How to Move from One Desktop to Another Windows 11

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, has introduced a number of exciting features and improvements. One of the notable changes is the addition of multiple desktops, which allows users to create separate workspaces for different tasks or projects. This feature can greatly enhance productivity and organization, as it enables users to switch between desktops seamlessly. In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of moving from one desktop to another in Windows 11, and provide you with several methods to accomplish this task effectively. Whether you are a seasoned Windows user or new to the operating system, this guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate between desktops effortlessly.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Moving between Desktops in Windows 11

Moving from one desktop to another in Windows 11 can be a bit tricky, especially for users who are not familiar with the new operating system. Unlike previous versions of Windows, where the desktop switcher was readily visible on the taskbar, Windows 11 has hidden this feature behind a series of clicks. This can lead to confusion and frustration for some users who are not aware of the steps required to switch between desktops. However, with a little guidance and practice, you will soon become adept at moving between desktops in Windows 11.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we dive into the methods for moving between desktops in Windows 11, there are a few things you should prepare for. Firstly, ensure that your computer is running Windows 11, as older versions of the operating system may not have the multiple desktops feature. Secondly, familiarize yourself with the taskbar and the various options and icons it offers. Lastly, be ready to explore different methods and shortcuts to find the one that works best for you. With these preparations in place, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate between desktops in Windows 11.

Method 1: How to Move between Desktops via Task View

Task View is a new feature introduced in Windows 11 that allows you to view all your open windows and desktops at a glance. Here’s how you can use Task View to move between desktops:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + Tab on your keyboard, or click on the Task View icon on the taskbar. This will open the Task View interface.

Step 2: In the Task View interface, you will see all your open windows and desktops displayed as separate tiles. To move to a different desktop, simply click on the tile representing that desktop.

Step 3: Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Windows key + Left or Right arrow keys to quickly switch between desktops.

Pros:
1. Task View provides a visual representation of all open windows and desktops, making it easy to select the desired desktop.
2. The keyboard shortcut for switching between desktops is quick and efficient.
3. Task View allows you to rearrange and organize your desktops in a way that suits your workflow.

Cons:
1. Task View may require an additional click or keyboard shortcut compared to previous versions of Windows.
2. Users who are not well-versed in keyboard shortcuts may find it difficult to remember the combination for moving between desktops.

Method 2: How to Move between Desktops via the Taskbar

While the taskbar in Windows 11 no longer displays the desktop switcher by default, you can still access it by following these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar to open the context menu.

Step 2: From the context menu, select the "Show all windows" option. This will display all your open windows and desktops in a cascading list.

Step 3: To switch to a different desktop, simply click on its title in the cascading list.

Step 4: You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Tab to open the Task View interface and follow the steps mentioned in Method 1.

Pros:
1. Accessing the desktop switcher via the taskbar provides a straightforward and familiar method for moving between desktops.
2. The cascading list in the taskbar allows you to see all your open windows and desktops in one place, making it easier to select the desired desktop.
3. The keyboard shortcut for opening Task View is a convenient alternative for users who prefer using keyboard shortcuts.

Cons:
1. The desktop switcher is hidden behind the context menu, which may not be intuitive for users who are used to a more visible switcher.
2. This method requires an extra click to access the desktop switcher compared to previous versions of Windows.

Method 3: How to Move between Desktops via Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 11 offers a range of keyboard shortcuts that can be used to navigate between desktops. Here are a few shortcuts you can try:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow keys to switch between desktops.

Step 2: Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + D to create a new desktop, and then use the Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow keys to switch between the newly created desktop and the previous one.

Pros:
1. Keyboard shortcuts provide a quick and efficient way to switch between desktops.
2. The shortcut for creating a new desktop allows you to create separate workspaces for different tasks or projects.

Cons:
1. Users who are not familiar with keyboard shortcuts may find it challenging to remember and execute the combination correctly.
2. This method does not provide a visual representation of the desktops, which may make it harder for some users to navigate between them.

Method 4: How to Move between Desktops via Touch Gesture

If you are using a touchscreen device running Windows 11, you can utilize touch gestures for moving between desktops. Here’s how:

Step 1: Swipe from the left edge of the screen towards the right to switch to the next desktop.

Step 2: Swipe from the right edge of the screen towards the left to go back to the previous desktop.

Pros:
1. Touch gestures provide a fluid and intuitive way to navigate between desktops on touchscreen devices.
2. This method eliminates the need for keyboard or mouse inputs, enhancing the user experience.

Cons:
1. Touch gestures may not be available or practical for users who do not have touchscreen devices.
2. Users who are not familiar with touch gestures may need some time to get accustomed to this method.

Why Can’t I Move between Desktops?

There may be several reasons why you are unable to move between desktops in Windows 11. Here are a few common issues and their fixes:

Q1: Why can’t I see the Task View icon on my taskbar?
A: This may be because the icon is hidden by default. To enable it, right-click on the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings" from the menu, scroll down to the "Combine taskbar buttons" section, and choose the "Never" option.

Q2: Why can’t I create a new desktop?
A: Creating multiple desktops requires a certain amount of system resources. If your computer is running low on memory or has limited processing power, you may not be able to create new desktops. Try closing unnecessary applications or upgrading your hardware if possible.

Q3: Why can’t I switch between desktops using keyboard shortcuts?
A: Make sure you are pressing the correct combination of keys. If the shortcuts still don’t work, check if the "Windows key" is functioning properly or if it has been disabled in the system settings.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience when moving between desktops in Windows 11:

1. Customize your desktops: Assign different wallpapers, icons, and arrangement of windows to each desktop to make them visually distinct and aid in navigation.

2. Use virtual desktop names: If you have multiple desktops dedicated to specific tasks or projects, consider giving them descriptive names. Right-click on the desktop thumbnail in Task View and select "Rename" to assign a custom name.

3. Utilize Snap Assist: Windows 11 offers a feature called Snap Assist, which allows you to easily snap windows to different areas of the screen. This can be useful for arranging windows within a desktop or moving them between desktops.

5 FAQs about Moving between Desktops in Windows 11

Q1: How many desktops can I create in Windows 11?

A: Windows 11 allows you to create as many desktops as your system resources can support. However, creating too many desktops may negatively impact your computer’s performance.

Q2: Are there any keyboard shortcuts for closing desktops?

A: Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + F4 to close the current desktop. Note that closing a desktop will also close all the windows and applications open in that desktop.

Q3: Can I move windows between desktops?

A: Yes, you can move windows between desktops in Windows 11. Open Task View, click and hold on the window you want to move, and drag it to the desired desktop.

Q4: Can I reorganize the order of desktops in Task View?

A: Yes, you can rearrange the order of desktops in Task View. Click and hold on a desktop’s thumbnail, then drag it to the desired position.

Q5: Can I have different taskbars on each desktop?

A: No, in Windows 11, all desktops share the same taskbar. However, you can customize each desktop’s appearance and arrangement of windows to differentiate them visually.

In Conclusion

Moving between desktops in Windows 11 may require a bit of exploration and familiarity with the new operating system’s features. However, once you grasp the methods and shortcuts available, you will find that navigating between desktops becomes second nature. Whether you prefer using Task View, the taskbar, keyboard shortcuts, or touch gestures, Windows 11 offers multiple avenues for seamless desktop switching. By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you can enhance your productivity and efficiency as you effortlessly move between different workspaces in Windows 11.