How to create virtual desktops on Windows 11

On Windows 11, “Desktops” is a feature that allows you to organize your apps using virtual desktops to overcome the limitations of one monitor. The feature is also useful for keeping tasks separate. For example, you can create a desktop for personal tasks and another for work. You can rename each desktop, and each virtual space can have its own background image.

The “Desktops” feature isn’t new. It’s been available for a long time as “Virtual Desktops,” but on Windows 11, Microsoft decided to change its name. Aside from the design changes and new name, the feature still works the same way.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to create and manage Desktops on Windows 11.

• Create a virtual desktop on Windows 11
• Switch between virtual desktops on Windows 11
• Move app to another virtual desktop on Windows 11
• Show app on all virtual desktops on Windows 11
• Rename virtual desktop on Windows 11
• Change the background image of a virtual desktop on Windows 11
• Close virtual desktop on Windows 11

Create a virtual desktop on Windows 11

To create a new virtual desktop on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Click the Task View button in the Taskbar.

2. Click the New desktop button.

   

You can also use the Windows key + Ctrl + D keyboard shortcut to create a virtual desktop. If you use the keyboard shortcut repeatedly, it will create multiple desktops.

If the Task View button isn’t available, right-click the Taskbar and select the Taskbar settings option, and under the “Taskbar items” section, turn on the Task view toggle switch.

Switch between virtual desktops on Windows 11

To move between virtual desktops, use these steps:

1. Click the Task View button in the Taskbar.

2. Click the desktop to switch to the bottom of the screen.

   

You can also use the Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Windows key + Ctrl + Right to quickly move between desktops.

Move app to another virtual desktop on Windows 11

To move an app to another virtual desktop, use these steps:

1. Click the Task View button in the Taskbar.

2. Right-click the app and select the Move to option.

   

3. Choose the desktop to move the app.

   Quick tip: You can also click the New desktop option to create another virtual desktop to move the app.

You can click, drag and drop the app to the desktop you want while in Task view.

Show app on all virtual desktops on Windows 11

To show the same app on all virtual desktops, use these steps:

1. Click the Task View button in the Taskbar.

2. Right-click the app and select the Show this window on all desktops option or the Show windows from this app on all desktops option.

   

Once you complete the steps, the app will be available across the desktops.

Rename virtual desktop on Windows 11

To change the virtual desktop name, use these steps:

1. Click the Task View button in the Taskbar.

2. Right-click the desktop and select the Rename option.

   

3. Confirm the name for the desktop and press Enter.

After you complete the steps, the new name will be reflected on the desktop, and the name will remain after restarting the computer or until you close it.

Change the background image of a virtual desktop on Windows 11

To change the virtual desktop wallpaper, use these steps:

1. Click the Task View button in the Taskbar.

2. Right-click the desktop and select the Change background option.

   

3. Click the Browse photos button.

   

4. Select the new background image.

5. Click the Choose picture button.

Once you complete the steps, the background will apply to the desktop.

Close virtual desktop on Windows 11

To close a virtual desktop, use these steps:

1. Click the Task View button in the Taskbar.

2. Click the Close (X) button at the top-right of the desktop.

   

You can also switch to the desktop you want to remove and use the Windows key + Ctrl + F4 keyboard shortcut to close it.

Closing a Desktop doesn’t terminate the running apps. They will be moved to the next available desktop.