Switching between desktops in Windows 11 is pretty handy — especially when you want to keep your work, gaming, or browsing separate without losing the plot trying to organise everything. The shortcuts really do save time, but sometimes they act a bit funny or you forget what to press exactly. It’s surprising how much a small keystroke can give your workflow a boost, especially if you’re juggling multiple virtual desktops regularly.
How to Switch Between Desktops in Windows 11 Shortcut
First up, pressing Windows key + Tab opens the Task View. That’s like the overview that shows all your desktops and open apps at once. Fair dinkum useful if you’re the sort of person who forgets which desktop had what on it.
Step 1: Open Task View
Just press Windows + Tab. If you’re on a laptop with a smaller keyboard, it might not respond immediately, or it could take a sec — sometimes it works first go, other times you might need to press it twice. Not sure why it’s a bit sluggish sometimes, but a reboot might sort it out if it’s acting up.
Step 2: Add a New Desktop
In Task View, you’ll see a big button saying “New Desktop” or just a plus icon. Click that, and voilà, you’ve got a fresh desktop. Deadset handy for separating work from personal stuff or browsing. Sometimes, hitting Win + Ctrl + D creates a new desktop instantly without entering Task View, which is quicker if you just need one on the hop.
Step 3: Switch Desktops
This is where it gets magic. Hit Ctrl + Windows + Right Arrow or Ctrl + Windows + Left Arrow. On some setups, it can be a bit hit and miss — sometimes it switches immediately, other times you might need to press it a couple of times. Like flipping pages in a book — quick and smooth when it works, but occasionally a bit sticky. If nothing’s happening, check your keyboard shortcuts in Settings to be sure they’re enabled.
Step 4: Close a Desktop
In Task View, hover over the thumbnail of the desktop you want to close and click the “X.” Apps and dialogs stay open, just moved to another desktop, so no worries about losing work. Sometimes, closing a desktop can lag or need a second click, especially if heaps of apps are running.
Step 5: Return to Main Desktop
The quick way? Hit Ctrl + Windows + D twice. A bit weird, but this shortcut jumps you back to your original desktop — kinda like flipping back to the first page of your notes. Use it if you want to reset your view or if you’ve lost track of which desktop you’re on. After plenty of switching, this shortcut can get a bit quirky — a reboot usually sorts it out.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a real desktop legend. Windows 11’s switching isn’t flawless, but it’s pretty handy once you muscle memory it. The trick is practice — the more you use these shortcuts, the slicker they become. If they’re not working properly out of the box, check your keyboard settings or do a Windows update. Sometimes, updates fix glitches that mess with shortcut functionality.
Tips for Switching Between Desktops in Windows 11 Shortcut
- Practice makes perfect: Muscle memory is the key, especially for multitasking. Stick with it and it’ll become second nature.
- Name your desktops: Right-click on a desktop thumbnail in Task View and pick Rename. It’s a lifesaver when you’ve got a few (like “Work,” “Gaming,” “Research”).
- Set different backgrounds: Different wallpapers for each desktop help you tell them apart at a glance. You can do this in Settings > Personalisation > Backgrounds.
- Group similar stuff: Dedicate a desktop for specific tasks — one for work, one for entertainment — to keep things tidy and focused.
- Explore extra features: Windows has neat tools like Snap Assist and Timeline that work alongside desktop switching. Might give you that extra edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many virtual desktops can I create in Windows 11?
As many as your system can handle — basically unlimited. Just keep in mind, piling on heaps might slow things down a bit.
Can I move apps between desktops?
Absolutely. You can drag and drop in Task View, or right-click an app and select Move to. Bit clunky sometimes, but it gets the job done.
Do virtual desktops slow down my system?
Not much — they mainly act as organisational tools rather than duplicating apps. Unless you’re running a mountain of desktops with heaps of apps open, your system should be fine.
Are there other shortcuts for desktops?
Yep. For switching between apps, there’s Alt + Tab. But for desktops specifically, Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right Arrow is the way to go — dead easy.
Can I have different settings on each desktop?
Not exactly. System-wide settings stay the same across all desktops, but app-specific stuff — like browser themes or chat app preferences — can be different per desktop. That’s pretty handy.
Summary
- Open Task View with Win + Tab to see what’s what.
- Add desktops via the big button or Win + Ctrl + D.
- Switch desktops using Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right Arrow.
- Close desktops in Task View by clicking the “X”.
- Get back to your main desktop with Ctrl + Windows + D twice.
Hope this helps some lugger avoid endless clicking and fumbling. Windows 11’s desktop switching isn’t perfect, but once you get it down, it’s pretty bloody good. Practice makes perfect — or at least less frustrating.