How to use multiple desktops on Windows 11

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Multiple desktops let you keep separate sets of windows, for example one for work and one for private things. All your programs keep running. Only what you see changes.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are diagrams of the keys to press.

Step by step

1. Create a new desktop

   Press Windows + Ctrl + D. You land on an empty desktop.

   Done

2. Switch between desktops

   Press Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow or Left Arrow.

   Done

3. See everything in Task view

   Press Windows + Tab. Your desktops are shown in a row at the bottom, and the open windows of the current one above.

   Done

4. Name a desktop and give it its own background

   In Task view, right-click a desktop and choose Rename or Choose background.

   Done

5. Move a window to another desktop

   In Task view, drag the window onto the desktop you want.

   Done

6. Close a desktop

   In Task view, point at the desktop and click the x. Its windows move to the neighbouring desktop. Nothing is closed.

   Done

Good to know

The desktops stay after a restart, but the programs have to be opened again.

On one desktop, Snap layouts arrange windows side by side: how to split the screen on Windows 11.

In short: Windows + Ctrl + D for a new desktop, Windows + Ctrl + arrows to switch, Windows + Tab to manage.