Virtual Workspaces (also called Virtual Desktops) in Windows 11 are designed to help you stay organized by separating apps and tasks into multiple desktops. You can create different workspaces for work, personal use, gaming, or specific projects, and customize how they behave using built-in Virtual Workspace settings.
If you want to manage multiple desktops more efficiently, this guide will walk you through how to use and configure Virtual Workspaces settings in Windows 11, step by step.
How to Access Virtual Workspaces in Windows 11
Before changing virtual workspace settings, you should know how to open Virtual Workspaces through Task View in Windows. You can open Task View by clicking the Task View icon on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows + Tab keyboard shortcut.
Once Task View opens, you will be able to see all your desktops and manage them from one place.
How to Create, Rename, and Remove Virtual Workspaces
Create a new workspace
1. Press Windows + Tab
2. Click New desktop
3. A new workspace is created instantly
Rename a workspace
1. Open Task View
2. Right-click the desktop name
3. Select Rename
4. Enter a custom name (e.g., Work, Personal, Gaming)
Remove a workspace
1. Open Task View
2. Hover over the desktop
3. Click the X
Apps from the closed workspace move automatically to another desktop.
How to Open Virtual Workspace Settings
Windows 11 includes settings that control how desktops behave. These options help users manage virtual desktops, organize apps, and customize the desktop experience for better productivity.
1. Open Settings
2. Go to System
3. Click Multitasking
4. Select Desktops
This is where all Virtual Workspace behavior is configured.
Virtual Workspaces Settings Explained
1. Show My Open Windows on the Taskbar
This setting controls what you see on the taskbar while using multiple virtual desktops in Windows. You can choose Only on the desktop I’m using if you want a cleaner and more focused workspace.
You can also select On all desktops if you want every open app to appear on the taskbar across all virtual desktops for quicker access.
2. Show My Open Windows When Pressing Alt + Tab
This setting controls how apps appear in the Alt + Tab app switcher while using multiple virtual desktops in Windows. You can choose Only on the desktop I’m using to display apps from the current desktop only, or select On all desktops to show apps from every virtual workspace.
For better task separation and a less cluttered switching experience, many users prefer using the current desktop-only option.
3. Control App Visibility Across Desktops
Apps opened in a virtual desktop usually stay in the workspace where they were originally launched. However, Windows also gives you the option to move apps between desktops whenever needed for better organization.
You can also pin apps to appear on all desktops manually. This is useful for frequently used apps, as it keeps them accessible across every virtual workspace without needing to switch desktops repeatedly.
How to Move Apps Between Virtual Workspaces
1. Using Task View
1. Press Windows + Tab
2. Drag an app window to another desktop
2. Right-click an app
1. Open Task View
2. Right-click the app window
3. Select Move to
4. Choose the target desktop
How to Show an App on All Desktops
This feature is useful for apps like web browsers, chat applications, and music players that you may want to access across multiple desktops without reopening them repeatedly.
1. Open Task View
2. Right-click the app window
3. Select Show this window on all desktops
To undo, repeat the steps and uncheck the option.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Virtual Workspaces
Using keyboard shortcuts makes managing virtual desktops in Windows 11 faster and more convenient. These shortcuts help users switch between desktops, open new workspaces, and improve multitasking efficiency.
- Windows + Ctrl + D → Create a new desktop
- Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow → Switch desktops
- Windows + Ctrl + F4 → Close current desktop
- Windows + Tab → Open Task View
These shortcuts are essential for power users.
Wrapping Up
With that, we wrap up our complete guide on how to use Virtual Workspaces settings in Windows 11. Virtual desktops are a powerful productivity feature, and with the right settings, they can help you stay organized, focused, and efficient throughout the day.
By customizing taskbar behavior, Alt + Tab visibility, and app placement, you can tailor Virtual Workspaces exactly to your workflow.
