Switching desktops in Windows 11 isn’t exactly tricky, but it can be a bit of a faff if you’re not used to the shortcuts. Basically, it’s a quick way to jump between different virtual desktops without opening Task View every time. Handy if you like to keep work, streaming, and personal stuff separate or if your desktop gets cluttered as buggery.
How to Swap Desktops in Windows 11
In Windows 11, moving from one desktop to another is usually a matter of a simple shortcut—when it works, that is. Here’s how to do it, plus some tips because Windows loves making the simple a bit complicated sometimes.
Step 1: Tap the Windows Key
Hold down the Windows key. It’s usually between the Ctrl and Alt keys at the bottom left of the keyboard. Think of it as your secret handshake for shortcuts.
Step 2: Add the Ctrl Key
While holding that Windows key, press the Ctrl key. Yep, you’re pressing two at once. Keeps things from going off at the wrong time, though some setups feel a bit clunky with this.
Step 3: Hit Left or Right Arrow
Press either Left Arrow or Right Arrow. Think of it like flipping pages—except instead of paper, you’re flicking between digital workspaces. Sometimes, it doesn’t quite work the first time and you might need to give it a few tries or restart.
Step 4: Release All Keys
Let go of everything. Voila! You should’ve jumped to the new desktop. If not, you might need to switch manually via Task View or check your keyboard shortcut settings. Bonus tip: make sure shortcuts aren’t disabled in Settings > Multitasking > Snap & Desktops.
Some folks reckon that fiddling with the shortcut directions (like swapping the arrow keys for others) can help. Not sure why, but on some machines, giving the combo a nudge makes it work.
Tips for Swapping Desktops in Windows 11
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Create Shortcuts: You can set up custom keyboard shortcuts for switching between specific desktops using a third-party app like Winhance. Not built in, but handy if the default combo bugs out sometimes.
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Name Your Desktops: Tag each one—like “Work,” “Chatter,” or “Games”—so you know which is which without guesswork.
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Close Unused Desktops: In Task View (Win + Tab), hover over a desktop thumbnail and click the X. Keeps things tidy and your PC running smoothly.
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Use Task View: Hit Win + Tab or click the Task View icon on the taskbar—seeing all your desktops laid out makes switching a lot easier, especially if shortcuts act up.
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Arrange Desktops: Drag and drop desktops in Task View to order your most-used ones at the front. Windows lets you organise your digital workspace just like a real desk.
FAQs
How many desktops can I create?
As many as you like. No set limit, but if you crank out too many, don’t come crying to Windows if it starts slowing down your laptop. It’s a bit like cluttering your RAM.
Can I move windows between desktops?
You bet. Just open Task View, then drag a window from one desktop to another. Useful when you’re reorganising on the fly.
Do multiple desktops slow things down?
If you keep heaps of apps open across several desktops, your older PC might struggle a bit. Same as with multitasking—keep an eye on what’s running.
Can each desktop have a different wallpaper?
Not really. Windows 11 doesn’t natively support different backgrounds per desktop, so you’re stuck with one wallpaper unless you use some clever tricks or third-party software.
How do I delete a desktop?
Go into Task View, hover over the desktop you want gone, and click the X. Sometimes, desktops stubbornly hang around if apps crash, so you might need to close some apps first.
Summary
- Hold Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow to switch desktops. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but worth a crack.
- Check your shortcut settings under Settings > Multitasking.
- Use Task View if shortcuts are acting dodgy—great visual way to see and switch desktops.
- If all else fails, restart Explorer or reboot the PC—Windows can be a bit finicky with these shortcuts.
Conclusion
Switching desktops in Windows 11 isn’t always perfectly smooth, and sometimes it feels like Windows is just having a bit of a lark. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a ripper for organising your clutter without losing your mind. No idea why Microsoft overcomplicates it—maybe to keep us on our toes—but using Task View and alternative shortcuts makes life easier.
Hopefully, this helps someone avoid the frustration of endless fiddling. Keep trying different tricks, and hopefully soon Windows will make it all a bit more user-friendly. Until then, a few keyboard or visual hacks should do the trick.