Creating a new "window" in Windows can refer to a couple of different actions: opening a new instance of an application (like a second File Explorer window or browser tab) or creating an entirely new virtual desktop workspace. Below, we explain both methods.
Creating a New Application Window
Most commonly, when people ask how to create a new window, they mean opening a new instance of an application that is already running or easily accessible. This allows you to have multiple documents, web pages, or folders open side-by-side.
Here are common ways to do this:
- From the Taskbar:
- Shift + Click: Hold down the Shift key and click on the application's icon on the taskbar. This will open a new window instance of that application.
- Middle-Click: Click the middle mouse button (usually the scroll wheel) on the application's taskbar icon. This also opens a new instance.
- Right-Click and Select: Right-click the application icon on the taskbar. In the jump list or context menu that appears, click on the application's name at the top to open a new window.
- From Within the Application: Many applications have options or shortcuts to create a new window, document, or tab:
- Keyboard Shortcut (Common): Press Ctrl + N (for New) within many applications like web browsers, File Explorer, Word, Excel, etc. This often opens a new blank document, tab, or window depending on the app.
- Menu Option: Look for menu options like File > New, File > New Window, or a + button (especially in browsers for new tabs).
These methods quickly generate a fresh window instance for your application needs.
Creating a New Virtual Desktop
Sometimes, "creating a new window" might mean creating a separate workspace to organize different tasks or projects. Windows calls these "virtual desktops." They don't duplicate your entire screen but give you a clean slate to open and arrange windows specific to a task, helping declutter your main desktop.
To add a virtual desktop in Windows, you use the Task View feature:
- Open Task View: You can do this in two ways:
- Click the Task View button on the taskbar. This icon looks like two overlapping rectangles.
- Press the Windows Key + Tab on your keyboard.
- Add a New Desktop: In the Task View pane that appears, you will see miniature previews of your open windows and current desktops. At the top or bottom (depending on your Windows version), you will see an option labelled "New desktop". Click this to add a virtual desktop.
Once you've created virtual desktops, you can:
- Switch between them: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow.
- Move windows between desktops: Open Task View (Windows Key + Tab), then drag and drop windows from one desktop thumbnail to another.
- Close a virtual desktop: Open Task View, hover over the desktop thumbnail, and click the 'X' icon that appears. Closing a desktop automatically moves all windows open on it to the next desktop to the left.
Using virtual desktops is an effective way to manage multiple projects or separate work and personal applications.
