Windows 11 virtual desktops are separate, personalized work environments on a single PC, managed via the Task View feature (accessible by clicking the taskbar icon or pressing Win + Tab). Users can create new virtual desktops to organize different projects or tasks, switch between them using Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow, and assign specific apps to each desktop by dragging them in Task View.
How to Create a Virtual Desktop
- Open Task View: Click the Task View icon on your taskbar (it looks like two overlapping squares) or press Windows key + Tab.
- Create a New Desktop: In Task View, select the + New Desktop button.
- Alternatively, use a shortcut: Press Win + Ctrl + D to quickly create a new virtual desktop.
How to Switch Between Virtual Desktops
Press Win + Tab again to open Task View and click the thumbnail of the desired desktop.
Press Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow to quickly cycle through your virtual desktops.
This video demonstrates how to use virtual desktops in Windows 11:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIhnER9fXUc&t
How to Assign Apps to a Specific Desktop
- Open Task View: Press Win + Tab to open Task View.
- Drag and Drop: Click and drag an open app from its window or Task View thumbnail to the desired virtual desktop thumbnail.
- Move via Right-Click: Right-click the taskbar icon of an open app, select Move to, and then choose the specific desktop you want to move it to.
How to Show an App on All Desktops
- Open Task View: Press Win + Tab to open Task View.
- Right-Click the App: Right-click the thumbnail of the app you want to make visible on all desktops.
- Select "Show this window on all desktops": Choose this option from the context menu to keep the app accessible from any virtual desktop.