Okay, here's how to create virtual desktops in Windows 11 using the built-in methods.
In Windows 11, virtual desktops help you organize your open applications and windows, allowing you to separate tasks or projects into distinct spaces. You can easily create new virtual desktops using a simple keyboard shortcut or the Task View feature.
Methods to Create Virtual Desktops
There are two primary ways to create a new virtual desktop in Windows 11:
Using a Keyboard Shortcut
This is the quickest way to instantly add a new virtual desktop.
- Simply press the following keys simultaneously:
Windows Key + Ctrl + D
Pressing this combination will immediately create and switch you to a brand-new, empty virtual desktop. Your previous desktop and its open windows remain accessible on the desktop you came from.
Using the Task View Button
You can also manage and create virtual desktops visually through the Task View button on your taskbar.
- Locate the Task View button on your taskbar. It looks like two overlapping squares (or similar, depending on your icon style). If you don't see it, right-click the taskbar, go to "Taskbar settings," and toggle "Task view" on.
- Click the Task View button. This opens an overview showing all your currently open windows and a bar at the bottom displaying your current virtual desktops.
- In the bar at the bottom, click the "+ New desktop" button.
Clicking "+ New desktop" creates a new virtual desktop alongside your existing ones. You can then click on any desktop preview in the Task View bar to switch to it.
Why Use Virtual Desktops?
Virtual desktops are excellent for:
- Organizing Workflows: Keep work-related apps on one desktop, personal browsing on another, and creative projects on a third.
- Reducing Clutter: Clear your screen without closing applications.
- Focusing on Tasks: Isolate the windows needed for a specific task to minimize distractions.
Managing Your Virtual Desktops
Once you have multiple virtual desktops, here are some other useful shortcuts and actions:
| Action | Keyboard Shortcut | Task View Action |
|---|---|---|
| Create New Desktop | Win + Ctrl + D | Click "+ New desktop" in Task View |
| Switch to Next Desktop | Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow | Click desktop preview in Task View |
| Switch to Previous Desktop | Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow | Click desktop preview in Task View |
| Close Current Desktop | Win + Ctrl + F4 | Hover over desktop preview and click 'x' |
| Open Task View | Win + Tab or Win + Ctrl + Arrow keys | Click the Task View button on taskbar |
| Move Window to Desktop | (Via Task View) | Drag window from overview onto a desktop preview |
By using these methods, you can easily create and navigate virtual desktops in Windows 11 to improve your productivity and workspace organization.
