How to use multiple desktops in Windows 10

If you’re a single-monitor user — or even if you’re not — multiple virtual desktops can be a very handy feature. Especially if you’re still working from home due to the pandemic and juggling different projects on the same computer. Whether you’re a longtime Windows 10 ($148 at Amazon) user or have only recently upgraded after support for Windows 7 ended last year, multiple desktops are a super useful feature. (And luckily, the upcoming Windows 11 release will include even easier ways to set up and toggle between multiple virtual desktops, among other new features like support for Android apps.)

The Task View pane in Windows 10 allows you to add an unlimited number of virtual desktops quickly and easily. You can manage the view of your virtual desktop, and move applications to different desktops, show windows on all desktops or close pages on a selected desktop. Here’s how to do it. 

How to add a desktop in Windows 10

To add a virtual desktop, open up the new Task View pane by clicking the Task View button (two overlapping rectangles) on the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows Key + Tab. In the Task View pane, click New desktop to add a virtual desktop. If you have two or more desktops already open, the “Add a desktop” button will appear as a gray tile with a plus symbol. You can also quickly add a desktop without entering the Task View pane by using the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Ctrl + D.

How to switch between desktops in Windows 10

To switch between virtual desktops, open the Task View pane and click on the desktop you want to switch to. You can also quickly switch desktops without going into the Task View pane by using the keyboard shortcuts Windows Key + Ctrl + Left Arrow and Windows Key + Ctrl + Right Arrow. 

You can add an unlimited number of virtual desktops — we stopped at 368. 

How to move windows between desktops in Windows 10

To move a window from one desktop to another, you first have to open up the Task View pane and then hover over the desktop containing the window you want to move. The windows on that desktop will pop up; find the window you want to move, right-click it, and go to Move to and choose the desktop you want to move the window to. You can also drag and drop windows — grab the window you want to move and drag it into the desired desktop.

How to close a desktop in Windows 10

To close a virtual desktop, open up the Task View pane and hover over the desktop you want to close until a small X appears in the upper right corner. Click the X to close the desktop. You can also close desktops without going into the Task View pane by using the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 (this will close the desktop you’re currently on).

For more on Windows 10, check out how to get Windows Photo Viewer back in Windows 10, everything you need to know about the latest update and six simple security changes all Windows 10 users need to make. Plus, here’s how you’ll download Windows 11 for free, and how to tell if your computer is compatible with Windows 11.