Virtual Desktops: How Windows Users Can Organize Their Work More Clearly
Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in option to create multiple virtual desktops that help separate work and personal tasks. Engadget outlines how to set them up, customize them and use them more effectively.
Microsoft's Windows operating system includes a built-in but little-used feature: virtual desktops. It lets users divide their computer into several separate desktops to stay organized and focused. The feature is available on both versions of Windows 11 as well as Windows 10, according to the technology site Engadget.
Desktops can be split broadly, such as one for work and one for personal use, or in more detail, with separate ones for tasks like editing, spreadsheets, meetings or specific clients. All programs remain available on every desktop; what matters is how the user groups them.
Creating and managing desktops
A new desktop can be created by hovering over the Task View icon or pressing Windows + Tab, then selecting New desktop. A quicker route is the Windows + Ctrl + D shortcut.
Each desktop can be renamed by right-clicking it in Task View. On Windows 11, a unique wallpaper can also be chosen. Users can switch between desktops with the Task View icon or Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow. Their order can be changed with the Move left and Move right options or by dragging them at the bottom of the screen. An open window can be moved to another desktop by dragging it in Task View. A desktop that is no longer needed can be closed with the X button or by pressing Windows + Ctrl + F4.
Tips for better results
Engadget recommends dedicating each desktop to a particular purpose. For example, music, chat and social apps can be kept apart from Excel or an email client to reduce distractions. Browser profiles can further help with logical separation. For people with a single monitor, virtual desktops are a decent way to gain more screen space.
In Settings (Windows + I, then System and Multitasking), users can choose whether the taskbar and Alt + Tab show windows from only the current desktop or from all desktops. An additional free program, Windows Virtual Desktop Helper, is available on GitHub. It can show a desktop's name more prominently when switching, display the active desktop in the system tray and let users set custom navigation hotkeys.
