Virtual desktop Windows

Virtual desktop Windows
Part of

Virtual desktops arent new to Windows. In Windows 10, it was a simple matter to create a separate desktop so that, for example, you could have one desktop for one project and a second for another, or one for your work and a second for your personal apps.

However, in Windows 11, there has been an upgrade. Now, you can also have a different wallpaper for each desktop, making it easier to distinguish one from another (and offering you a different mood, depending on what youre using it for). And there are a number of other features that make the use of virtual desktops easy and efficient. Note that some of these were actually introduced in Windows 10, but together with the new features of Windows 11, they make a handy toolbox.

Create a virtual desktop

To create a new virtual desktop:

  • Hover over or click on the Task view icon in your taskbar (its the one that looks like one square superimposed on another).
  • Click on the New desktop thumbnail.
Virtual desktop Windows
After clicking the Task view icon, you can create a new desktop.

You can also use key combination Win+Ctrl+D; in that case, youll immediately find yourself in your new desktop.

You can now place different apps in your separate desktops. Move from one desktop to the other by clicking the Task view icon. (You can also move around by using the familiar Alt-Tab key combination, which will take you to all the apps in one desktop and then to the apps in the next.)

To remove a desktop:

  • Hover over or click the Task viewicon.
  • Hover over the virtual desktop you want to remove and click the X in the upper right corner.

Personalize your desktops

With Windows 11, you can now personalize your desktops, making it easier to dedicate each one to a separate function. There are several ways to do this.

Choose different wallpaper

You can have a different background for each virtual desktop. Its quite simple:

  • Click on the Task view icon in the taskbar.
  • Right click on the desktop you want to change.
  • Click on Choose background.
Virtual desktop Windows
After clicking on the Task view icon in the taskbar, right-click on a desktop thumbnail to change its background.

This will bring you to the Personalization > Background page, where you can choose either an image for your background, a solid color, or arrange for a slideshow. You can then browse your photos for your choice of image(s) to use and decide the type of fit you want for your image (for example, you can tile or stretch image).

Virtual desktop Windows
The Background page lets you use a preset background image or upload your own.

Name your desktop

Your desktops will be automatically assigned the rather boring titles of Desktop 1, Desktop 2, etc. You can change that easily by giving each desktop a name.

  • Click on or hover over the Task view icon.
  • Click on the name of the desktop you want to change.
  • Type in the new name.
Virtual desktop Windows
After selecting the Task view icon, you can change the name of your desktops.

Rearrange your desktops

You may want to change the order of the desktops in order to make it easier to remember which to use when. This is also very simple.

  • Click on or hover over the Task view icon.
  • Click and hold on the desktop you want to move and drag it to its new position.
Virtual desktop Windows
Change the order of your desktops by using click-and-drag.

Use the same app on different desktops

If you are already using an app on one desktop and open it in another, you will be using a different version of that app for example, you can use Chrome to look at Twitter on one desktop and to do some work research on another. (Be aware that some apps may not work this way yet for example, when I tried to open Notion in a second desktop, my computer jumped to the desktop where it was already open.)

While this is handy, you may want to run the same app with the same data in both or all of your desktops. (Note: this is not new to Windows 11, but its good to know.) To do this:

  • Click on the Task view icon.
  • Right-click on the app you want to use in the other desktop.
  • Select Show this window on all desktops if you want to duplicate a single window from that app.
  • Select Show windows from this app on all desktops if you want to duplicate any window that you use in that app.
Virtual desktop Windows
Use Show this window on all desktops to use the same app and content in your other desktops.

The Verge Guide to Windows

Introducing Windows 11 8
  • Windows 11 review: a familiar home thats still being renovated
  • The easy way to install Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs
  • Windows 11 is free, but your CPU might not be officially supported
  • Windows 11 Home will require a Microsoft account and an internet connection at setup
  • Windows 11 wont include Android app support at launch
  • How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free
  • Windows 11: how to jump the update line
  • Windows 11: how to navigate CPUs, TPMs, Secure Boot, ISOs and more
Windows 11 tips and tricks 8
  • How to use snap layouts in Windows 11
  • How to change your default browser in Windows 11
  • Heres how to get the Google Play Store running on Windows 11
  • These apps let you customize Windows 11 to bring the taskbar back to life
  • How to customize your Windows 11 taskbar
  • How to put the Windows 11 Start menu back where it belongs
  • How to get Teams to go away in Windows 11
  • How to use Focus assist in Windows 11
Windows 10 tips and tricks 14
  • How to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free
  • Windows 10 basics: How to pause updates
  • How to take screenshots on your Windows PC
  • Windows 10 basics: how to change your sign-in settings
  • Windows 10 basics: how to reset your system
  • How to type special characters on a Windows PC
  • Windows 10 basics: how to customize your display
  • Windows 10 basics: how to use System Restore to go back in time
  • Windows 10 basics: how to uninstall apps
  • How to make and receive calls on your PC with the Your Phone app
  • How to use Edges tools to protect your privacy while browsing
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  • How to record your Windows PC screen using Xbox Game Bar
  • 26 great apps for your new 2020 Windows PC