Are you tired of clutter on your desktop? Or maybe you need more space to work on different projects? Windows 10 has a clever solution for that. The virtual desktop will allow you to separate your business documents from your private ones, and your graphic designs from the texts you are currently writing. Check out how to make the most of the possibilities Windows gives you.

Virtual desktop - everything you need to know to get started

Business documents on one screen, graphic design on another, and study materials on a third - that's how the virtual desktop works in Windows 10. The system allows you to create several independent workspaces, between which you can switch freely.


Graphic designers, photographers or programmers have long since discovered the advantages. No wonder - when you are working on many projects at the same time, it is easy to get lost among open windows and documents.


This feature has long been available on macOS and Linux. Microsoft introduced virtual desktops with the release of Windows 10 in 2015, joining macOS and Linux.


What's the best thing about it? Theoretically unlimited number of desktops. You just have to remember that each additional one is an additional burden on your hardware.


Windows 10 second desktop - configuration and personalization

Windows 10 runs smoothly on a basic hardware configuration, but you'll notice a greater slowdown with each successive program you run. That's why it's a good idea to equip your computer with at least 8 GB of RAM.


To create a new work environment in Windows 10, you have several options:

  • press Windows + Ctrl + D;
  • Swipe up with three fingers on the touchpad;
  • Click the Task View icon on the bar, then "New desktop".;
  • Use the Windows shortcut + Ctrl + arrows (left or right) to switch between areas.

If you prefer a touchpad, just swipe three fingers sideways. The system will automatically display the selected space.


Importantly, each newly created environment works independently. You can open different programs and files in it than in the others. This makes it easy to separate different tasks - for example, business documents from private multimedia.

How to switch the desktop - personalization options

Windows 10 gives you plenty of options to personalize any desktop. You can set a different background, change the theme color or modify the set of icons on the taskbar - the system will keep these settings separately for each space.


You will set a new wallpaper through the context menu - right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize". Different wallpapers are a suitable way to mark your desktops - you will instantly distinguish business and private space.


On the taskbar you will find only those programs that you have launched on a particular desktop. You'll change this in the system settings - then program icons will be visible everywhere. This is useful if you often use the same applications for different tasks. For example, a web browser will work well for both business correspondence and watching movies in the evening.


Windows also offers to move windows between desktops. Right-click on a window's title bar and point to the target space. This will instantly organize your tasks. The system also has additional options for managing windows - pin them to a specific desktop or set them to appear on all of them at once.


The taskbar can be customized according to your preferences. It is worth changing its position, size or the way icons are displayed - separately for each desktop. This is how you will create the perfect space for each task.

Switching between desktops - from basics to advanced tricks

Once you've created several desktops, it's time to learn how to move between them efficiently. Windows 10 offers a few simple ways to switch them:

  • Press Windows + Ctrl + arrows (left or right) to move between desktops instantly;
  • Click the Task View icon on the bar or use Windows + Tab to see all desktops on one screen;
  • swipe three fingers sideways on the touchpad if you prefer gestures.

It is equally easy to move screens between desktops. Wyjust grab a window with the left mouse button and drag it to another desktop in task view. Or you can right-click on the window's title bar and choose where you want to move it to.


On the taskbar, you decide for yourself whether programs from all desktops or only the current one will be displayed. This makes it easy to find the applications you need, even when you use them in different projects.


To quickly close an unnecessary desktop, use the shortcut Windows + Ctrl + F4. Don't worry - all programs open on it will automatically move to the neighboring desktop.

Windows 10 second desktop - what is it useful for?

Windows 10 has introduced a feature that really makes everyday computer work easier. Virtual desktops allow you to divide your screen into several independent spaces, so that each task has its own dedicated place.


Take a typical day at the office. In the morning, you open spreadsheets and invoices that you need to grasp before noon. Meanwhile, client emails come in that require an immediate response. After lunch, you're faced with preparing a presentation for tomorrow's meeting. Instead of getting lost in dozens of open windows, you put each of these tasks on a separate desktop.


Teachers also use this feature. They prepare materials for different subjects on separate desktops, for example, after finishing a biology lesson, they quickly switch to chemistry materials - without closing and opening dozens of files.


When working remotely, it is often difficult to focus. Social media notifications can effectively distract you from business documents. That's why it's a good idea to separate these spheres - business files and programs on one desktop, and private ones on another.


However, when doing so, keep in mind the limitations of your hardware. Each new desktop means additional programs in the computer's memory. Check whether your processor and RAM can handle such a load.


How to solve problems with virtual desktops?

Does your computer slow down with each new desktop? This often happens when you work extensively on Windows 10. Fortunately, a few simple steps are all it takes to get your system running smoothly again.


First, check the Task Manager. There you will see which programs are putting the most strain on your CPU and RAM. Often, all you need to do is close a few unused applications, and everything will run at full steam again.


However, the main reason why the computer is slowing down is not enough RAM. To efficiently handle multiple desktops, you need a minimum of 8 GB. Programs such as Photoshop or computer games need even more power, so it's worth installing 16 GB - then you'll forget about performance problems.

Start using virtual desktops today!

Don't wait - try virtual desktops in Windows 10. Press Windows + Ctrl + D and create your first extra workspace. Switch between desktops using Windows + Ctrl + arrows, and you'll quickly see how convenient your digital office can be. Just remember to check your system performance regularly and close unused programs.


FAQ - frequently asked questions

  • Why does my computer run slower after creating multiple desktops?

Each new desktop is an additional load on RAM and CPU. Check the Task Manager to see which programs load the system the most and close unnecessary applications. You need a minimum of 8 GB of RAM to work smoothly with multiple desktops.

  • Why can't I open the same program on the other desktop?

This is normal Windows 10 behavior. When you try to open a program already running on another desktop, the system will automatically take you to the first instance.

  • Can I have different wallpapers on each desktop?

Yes, but you have to set it manually. By default, all desktops have the same wallpaper and icon set.

  • What happens to open programs when the desktop is closed?

Don't worry - all open programs will automatically move to an adjacent desktop. You won't lose any data or open documents.