Virtualization Switch Between Multiple Desktops in Windows 11


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Desktops_banner.png

This tutorial will show you different ways to switch between multiple virtual desktops for your account in Windows 11.

You can add multiple desktops to group apps for productivity, entertainment, or whatever you choose. Multiple desktops are also great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized, or for quickly switching desktops before a meeting.

When you have multiple desktops in Windows 11, you can easily and quickly switch between them.

Starting with Windows 11 version 22H2 KB5030310 Build 22621.2361, when navigating between desktops in Task View (WIN + CTRL + left or right arrows), labels will be shown. New sliding animations will also show when you change your desktops using trackpad gestures, touch gestures, hotkeys and by clicking on the Task View flyout.

Windows 365 Switch provides the ability to easily move between a Windows 365 Cloud PC and the local desktop using the same familiar keyboard commands, as well as a mouse-click or a swipe gesture through Task View on the Windows 11 taskbar.

Easily switch between a Windows 365 Cloud PC and the local desktop via Task View.

References:


Contents

  • Option One: Switch Between Multiple Desktops using Keyboard Shortcut
  • Option Two: Switch Between Multiple Desktops from Task View button on Taskbar
  • Option Three: Switch Between Multiple Desktops in Task View
  • Option Four: Switch Between Multiple Desktops using Touchpad Gestures




Option One

Switch Between Multiple Desktops using Keyboard Shortcut


Switching between desktops using a keyboard shortcut will not cycle the desktops.

This will only switch between desktops to the left and right direction until you reach the end.


1 Use the keyboard shortcut below for which direction you want to switch between desktops:

In the Dev and Canary channels, Insiders will see a pop-up with the current desktop's name above the taskbar as you switch between virtual desktops.


  • Press the Windows :win: + Ctrl+ Left Arrow keys to switch between desktops to the left in order.
  • Press the Windows :win: + Ctrl + Right Arrow keys to switch between desktops to the right in order.




Option Two

Switch Between Multiple Desktops from Task View button on Taskbar


1 Hover the pointer on the Task View button on the taskbar. (see screenshot below)

2 Click/tap on the desktop you want to switch to.

Switch_between_desktops_taskbar_thumbnail_preview.png





Option Three

Switch Between Multiple Desktops in Task View


1 Open Task View. (Win+Tab)

2 Perform one of the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  • Hover the pointer on the desktop you want to switch to until (couple of seconds) it automatically switches.
  • Click/tap on the desktop you want to switch to.
Switch_between_desktops_in_Task_View.png





Option Four

Switch Between Multiple Desktops using Touchpad Gestures


This option is only available for devices with a precision touchpad.


1 Perform one of the available actions below depending on your touchpad gesture settings:

In the Dev and Canary channels, Insiders will see a pop-up with the current desktop's name above the taskbar as you switch between virtual desktops.


  • If you have Three-finger gestures set to Switch desktops and show desktop (see left screenshot below), then swipe left or or right with three fingers on the touchpad to switch between desktops in order.
  • If you have Four-finger gestures set to Switch desktops and show desktop (see right screenshot below), then swipe left or or right with four fingers on the touchpad to switch between desktops in order.
Touchpad_three-finger_gestures-4.png
Touchpad_four-finger_gestures-4.png



That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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