Virtual desktops (or "Spaces") are one of the best ways to organize a cluttered workflow by separating your tasks—like keeping your work emails on one screen and your personal browsing on another. Here is everything you need to know about how to change desktops on Windows, macOS, and Linux. How to Change Desktops on Windows 10 & 11 Windows uses a feature called Task View to manage multiple desktops. Keyboard Shortcuts: Switch Desktops: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow . Open Task View: Press Windows Key + Tab to see all active desktops at once. Create a New Desktop: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + D . Close Current Desktop: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 . Mouse/Trackpad Gestures: Taskbar Button: Click the Task View icon (two overlapping rectangles) next to the Start button. Touchpad Swipe: On most modern laptops, you can swipe left or right with four fingers to jump between desktops. Pro Tip: In Windows 11, you can right-click a desktop in Task View to change its background , making it easier to tell them apart. How to Change Desktops on macOS On a Mac, virtual desktops are known as Spaces . Apple Support Work in multiple spaces on Mac - Apple Support (SG)

Here’s a detailed guide to changing (switching between) desktops on the most common operating systems. “Desktops” here refers to virtual desktops (also called workspaces or Spaces), which let you organize open windows into separate groups.

Windows 10 & 11 1. Create new desktops (if needed)

Press Windows + Tab to open Task View . Click + New desktop (top left or bottom right, depending on version).

2. Switch between desktops Method A – Keyboard shortcuts (fastest):

Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow – go to previous desktop Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow – go to next desktop

Method B – Task View:

Press Windows + Tab → click the desktop you want (Desktop 1, Desktop 2, etc.)

Method C – Taskbar icon (Windows 11 only):

Click the Task View icon (two overlapping squares) on the taskbar → select desktop.

3. Move a window to another desktop

Press Windows + Tab . Right-click the window thumbnail → Move to → choose desktop (or “New desktop”).