Windows 11 allows you to choose a different background image for each “Desktop” (formerly Virtual Desktops). The ability to customize the desktop background has been available for a long time, but it was limited to the main desktop or monitor, meaning that no matter how many desktops you had, changing the wallpaper on one desktop would change it for all.
In the latest version of Windows 11, Microsoft has updated the feature to allow you to customize each desktop with a different background. While this is a subtle change, it can improve the ability to identify each desktop in Task View at a glance and know where you are more quickly.
This guide will teach you the steps to change the background for virtual desktops on Windows 11.
Change virtual desktop background on Windows 11
To set a different background image per desktop on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Task View on Windows 11.
Quick tip: You can click the Task View button in the taskbar or use the “Windows key + Tab” keyboard shortcut. -
Click the New desktop button to create a new virtual desktop (if applicable).
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Right-click the desktop and select the Choose background option.
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On the “Background” settings page, under the “Personalize your background” section, click the Browse photos button.
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Select the image to set a new background for the desktop.
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Click the Choose picture button.
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Repeat steps 4 and 5 to change the wallpaper for the remaining desktops.
Once you complete the steps, each virtual desktop on Windows 11 will have a different background image.
Alternatively, you can also jump to the desktop, open the Settings app, and change the background from the “Personalization” settings page.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].