How to Switch Between Desktops in Windows 11

Greetings, dear readers! In this article, we will delve into the topic of switching between desktops in Windows 11. Desktops are a handy feature that allows users to create multiple workspaces, each with its own set of apps and files. By doing so, you can maximize productivity and organize your work more efficiently. However, you may be wondering how to switch between these desktops? Fear not, as we have gathered 12 easy steps to guide you through the process. So, let’s get started!

Step by Step Guide to Switch Between Desktops in Windows 11

Step 1: Open Task View

The first step is to open Task View, which is essentially a feature that displays all the currently open apps and windows in one place. To do so, click on the Task View icon located in the Taskbar or press Windows key + Tab on your keyboard.

Step 2: Add a Desktop

To add a desktop, click on the “New Desktop” button located at the top of the Task View screen. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + D.

Step 3: Switch Between Desktops

To switch between desktops, click on the Task View button or use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Tab. You will see all the created desktops, and you can select the one you want to switch to.

Step 4: Move Windows Between Desktops

To move a window to another desktop, open Task View and drag the window to the desired desktop. Alternatively, you can right-click on the window and select the “Move to” option.

Step 5: Use Touchpad Gesture

If you have a touchpad, you can use a gesture to switch between desktops. Swipe three fingers left or right to switch between desktops.

Step 6: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a quick way to switch between desktops. Press Windows Key + Ctrl + Left arrow or Right arrow to switch between desktops.

Step 7: Use the Taskbar

Another way to switch between desktops is to use the Taskbar. Click on the Task View button in the Taskbar, and you will see all the created desktops. Select the one you want to switch to.

Step 8: Create a Shortcut

You can create a shortcut to switch between desktops. Right-click on the Desktop and select “New” > “Shortcut.” In the path, type “explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}” and give it a name. Double-click the shortcut to switch between desktops.

Step 9: Use Virtual Desktop Shortcut Keys

Virtual Desktop Shortcut Keys are another quick way to switch between desktops. Press Windows key + Ctrl + number to switch between desktops. For example, Windows key + Ctrl + 2 will switch to the second desktop.

Step 10: Use the Windows Search Box

You can use the Windows Search Box to switch between desktops. Type “Virtual Desktops” in the search box, and it will display all the created desktops. Select the one you want to switch to.

Step 11: Use the Mouse Wheel

If you have a mouse with a scrolling wheel, you can use it to switch between desktops. Hover over the Task View button and use the scrolling wheel to switch between desktops.

Step 12: Close a Desktop

To close a desktop, open Task View and hover over the desktop you want to close. Click on the “X” icon that appears to close the desktop.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Customize Desktops

You can customize each desktop with different backgrounds, themes, and icons to distinguish them easily.

Tip 2: Use the Snap Assist Feature

The Snap Assist feature allows you to snap windows into place on the desktop. Use it to organize your open windows effortlessly.

Tip 3: Use the Cortana Virtual Assistant

Cortana can help you switch between desktops via voice command. Say “Hey Cortana, switch to desktop [number]” to switch to a specific desktop.

Tip 4: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Snap Windows

Keyboard shortcuts such as Windows key + Left arrow and Windows key + Right arrow can help you snap windows to both sides of the screen.

Tip 5: Use Mouse Shortcuts to Snap Windows

Mouse shortcuts such as double-clicking the title bar of a window can snap it to take up half the screen.

Tip 6: Use Experimental Features

Windows 11 has some experimental features that can help you switch between desktops, such as creating a snap group.

Tip 7: Use Third-Party Apps

You can use third-party apps such as Dexpot or VirtuaWin to manage multiple desktops and enhance your workflow.

Tip 8: Use the Windows-S Feature

Pressing Windows key + S opens up the Windows Search box and allows you to search for apps, files, and settings quickly.

Tip 9: Use the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool can capture screenshots of entire desktops or specific windows, making it useful for documentation and sharing.

Tip 10: Use the Windows+X Menu

Pressing Windows key + X opens up the Windows+X Menu, which gives you quick access to various system utilities and features. In conclusion, switching between desktops in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can help with productivity and organization. By following these steps and tips, you can make the most out of this nifty feature and enhance your workflow.

Kelebihan dan Kekurangan: How to Switch Between Desktops in Windows 11

Kelebihan

1. Time-saving: Switching between desktops in Windows 11 is a quick and easy way to manage your workspace. It allows you to save time by having all your files and applications organized on each desktop.

2. Multitasking: With the ability to switch between desktops, you can multitask efficiently. You can have different desktops dedicated to different tasks, and switch between them seamlessly.

3. Privacy: Windows 11 allows you to have multiple desktops with applications and files. This feature helps you maintain your privacy by keeping certain tasks or applications separate from the others.

4. Customization: You can customize Windows 11 desktops, allowing you to manage your workspace more efficiently. This customization feature also allows you to choose the best layout and design that suits your work style.

5. Multiple Monitor Support: Windows 11 allows you to have separate desktops for different monitors. This feature provides better multi-tasking capabilities and improves overall productivity.

6. Resource Allocation: By switching between desktops, you can allocate system resources such as processor, RAM, and memory to specific tasks efficiently. This helps you avoid system performance issues.

