Boost Your Productivity with Multiple Desktops in Windows

Whether you’re managing work projects, attending virtual meetings, or simply trying to keep your digital life organized, cluttered desktops and open windows can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where the Windows multiple desktops feature comes in – a powerful tool designed to help you stay focused, organized, and efficient.

What Are Multiple Desktops?

Multiple desktops, also known as virtual desktops, allow you to create separate workspaces on your computer. Each desktop operates independently, with its own set of open windows and applications. Think of them as individual workstations that you can switch between without physically changing computers.

Why Use Multiple Desktops?

1. Improved Organization:

By separating different tasks or projects into their own desktops, you can keep your workflow organized. For example, you might dedicate one desktop to email and communication, another to data analysis, and another to creative work like writing or design.

2. Reduced Clutter:

It’s rare that you have only one project to think about at any time and as you switch from task to task, windows and tabs multiply, making it harder to find the specific app or document you need. Multiple desktops give you a clean slate for each task, increasing your efficiency.

3. Enhanced Focus:

Switching between desktops helps you mentally separate different types of work. This can improve your focus and reduce task-switching fatigue, as you’re not constantly bombarded by unrelated windows and notifications.

4. Streamlined Presentations:

If you’re sharing your screen during a presentation or meeting, you can use a specific desktop that contains only the relevant materials. This ensures privacy and professionalism by keeping personal or unrelated content out of view.

How to Use Multiple Desktops in Windows 11

Here’s how to get started (if you prefer to watch, there is a video at the bottom of the page):

Creating a New Desktop:

1. Click the Task View icon on your taskbar (beside the search bar), or press Windows key + Tab.
2. In the Task View interface, click the “+ New desktop” or “New desktop” button at the top of the screen.
3. A new virtual desktop will be created. You can click it to switch to it.

Switching Between Desktops:

• Use the Task View (Windows key + Tab) and click the desktop you want to switch to.
• Or, use the keyboard shortcut: Windows key + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow to quickly cycle through desktops.

Moving Windows Between Desktops:

1. Open Task View (Windows key + Tab).
2. Right-click on the window you want to move.
3. Select “Move to” and choose the desktop you want to move it to.

Closing a Desktop:

1. Go to Task View (Windows key + Tab).
2. Hover over the desktop you want to close and click the “X” in the top-right corner.
3. Any open windows on that desktop will be moved to the previous one, so you won’t lose any work.

Renaming Desktops:

1. Open Task View.
2. Right-click on a desktop thumbnail and select “Rename.”
3. Enter a new name to better organize your workspaces.

Tips for Effective Use

• Group Similar Tasks: Use separate desktops for different roles or tasks—such as one for work, one for personal browsing, and another for entertainment.
• Customize Desktops: In Windows 11, consider setting different backgrounds for each desktop to visually distinguish them.
• Practise Shortcuts: Learn the keyboard shortcuts mentioned above to switch between desktops quickly and improve your workflow.