Windows 11 introduced a sleek, modern interface with features that help users stay organized and focused. One of the most powerful productivity tools built into the operating system is Multiple Desktops—a feature that lets you create separate workspaces for different tasks, projects, or personal use. Whether you’re juggling work documents, school assignments, gaming, or creative projects, multiple desktops can help you stay clutter-free and efficient.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use multiple desktops in Windows 11, the best shortcuts and customization options, and real-world tips to make the most of this underrated feature.

What Are Multiple Desktops in Windows 11?

Multiple desktops allow you to create virtual workspaces on your PC. Instead of crowding your screen with dozens of windows, you can group applications by category or task into different desktops. For example:

• Desktop 1: Work apps like Word, Excel, Teams
• Desktop 2: Personal browsing, entertainment, email
• Desktop 3: Creative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator
• Desktop 4: Gaming and streaming apps

Switching between desktops takes seconds, letting you stay organized without physically connecting multiple monitors—though the feature works wonderfully with multi-monitor setups too.

How to Create and Manage Multiple Desktops

Windows 11 makes it incredibly easy to set up and manage multiple desktops. Here’s how to get started:

1. Open Task View

To manage desktops, you first need to open Task View, which shows all open windows and available desktops.

You can open Task View in two ways:

• Click the Task View icon in the taskbar (two overlapping squares).
• Press Windows + Tab on your keyboard.

Once Task View is open, you’ll see your active windows and a bar at the top (or bottom, depending on your settings) showing your desktops.

2. Create a New Desktop

In Task View, click New desktop.
A fresh workspace will appear, typically named Desktop 2, Desktop 3, and so on.

You now have a blank space to open new apps or move existing windows.

3. Switch Between Desktops

You can switch desktops using:

Mouse or Trackpad

• Open Task View → click the desktop you want.

Keyboard Shortcuts (much faster!)

• Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow: Switch to the next desktop
• Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow: Switch to the previous desktop

Using keyboard shortcuts is the fastest way to jump between workspaces without stopping your workflow.

4. Move Windows Between Desktops

Moving apps from one desktop to another helps keep your work organized.

Here’s how:

Method 1: Task View

• Open Task View
• Right-click on a window and select Move to → choose the destination desktop
• Alternatively, drag the window to the desired desktop at the top of the screen

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

Windows 11 doesn’t natively support moving windows by hotkey alone, but third-party tools like PowerToys can help extend functionality.

5. Rename Desktops

Naming your desktops makes them easier to recognize.

To rename:

• Open Task View
• Right-click the desktop name (e.g., Desktop 2)
• Select Rename and type the new name, like Work, School, Gaming

This is incredibly useful when switching between several desktops.

6. Customize Each Desktop

Windows 11 allows customization per desktop to make your workflows clearer and more enjoyable.

Change Wallpaper for Each Desktop

• Open Task View
• Right-click a desktop → Choose background
• Select a different wallpaper for each workspace

This helps visually separate tasks—work on one background, entertainment on another.

Pin Different Apps to Each Desktop

You can choose whether apps stay consistent across desktops or only appear on one.

To adjust this:

• Open Settings
• Go to System → Multitasking
• Under Desktops, choose whether windows appear:
  • On all desktops
  • On the desktop they’re opened on

This is especially helpful for apps you always want visible—like Spotify, Teams, or a system monitor.

Useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Navigation

Here’s a list of the most effective keyboard shortcuts for managing multiple desktops like a pro:

Action	Shortcut
Open Task View	Windows + Tab
Create new desktop	Windows + Ctrl + D
Close current desktop	Windows + Ctrl + F4
Switch to next desktop	Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow
Switch to previous desktop	Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow

Learning these shortcuts can drastically speed up your multitasking flow.

Real-World Use Cases for Multiple Desktops

1. Work From Home Professionals

Keep work apps—like Teams, Outlook, and spreadsheets—on one desktop, while personal apps stay separate.

2. Students

Organize research, note-taking, writing tools, and online classes into different workspaces.

3. Creators & Designers

Use a separate desktop for editing, rendering, and asset management without overlapping windows.

4. Gamers

Put your game on one desktop and keep Discord or streaming tools on another.

5. Developers

Front-end on one desktop, documentation on another, and debugging tools on a third.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Multiple Desktops

• Keep each desktop focused on one task to minimize distractions.
• Use different wallpapers to quickly identify each workspace.
• Use split-screen (Snap Assist) within each desktop for an organized layout.
• Don’t create too many desktops—3 or 4 is usually enough.
• Experiment with your workflow, then refine it as you discover what works best.

Final Thoughts

Multiple desktops in Windows 11 are a powerful yet simple way to boost productivity, improve focus, and keep your digital workspace clean and efficient. Whether you’re juggling professional work, creative projects, or everyday tasks, multiple desktops help you stay organized without needing multiple physical monitors.

Once you integrate them into your workflow—especially with keyboard shortcuts—you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them.

Master this feature today and unlock a cleaner, more efficient Windows 11 experience.