Instant Desktop Access: One Key To Rule Them All

Keyboard shortcuts are a faster alternative to performing tasks with a mouse. For Windows users, there are several ways to get to the desktop with one keystroke. The most common keyboard shortcut is the Windows key + D. However, if your keyboard does not have a Windows key, you can use alternative shortcuts such as Ctrl + Windows key + D, Alt + D, or Ctrl + A. Additionally, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut using third-party software or AutoHotkey scripts.

Windows 10: How to create a new virtual desktop

The multiple desktops feature in Windows 10 is a handy way to manage multiple screens without needing a multi-display setup. It is also useful for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized or quickly hiding windows when needed.

Creating a new virtual desktop can be done with a few clicks or a keyboard shortcut. Here is how to do it:

• Click the Task View button in your taskbar. This button is usually located next to the search bar and the Start button, and it looks like a small rectangle with two horizontal lines.
• Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard. If you are using a touchscreen device, you can swipe with one finger from the left side of the screen.
• Once you have entered the Task View, click on "New Desktop" located in the top left corner of your screen.
• That's it! You have successfully created a new virtual desktop. You can now switch between your desktops using the same steps but by choosing the desktop you want to view.

There is also a keyboard shortcut to create a new virtual desktop: Ctrl + Windows key + D.

Switching Between Virtual Desktops

You can quickly switch between virtual desktops in a few different ways:

• Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
• Use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard.
• Swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen.
• Use the Ctrl + Windows key + Left/Right Arrow keyboard shortcut to switch between desktops.
• If you are using a device with a touchpad, you can perform a four-finger swipe left or right to switch between desktops.

Windows 10: How to switch between virtual desktops

Firstly, you need to create a new virtual desktop. To do this, click the Task View button in your taskbar. Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard or swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen. Once you've done this, click "New Desktop" in the top left corner of your screen.

Now that you've created a new virtual desktop, you can switch between desktops in a few different ways. If you're using a keyboard, you can use the Windows key + Tab shortcut or the Ctrl + Windows key + Left/Right Arrow shortcut to switch between desktops. If you're using a device with a touchscreen, you can swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen to bring up the Task View and then click on the virtual desktop you want to switch to. If your device has a touchpad, you can perform a four-finger swipe left or right to switch between desktops.

You can also move windows between your virtual desktops. To do this, click the Task View button in your taskbar and then click and drag the window to the desired desktop. Alternatively, you can right-click on the window, hover your cursor over "Move to", and then click on the desktop you want to move the window to.

Lastly, if you want to remove a virtual desktop, click the Task View button in your taskbar, hover your cursor over the desktop you want to remove, and then click the "X" in the top-right corner of the desktop icon.

Windows 10: How to move windows between virtual desktops

Windows 10's multiple desktops feature is a convenient way to manage multiple screens without needing multiple displays. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to move windows between virtual desktops in Windows 10:

Creating a New Virtual Desktop

First, you need to create a new virtual desktop. This can be done in two ways:

• Using the Task View button: Click the Task View button on your taskbar, then click "New Desktop" in the top left corner of your screen.
• Keyboard shortcut: Press the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or swipe from the left of your touchscreen. Then, press Ctrl + Windows key + D to create a new virtual desktop.

Switching Between Virtual Desktops

Once you have multiple virtual desktops, you can switch between them in the following ways:

• Using the Task View button: Click the Task View button on your taskbar, then click on the virtual desktop (Desktop 2, 3, etc.) you want to switch to.
• Keyboard shortcut: Press the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or swipe from the left of your touchscreen. Then, use the Ctrl + Windows key + Left/Right arrow keyboard shortcut to switch between desktops.
• Touchpad: If you're using a device with a touchpad, you can perform a four-finger swipe left or right to switch between virtual desktops.

Moving Windows Between Virtual Desktops

Now, for the main event—moving windows between your virtual desktops:

• Click-and-drag method: Click the Task View button on your taskbar, or press Windows key + Tab. Then, click and hold the window you want to move, drag it to the edge of your screen, and release it on the alternate desktop.
• Right-click menu method: Click the Task View button on your taskbar, or press Windows key + Tab. Right-click on the window you want to move, hover your cursor over "Move to," and select the desktop you want to move it to.

Additional Tips

• You can duplicate certain windows or collections of windows from one app across all virtual desktops.
• To remove a virtual desktop, open the Task View, hover your cursor over the desktop you want to remove, and click the "X" in the top-right corner of the desktop icon.
• If you want to quickly access your desktop without creating multiple virtual desktops, you can minimize all open windows at once. Using your mouse, click the small rectangle on the far right side of the taskbar. Using your keyboard, press Windows + D.

Windows 10: How to duplicate windows across virtual desktops

Using your mouse:

Click the small rectangle on the far right side of the taskbar.

Using your keyboard:

Hit Windows + D.

Using the 'Show Desktop' shortcut:

This shortcut is usually located at the right end of the taskbar. Click or tap the thin button to instantly access your desktop.

Using the Windows key + Tab shortcut:

This shortcut will open the Task View screen, which allows you to create, switch, or remove virtual desktops.

To duplicate windows across virtual desktops:

• Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
• Right-click an active window.
• Click "Show this window on all desktops" to duplicate a single window.
• Alternatively, click "Show windows from this app on all desktops" to duplicate all windows from one app.

Windows 10: How to remove a virtual desktop

To get to the desktop in Windows 10 with a single keystroke, you can use the keyboard shortcut Win + D. This will minimise all your open windows and take you to the desktop. Pressing the same keys again will bring back all the windows you had open.

Now, if you're using virtual desktops, removing one is just as easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Click the Task View button in your taskbar. This is the button with a rectangle and a smaller square on top at the bottom right of your screen.
• You can also use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard to open Task View. If you're on a touchscreen device, simply swipe with one finger from the left edge of the screen.
• In the Task View screen, you will see all your virtual desktops represented as thumbnails.
• Hover your cursor over the virtual desktop you want to remove.
• Click the X in the top-right corner of the desktop thumbnail.
• Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Windows key + F4 to immediately close the virtual desktop you are currently viewing.

By following these simple steps, you can easily remove a virtual desktop in Windows 10. Remember, if you close a desktop with open windows, those windows will be moved back to your main desktop.

Frequently asked questions