What virtual desktops are and why you might use them
A virtual desktop is a separate workspace on your computer where you can open different windows and programs. Instead of cramming everything onto one screen, you can have one desktop for email and messaging, another for work documents, and a third for personal projects. You switch between them with a keyboard shortcut or trackpad gesture, and each desktop remembers what you left open there.
Virtual desktops exist on both Windows and Mac. They work the same way in principle but use different names and different methods to switch between them. Windows calls them "virtual desktops" and Mac calls them "spaces." Both let you organize your work without buying a second monitor.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 10 and 11 use Task View to create and switch desktops; the keyboard shortcut is Windows key + Tab.
- Mac uses Mission Control to manage spaces; the keyboard shortcut is Control + Up Arrow or F3, depending on your settings.
- You can move an open window from one desktop to another without closing it.
- Both systems let you set up as many desktops as you need, and you can delete a desktop without losing the windows on it — they move to the next desktop automatically.
How to create and switch desktops on Windows
Open Task View by pressing Windows key + Tab. You will see all your open windows arranged across the current desktop, and at the top left you will see a button that says "New desktop." Click it to create another desktop. You can create as many as you want.
To switch between desktops, use Windows key + Tab again to open Task View, then click the desktop you want. Or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Right Arrow to move to the next desktop, or Windows key + Left Arrow to move to the previous one. These shortcuts work without opening Task View.
To move a window to a different desktop, open Task View, right-click the window, and select "Move to" and then the desktop you want. The window closes on the current desktop and opens on the new one.
How to create and switch spaces on Mac
Open Mission Control by pressing Control + Up Arrow or F3 (the exact key depends on your Mac settings). At the top of the screen you will see your current spaces displayed as thumbnails. In the top right corner is a plus sign. Click it to create a new space.
To switch between spaces, use Control + Right Arrow to move to the next space or Control + Left Arrow to move to the previous one. You can also open Mission Control and click the space you want directly. Some Mac users set up a trackpad gesture to switch spaces — this is in System Settings under Trackpad.
To move a window to a different space, open Mission Control, click and hold the window, drag it to the space you want, and release. The window will move to that space.
Moving windows between desktops without closing them
On Windows, the easiest method is Task View. Press Windows key + Tab, right-click the window you want to move, select "Move to," and choose the desktop. The window stays open and appears on the new desktop.
On Mac, open Mission Control, find the window, click and hold it, drag it to the thumbnail of the space you want, and release. The window moves to that space and stays open.
Both systems also let you drag a window from one desktop to another while you are already on that desktop, though the method varies. On Windows, you can drag a window to the edge of the screen to trigger a desktop switch while dragging. On Mac, you can use Mission Control to drag while viewing all spaces at once.
Deleting a desktop and what happens to your windows
On Windows, open Task View, right-click the desktop you want to delete, and select "Close this desktop." Any windows on that desktop move automatically to the desktop to the left of it. If you delete the last desktop, windows move to the second-to-last desktop.
On Mac, open Mission Control, hover over the space you want to delete, and click the X that appears in the corner of the space thumbnail. Windows on that space move to the space to the left. You cannot delete your last space — Mac always keeps at least one.
Keyboard shortcuts and trackpad gestures
Windows shortcuts are faster than opening Task View each time. Windows key + Tab opens Task View. Windows key + Right Arrow moves to the next desktop. Windows key + Left Arrow moves to the previous desktop. Windows key + D shows the desktop itself (not a new desktop, but your actual desktop with all windows hidden).
Mac shortcuts depend on your settings. Control + Up Arrow or F3 opens Mission Control. Control + Right Arrow moves to the next space. Control + Left Arrow moves to the previous space. You can also set up trackpad gestures in System Settings under Trackpad, Gestures — swipe up with four fingers to open Mission Control, or swipe left and right with four fingers to move between spaces.
If the shortcuts do not work, check your settings. On Windows, go to Settings, System, Multitasking, and make sure virtual desktops are turned on. On Mac, go to System Settings, Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts, and check Mission Control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I name my desktops or spaces so I remember what each one is for?
Windows does not have a built-in naming feature for desktops. You have to remember the order. Mac also does not name spaces, but you can organize them by purpose — for example, always put work in space 1 and personal projects in space 2 — and use the order as your system.
What happens to my desktops if I restart my computer?
On Windows, desktops close when you shut down or restart. The next time you start your computer, you will have only one desktop. On Mac, spaces persist — if you had three spaces open, they will be there when you restart, though the windows on them may not be.
Can I use desktops and an external monitor at the same time?
Yes. On Windows, desktops work across all connected monitors — when you switch desktops, both screens switch. On Mac, you can set an external monitor to show a different space than your main display, giving you more flexibility. Check System Settings, Displays to configure this.
Do all programs work on every desktop?
Yes. Any program you open on one desktop can be moved to another. Some programs, like web browsers, may have settings that affect how they behave across spaces, but they work on all of them.