Virtual Desktops in Windows 10

Windows 10 is shipped a built-in feature called Task View, which enables users to create and manage multiple virtual desktops on their PC (no third party software required). Here's what you need to know about the Task View feature.

Manage Multiple Desktops with Task View

Task View will enable you, among many other things, to run multiple apps in fullscreen mode, reduce the clutter on your desktop, and expand your total workspace.

You can enable/disable the Task View mode by clicking on the small icon located next to the search bar of Windows 10:

Your current apps will be grouped in the first desktop (Desktop 1). Click on the + New desktop option to create a new virtual desktop (Desktop 2, Desktop 3...):

You can move apps from one desktop to another by right-clicking on the desired app thumbnail and moving it to an existing or new virtual desktop:

To close a virtual desktop, you simply have to click on the small x button:

Keyboard Shortcuts for Task View

Here are a couple of keyboard shortcuts to manage your virtual desktops.

[Windows key] + [Ctrl] + [Left]: Move to next virtual desktop.

[Windows key] + [Ctrl] + [Right]: Move to previous virtual desktop.

[Windows key] + [Ctrl] + [D]: Open a new virtual desktop.

[Windows key] + [Ctrl] + [F4]: Close current desktop.

[Windows key] + [Tab]: Open Task View.

How To Hide the Task View Button

Once you've mastered the above keyboard shortcuts, you can hide the Task View button by right-clicking on Taskbar and clearing the Show Task View button option:

Customize Task View Settings

There's a whole section devoted to the Task View feature in Windows 10 Settings. Click on Start > Settings > System > Multitasking > Virtual desktops. Here, you'll find all the settings related to the management of virtual desktops.

You can set up Windows 10 to display all your opened apps (from all virtual desktops) in the taskbar or when you press [Alt] + [Tab].

Click on the dropdown menu below On the taskbar, show windows that are open on and then select All desktops:

Next, click on the dropdown menu below Pressing Alt + Tab shows windows that are open on and select All desktops.

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