Microsoft is going back to the drawing board with Windows 10 and it’s building its next operating system focus on the desktop, which means that once again it’s all about the keyboard and mouse.
Although, Windows already has a large collection of keyboard shortcuts, Microsoft will continue to add features and new shortcuts will be introduced. For example, on Windows 10, the software giant is introducing virtual desktops, which is a feature that allows users to group tasks more logically and separate work from personal tasks.
Microsoft calls the feature Virtual Desktops and the button to access it appears on the taskbar next to Cortana. However, the new virtual desktops features has a hand-full of keyboard shortcuts you can use to speed up productivity:
- Windows key + Tab: This keyboard shortcut activates Task View and it allow you to get access to the running apps and virtual desktops. Once executed the shortcut, it’s safe to release both keys as the Task View will remain open.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Left | Windows key + Ctrl + Right: Allows you to move between desktops.
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: Creates a new virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Closes the active virtual desktop and running apps will migrate to the remaining desktop.
Now, it will be times when you already have too many apps running on a desktop and you may want move apps to a new virtual desktop. Windows 10 doesn’t have a keyboard shortcut to do this, so you’ll have to open the Task View, right-click the app from the list, select Move to, and select the desktop (e.g., Desktop 1). The same operation has to be done for app you want to move.
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].