Windows 11: Using virtual desktops – how it works

by Pramith

With Windows 11, you can use virtual desktops even more easily than before. In this practical tip, we will show you how to use the virtual screens and how to switch between them.

Virtual desktops in Windows 11 – that’s what they’re good for

As with its predecessor, Windows 11 offers Virtual Desktops, which allow you to organise open programmes more clearly

  • Virtual desktops allow you to split programmes to get a better overview in the taskbar and on the respective desktops.
    • By simply dragging and dropping, you can move programmes from one desktop to the other.
    • For example, you can keep programmes open on a virtual desktop to run in the background without filling up your taskbar.
    • Virtual desktops also help you organise your time between leisure, work, university, etc. This way you can organise your thoughts, projects and tasks without having to close them.
    • At this point in time (October 2021), the desktops still show the same icons and cannot show different workspaces like in Linux.
    • However, you can change the background image of each desktop, and give each desktop a name to distinguish them from each other.

    Virtual desktops in Windows 11 – How to use them

    There are several ways to use and manage Virtual Desktops in Windows 11

    • Applications button: The “Active applications” button in the taskbar gives you an overview of programmes that are open on your current desktop.
    • In this overview you can also add new desktops, rename them and move programmes from one desktop to the next by dragging and dropping.
    • Right-click on the Applications button to access a quick switch between desktops without having to change the entire view.
    • key combinations: You can also reach the application overview with the key combination [Windows key] + [Tab].
      • Touch input: If your device has a touch screen, you can also use the new gestures to switch between desktops.
      • To do this, swipe your screen with four fingers at the same time.
      • Touchpad: With a touchpad, you can also switch between desktops with four fingers.

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