For a beginner, there are many things to learn in Windows 11. One of the biggies is “Virtual Desktops.” They were also available in Windows 10 but have improved (they are sometimes referred to as Multiple Desktops). I believe you may want to take a look at them. If you would like to learn more about details regarding Windows 11 later this year, please let me know. I could cover some of them if there is interest. Today we will review virtual desktops.
Some advantages would be that virtual desktops allow you to group related tasks and applications on separate workspaces. This helps reduce distractions and allows you to focus on specific tasks or projects without visual clutter from unrelated windows. For example, you could have one desktop for work, another for personal use, and a third for entertainment.
Virtual desktops effectively expand your available screen space, especially useful if you only have one physical monitor. You can create separate workspaces for different purposes, simulating a multi-monitor setup.
To set up virtual desktops, first make sure that you have the Task View button showing on your taskbar (two overlapping rectangles). It is usually next to the Windows Menu button. If you don’t see the Task View button, right-click the taskbar, select “Taskbar settings,” and toggle on the second choice, “Task View”.
Once you locate the Task View button either click it, or hover over it, then click on “New desktop.” You will automatically go to the new desktop, which will be blank, like your default desktop. Start a program running there just as you normally would. I would start my music then set the volume to what I am comfortable with. If you have any other programs you want to have there, start them up and enjoy.
To get back to your default screen, now called “Desktop 1.” I hover over the “Task View” button with my mouse and both desktops will appear, then I click on the one I want to access. Another way is to actually click on the button with your mouse and then select the desktop you want. For those of you that want the quickest way to get to them, use the keyboard shortcut key combination, “Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow” or “Right Arrow” to advance through desktops. Those are the only shortcuts I use with virtual desktops.
What should you do it you want to move a program that is currently on Desktop 1 to 2, or visa verse? To move an application from one desktop to another, click on the task view button. All applications will appear on your monitor with the desktop thumbnails at the bottom. Click and drag the application at the top to the desktop you want to move it to, let go of the mouse and the application will now be in the other desktop. Easy.
One of my favorite tricks is to rename the desktops. As I stated, mine are usually, “Main” and “Music.” Click on the task view button again (and yes, you could hover it), then right-click on a desktop thumbnail and select “Rename,” type the name you like, and when done press enter.
Notice a couple of other options when your right-click them. The others are “Move,” “Choose background,” and “Close.” Move is easy, give it a try. Personally, I have never gotten to get choosing a background for each desktop to work. You are supposed to be able to set a different background for each. However, when I attempt it, they both switch to the same one, sometimes not either one I selected. So, I ignore it. Your mileage may vary. Close is self-explanatory. But know that when you do close a virtual desktop, the programs that were in it will move to the default desktop and keep working as they were. By mastering these basics, you’ll be able to effectively use virtual desktops in Windows 11 to organize your work and improve your productivity. As you become more comfortable with the feature, you can explore more advanced techniques to further customize your virtual desktop experience.