Do you ever feel overwhelmed by too many open apps, windows, and browser tabs on your Windows 10 PC? Managing them all on a single desktop can get messy and slow down your workflow. That’s where multiple desktops in Windows 10 come in.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to create, manage, and switch between multiple desktops, so you can organize your work, boost productivity, and keep your workspace clutter-free. By the end, you’ll feel like a multitasking pro — all without installing third-party software.
What Are Multiple Desktops in Windows 10?
Multiple desktops, also called virtual desktops, allow you to create separate workspaces on the same computer. Think of it as having several monitors inside your PC — each desktop can hold different apps, browser tabs, or projects.
For example:
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Desktop 1 → Work-related apps
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Desktop 2 → Personal apps and entertainment
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Desktop 3 → Research and reference materials
This keeps everything organized and easy to find.
2. Why Use Multiple Desktops?
Using multiple desktops can:
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Reduce clutter and distractions
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Improve focus by separating work and personal tasks
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Increase productivity with organized workflows
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Allow easy multitasking without resizing windows constantly
Imagine you’re juggling emails, a browser full of research tabs, and a graphics app. Multiple desktops let you switch between them instantly instead of shuffling windows on a single screen.
3. Key Features of Windows 10 Virtual Desktops
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Unlimited desktops: Create as many as your system can handle
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Easy switching: Seamlessly move between desktops using shortcuts
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Task View integration: Visual interface for managing desktops
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Move apps freely: Shift apps between desktops without closing them
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Custom backgrounds (Windows 10 2004+): Make each desktop visually distinct
4. How to Create a New Desktop (Step-by-Step)
Steps:
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Click the Task View button on your taskbar (next to Cortana/Search).
If you don’t see it, right-click the taskbar → select Show Task View button.
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Click New Desktop in the top-left corner.
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A new desktop will appear labeled Desktop 2 (or the next number).
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Click the desktop to start working on it.
You can repeat this process to create multiple virtual desktops for different tasks.
5. How to Switch Between Desktops
Switching between desktops is easy:
Option 1: Task View
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Click Task View on the taskbar.
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Select the desktop you want to switch to.
Option 2: Keyboard Shortcuts
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Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow → Move to the desktop on the left
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Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow → Move to the desktop on the right
Keyboard shortcuts make switching desktops fast and seamless, especially for multitasking.
6. How to Move Apps Between Desktops
Sometimes, you’ll want a window or app to appear on a different desktop.
Steps:
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Open Task View (Windows + Tab).
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Drag the app or window to the desired desktop.
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Release the mouse — the app now appears on that desktop.
This keeps your workflow organized without reopening apps.
7. How to Close a Desktop Without Losing Work
Closing a desktop won’t delete your apps or files. Instead, Windows moves all open apps to the previous desktop.
Steps:
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Open Task View.
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Hover over the desktop you want to close.
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Click the X in the top-right corner of that desktop.
All your apps will automatically move to another desktop, so no work is lost.
8. How to Rename Desktops for Better Organization
Default names like Desktop 1, Desktop 2, etc., can be confusing. You can rename desktops in Windows 10 (2004 or later):
Steps:
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Open Task View.
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Right-click the desktop → select Rename.
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Enter a meaningful name, e.g., “Work,” “Personal,” or “Research.”
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Press Enter to save.
Named desktops help keep your workflow organized visually.
9. Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Desktop Management
Here’s a handy table of Windows 10 virtual desktop shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Close current virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Switch between desktops |
| Windows + Tab | Open Task View |
| Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Move active window to another desktop |
Using shortcuts can speed up your workflow dramatically.
10. How to Use Task View to Manage Desktops
Task View is the central hub for virtual desktops.
Steps:
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Click Task View on the taskbar.
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See all open desktops in a horizontal row.
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Drag apps between desktops, close desktops, or switch easily.
Think of it like a control center for multitasking.
11. How to Customize Each Desktop (Backgrounds & Settings)
Windows 10 allows you to set different wallpapers for each desktop, making it easier to identify them:
Steps:
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Go to Settings → Personalization → Background.
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Right-click the desktop you want to change → select Choose background.
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Pick an image or color for that desktop.
Visual cues make it instantaneous to know which desktop you’re on.
12. Common Use Cases for Multiple Desktops
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Work vs. Personal: Separate professional apps from entertainment.
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Research Projects: Keep browser tabs for different projects organized.
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Multitasking: Dedicate desktops to email, social media, and creative apps.
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Presentations: Use one desktop for presenting, another for notes.
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Gaming Setup: Switch between games and utilities without clutter.
13. Troubleshooting Multiple Desktop Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Desktops not switching | Check Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right shortcuts |
| Apps not moving | Use Task View drag-and-drop method |
| Task View button missing | Right-click taskbar → Show Task View button |
| Slow performance | Close unused apps or reduce number of desktops |
14. Tips to Improve Productivity with Multiple Desktops
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Limit desktops to 3–5 for efficiency
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Use keyboard shortcuts instead of Task View clicks
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Group similar apps on the same desktop
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Rename desktops for quick recognition
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Combine multiple desktops with Snap Assist for multitasking
💡 Pro Tip: Think of desktops as different rooms in your digital office — each has a purpose.
15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many virtual desktops can Windows 10 have?
There’s no hard limit — mostly depends on your PC’s memory and performance.
2. Can I have different wallpapers for each desktop?
Yes, from Windows 10 version 2004 and later.
3. Do virtual desktops slow down my computer?
Not significantly, but having too many resource-heavy apps across desktops can affect performance.
4. Will apps close if I delete a desktop?
No — apps are automatically moved to another desktop.
5. Are virtual desktops saved after restart?
No — Windows 10 resets desktops after a restart, but open apps remain on your main desktop.
16. Conclusion
Multiple desktops in Windows 10 are a game-changer for productivity and organization. They allow you to separate tasks, reduce clutter, and switch between projects seamlessly.
Whether you’re working, studying, gaming, or multitasking, virtual desktops make your PC feel cleaner, faster, and more efficient.
Start with just two desktops and see how it improves your workflow. As you get used to it, you can expand to more desktops and use keyboard shortcuts for lightning-fast multitasking.
17. Key Takeaways Summary
| Step | Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Task View | Access virtual desktops |
| 2 | Click New Desktop | Create multiple workspaces |
| 3 | Switch desktops with shortcuts | Faster workflow |
| 4 | Move apps between desktops | Better organization |
| 5 | Rename desktops & customize backgrounds | Visual clarity |
Final Word:
Using multiple desktops in Windows 10 is like giving yourself extra digital workspace. Once you start, you’ll wonder how you ever managed with just one desktop. Organize, focus, and multitask like a pro!