktops.
Keyboard shortcuts are a faster way to navigate through your desktops. They save you the hassle of clicking and make switching as smooth as flipping a page in a book.
Step 5: Close Unnecessary Desktops
Hover over the desktop thumbnail in Task View and click the X button to close it.
Once you’re done with a desktop, closing it helps keep your workspace tidy. Don’t worry; any open applications will move to another active desktop.
After you complete these actions, you’ll be able to smoothly switch between different desktops in Windows 11, making multitasking more efficient and organized.
Tips for Switching Desktops in Windows 11
- Use descriptive names for each desktop to easily identify them.
- Customize each desktop with different wallpapers to visually distinguish them.
- Pin frequently used apps to the taskbar on all desktops for quick access.
- Use the Task View button frequently to keep track of your open desktops and applications.
- Experiment with different layouts and setups to see which method works best for your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of using multiple desktops in Windows 11?
Using multiple desktops allows you to keep your work and personal tasks separate, reducing clutter and improving focus.
Can I have different wallpapers on each desktop?
Yes, you can set different wallpapers for each desktop to easily tell them apart.
Are the open apps on one desktop visible on another?
No, each desktop has its own set of open apps, keeping your workspaces isolated.
Can I move apps between desktops?
Yes, you can drag and drop app windows from one desktop thumbnail to another in Task View.
Do keyboard shortcuts work on all PCs?
Yes, the keyboard shortcuts for switching desktops work on any PC running Windows 11.
Summary
- Open Task View.
- Create a New Desktop.
- Switch to another Desktop.
- Use keyboard shortcuts.
- Close unnecessary Desktops.
Conclusion
Switching desktops in Windows 11 is like having several workstations at your fingertips. It’s a fantastic feature for anyone looking to boost productivity and keep their virtual space organized. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily navigate through multiple desktops, making your digital life much more streamlined.
As you get more comfortable with using multiple desktops, you’ll find new ways to optimize your workflow. Maybe you’ll designate one desktop for work, another for social media, and yet another for entertainment. The possibilities are endless.
Feel free to explore and experiment with different setups. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this nifty feature. For more tips and tricks on using Windows 11, be sure to check out other articles and resources. 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.