7. Organization: Using different desktops allows you to keep your work environment organized and clutter-free. This feature helps improve productivity and reduces stress.

8. Collaboration: Windows 11 enables you to collaborate with others seamlessly by sharing desktops without revealing private information. This feature is useful for team meetings and group discussions.

9. Accessibility: The multiple desktops feature in Windows 11 is beneficial for people with disabilities. It allows them to work more efficiently by having all their necessary tools and applications in one place.

10. Improved Workflow: Switching between desktops enhances your workflow by providing orderly access to everything you need for your daily tasks.

Kekurangan

1. Learning Curve: Switching between desktops requires a learning curve, which may take some time to master. It may be overwhelming for those who are used to working with a single desktop.

2. Resource Usage: Running multiple desktops simultaneously can consume more system resources, leading to performance issues such as slow processing, memory overflow, and system crashes.

3. Desktop Clutter: Multiple desktops can potentially cause desktop clutter and slower navigation speed if not managed correctly.

4. Compatibility: Not all applications and programs are compatible with the multiple desktops feature, leading to usability issues and reduced productivity.

5. Complexity: Managing multiple desktops can be a complex process, which is time-consuming and requires constant attention and organization.

6. Lack of Visual Aid: Windows 11 provides only a name for each desktop, which can be confusing in case of a large number of desktops and no visual aid to differentiate between them.

7. External Display Limitation: Windows 11 allows only one desktop per external display, which is inconvenient for users who need to work with multiple screens.

8. Inconsistency: The multiple desktops feature behaves inconsistently with some applications, leading to system crashes or unexpected behavior.

9. Limited Workspace: The number of desktops that Windows 11 allows users to create is limited, making it unsuitable for large-scale productivity needs.

10. High Resolution Display: The multiple desktops feature may function incorrectly when dealing with high-resolution displays, leading to usability issues and reduced productivity.

FAQ

1. How do I switch between desktops in Windows 11?

You can switch between desktops in Windows 11 either through Task View or using keyboard shortcuts. You can access Task View by clicking on the Task View button on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + Tab key. Once you’re in Task View, you can click on the desktop you want to switch to. If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, you can use the Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow keys to switch between desktops.

2. How many desktops can I have in Windows 11?

You can have multiple desktops in Windows 11, and the number of desktops is virtually unlimited, depending on your computer’s resources. You can easily add, remove and switch between desktops according to your preferences.

3. Why would I want to use multiple desktops?

Multiple desktops can help you organize your work by separating different tasks or windows. For instance, you can have one desktop for productivity apps, one for entertainment, and one for communication tools. It can help you switch between tasks faster and reduce clutter on your screen.

4. How do I add a new desktop in Windows 11?

You can create a new desktop in Windows 11 by clicking on Task View and then selecting the “New Desktop” option in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + Ctrl + D shortcut.

5. How do I move windows between desktops?

You can move windows between desktops by using the Task View feature. Simply drag the window you want to move from one desktop to another in the Task View interface.

6. Can I move windows between desktops using keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, you can move windows between desktops using keyboard shortcuts. Select the window you want to move and use the Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow keys to move it to the desired desktop.

7. How do I close a desktop in Windows 11?

You can close a desktop by going to the Task View interface and hovering over the desktop you want to close. Then, click on the “X” button that appears to close the desktop. Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + Ctrl + F4 shortcut to close the current desktop.

8. How do I rename a desktop in Windows 11?

To rename a desktop, first, go to Task View, and then hover over the desktop you want to rename. Once you see the “Rename” button, click on it and type in the new name for the desktop.

9. Can I have different wallpapers on each desktop in Windows 11?

Unfortunately, you cannot have different wallpapers on each desktop in Windows 11. The wallpaper will be the same across all virtual desktops.

10. How do I set up different icons on each desktop in Windows 11?

You can set up different icons on each desktop by customizing the taskbar. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” Then, scroll down to the “Multiple desktops” section and select “Only the desktop I’m using” to have different icons on each desktop.

11. How do I switch between virtual desktops using touch gestures?

If you have a touch-enabled device, you can switch between desktops by swiping left or right with three fingers on the touchscreen.

12. Can I use different apps on each desktop in Windows 11?

Yes, you can. You can open different apps on each desktop, which can help you keep focused on specific tasks or projects.

13. Can I move multiple windows at once between virtual desktops?

Yes, you can move multiple windows at once between virtual desktops by using the Task View feature. Select the windows you want to move by holding down the Ctrl key, then drag the selected windows to the desired virtual desktop.

How to Switch Between Desktops in Windows 11

Switching between desktops in Windows 11 can be a great way to improve your productivity and efficiency. With multiple desktops open, you can easily separate your work from your personal life or create separate environments for different workflows.

To switch between desktops in Windows 11, you can use the Task View feature. This can be accessed by clicking on the Task View button located on the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows key + Tab keys on your keyboard.

Once you have opened Task View, you can see all the open desktops. To switch between desktops, simply click on the desktop you want to switch to. You can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate between desktops.

Conclusion and Closing

That’s all there is to it! Switching between desktops is a simple and easy process in Windows 11. By separating your work and personal life, or creating separate environments for different workflows, you can increase your productivity and efficiency.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the section below. Thank you for reading and happy switching!

Until next time, keep exploring and learning!