ChromeOS already includes a shelf Desk button for viewing, switching between, and managing virtual desks. Google introduced it with ChromeOS 120 in the January 2024 stable release cycle; its rollout was progressive, so devices did not necessarily receive it at the same time. Google’s Chromebook Help now documents how to use it.
What the Desk button does
The Desk button sits on the Chromebook shelf and opens controls for virtual desks. From there, you can view desk thumbnails, switch desks, create and reorder them, and access saved desks. Google described the button as available to users who use virtual desks in its ChromeOS M120 stable-channel announcement.
The feature is built into ChromeOS; Google’s instructions do not require a new Chromebook or an accessory.
Create and switch between desks
- On the Chromebook shelf, select the Desk button.
- Select Add to create a desk.
- Enter a name, or keep the default “desk #” name.
- To move between desks, open the Desk button’s view and select the desk you want from the thumbnails.
Rename, reorder, close, or merge desks
Open the desk view, select a desk name, then hover over its thumbnail to reveal the available controls. Google’s Chromebook Help lists options to rename, reorder, close, and merge desks. Choose the action you need from the thumbnail controls.
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Return to a saved desk
Saved desks are listed in the desk menu under Saved for Later. Open the Desk button and look there when you want to return to a saved workspace.
Show or hide the desk name on the shelf
Right-click the shelf or the desk name, then choose Show desk name or Hide desk name. This controls whether the name appears alongside the shelf button.
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If the shelf is positioned at the side of the screen, hover over the desk name’s initial to reveal the full name. A customized desk name is represented by its first letter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When the feature arrived
ChromeOS 120 reached the stable release cycle in January 2024, and Google announced that the Desk button would roll out progressively over the following days. As a result, a Chromebook might not have received the button immediately when the release began. ChromeOS.dev records the ChromeOS 120 release history; Google’s ChromeOS Long-term Support release notes also list the virtual Desk button under version 120.
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