“Switch screens” on Windows can mean changing display output, moving a window to another monitor, switching apps, or changing virtual desktops. Press Windows key + P to change display mode, Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow to move a window between monitors, Alt + Tab to switch apps, or Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow to switch virtual desktops.
Choose the shortcut for what you want to do
| Your goal | Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Change what appears on your displays | Windows key + P | Opens display mode choices. |
| Move the active window to another monitor | Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow | Moves the focused app or window toward the monitor in that direction. |
| Switch to another open app | Alt + Tab | Changes the active app; it does not move it to another monitor. |
| Switch virtual desktops | Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow | Moves between virtual desktops, which are separate workspaces, not physical monitors. |
Change display mode with Windows key + P
- Press Windows key + P to open the display mode choices.
- Choose the option that matches what you want:
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| PC screen only | Shows the desktop on the PC screen only. |
| Duplicate | Shows the same content on all displays. |
| Extend | Spreads the desktop across multiple displays, so windows and other items can be moved between screens. |
| Second screen only | Shows everything on the second display only. |
Microsoft documents the Windows key + P shortcut and these display modes. The exact keyboard sequence for selecting a choice after the panel opens is not established here, so use the on-screen controls for your Windows version and setup.
Move a window to another monitor
- Focus the app or window you want to move.
- Press Windows key + Shift + Left arrow to move it toward the monitor on the left, or Windows key + Shift + Right arrow to move it toward the monitor on the right.
This moves the app or window; it does not change the display mode. If the window does not move as expected, the arrangement of displays and which displays are available can affect what Windows treats as left or right. Check the display arrangement in Windows Display settings.
Switch apps or virtual desktops
Switch between open apps
Press Alt + Tab to switch among open applications in the current desktop. This changes which app is active; it does not move the app to another monitor or change display mode.
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Switch between virtual desktops
Press Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow or Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow to move between virtual desktops. Virtual desktops are separate workspaces, not separate physical screens.
Windows version and support
The Microsoft shortcut and display guidance cited here applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft says support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.
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FAQ
How do I switch screens on Windows with the keyboard?
It depends on what you mean by “switch screens.” Use Windows key + P for display modes, Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow to move a window between monitors, or Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow to switch virtual desktops.
How do I move a window to another monitor?
Focus the window and press Windows key + Shift + Left arrow or Windows key + Shift + Right arrow.
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Does Alt + Tab move a window to another monitor?
No. Alt + Tab switches the active app among open applications; it does not move the window to another monitor.
Are virtual desktops the same as physical monitors?
No. Virtual desktops are separate workspaces. Physical monitors are displays connected to your computer.
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Is Windows key + P a shortcut for choosing Monitor 1 or Monitor 2?
No. It opens display mode choices: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The Bottom Line
Use Windows key + P to change display mode and Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow to move a focused window between monitors. Alt + Tab switches apps, while Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow switches virtual desktops.
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For details, see Microsoft’s guides to using multiple monitors, Windows keyboard shortcuts, and configuring multiple desktops.
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