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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use Task View to create, switch between, and organize virtual desktops in Windows 10 or Windows 11. Press Windows key+Ctrl+D to create one, switch with Windows key+Ctrl+Left Arrow or Windows key+Ctrl+Right Arrow, and use Task View to move app windows between desktops.
What virtual desktops do
Virtual desktops are separate workspaces for grouping apps and tasks. You might keep work for different projects on different desktops or arrange a set of apps before a meeting. Each desktop can have its own open applications. Microsoft describes the feature as a way to “create multiple workspaces to organize apps and tasks efficiently” in its Configure Multiple Desktops in Windows guide.
How to create a virtual desktop
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can create a desktop from Task View or use a shortcut:
- Press Windows key+Tab to open Task View, or select the Task View button on the taskbar.
- Select New desktop.
- Select the new desktop and open the apps you want to use there.
To create a desktop without opening Task View, press Windows key+Ctrl+D. Microsoft documents both methods in its multiple desktops guide and Windows keyboard shortcuts reference.
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How to switch between desktops
Open Task View with Windows key+Tab and select the desktop thumbnail you want. For a direct keyboard switch between adjacent desktops, press Windows key+Ctrl+Left Arrow or Windows key+Ctrl+Right Arrow.
How to move a window to another desktop
Use Task View when you want to see the open windows and choose where one should go:
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- Press Windows key+Tab.
- Drag the window thumbnail onto the target desktop thumbnail.
Alternatively, right-click the window in Task View, select Move to, then choose a desktop. These options are described in Microsoft’s multiple desktops instructions.
How to close a desktop
In Task View, hover over the desktop thumbnail and select its close button. You can also press Windows key+Ctrl+F4 to close the current desktop. Closing a desktop does not close its open applications: Windows moves those apps to the next available desktop.
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Rename desktops and choose backgrounds
Rename a desktop
Open Task View and select the desktop’s name to rename it. Names can help distinguish desktops by project, task, or meeting.
Choose a desktop background
Open Task View, right-click a desktop thumbnail, select Choose background, then select a picture in Personalize your background. Microsoft’s per-desktop background setting supports different pictures; it does not support a different slideshow or solid color for each desktop through this option. See Microsoft’s background and desktop settings guidance.
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Choose what appears on the taskbar and in Alt+Tab
To control whether windows from other desktops appear in the taskbar or Alt+Tab, open Settings > System > Multitasking and expand Desktops. Choose whether the taskbar and Alt+Tab show windows from only the desktop in use or from all desktops.
Alt+Tab is primarily for switching among open apps, while Task View gives you an overview of open windows and desktops and lets you create desktops or move windows between them. The desktop visibility options affect which windows Alt+Tab shows. Microsoft’s Configure Multiple Desktops and Multitasking in Windows pages cover these settings.
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Keyboard shortcuts at a glance
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows key+Tab | Open Task View |
| Windows key+Ctrl+D | Create a desktop |
| Windows key+Ctrl+Left Arrow | Switch to the desktop on the left |
| Windows key+Ctrl+Right Arrow | Switch to the desktop on the right |
| Windows key+Ctrl+F4 | Close the current desktop |
These shortcuts are listed in Microsoft’s Windows keyboard shortcuts reference.
Navigate Task View with a screen reader
Press Windows key+Tab to open Task View. Press Tab to move through its options, use the arrow keys to explore desktops, and press Enter to switch. Microsoft’s screen-reader navigation guidance describes this keyboard navigation.
Windows 10 support status
Virtual desktops are documented for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says that after that date it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10; the PC continues to work, and Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11. This support change does not prevent the virtual desktop feature from working. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 support information.
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