Virtual desktop. What is it for and how to create it in Windows?

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22 Jan, 2025
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Fed up with desktop clutter? Or maybe you need more space to work on different projects? Windows 10 has a clever solution. The virtual desktop allows you to separate work documents from private ones, and graphic projects from texts you’re currently writing. See how to fully utilize the capabilities that Windows gives you.

Virtual desktop – everything you need to know at the start

Corporate documents on one screen, graphic designs on the second, and study materials on the third – that’s exactly how the virtual desktop works in Windows 10. The system lets you create several independent workspaces you can freely switch between.

Graphic designers, photographers, and programmers discovered the benefits of this solution long ago. No wonder – when you work on many projects at once, it’s easy to get lost among open windows and documents.

This feature has long been available in MacOS and Linux systems. Microsoft introduced virtual desktops with the Windows 10 launch in 2015, joining MacOS and Linux systems.

What’s best about it? Theoretically, an unlimited number of desktops. Just remember, each additional one adds extra load to your hardware.

Second Windows 10 desktop – setup and personalization

Windows 10 runs smoothly on basic hardware configuration, but you’ll notice more slowing down with each additional open program. That’s why it’s worth equipping your computer with at least 8 GB of RAM.

To create a new workspace 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 taskbar, then New desktop;
use Windows + Ctrl + arrow keys (left or right) to switch between desktops.

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

Importantly, each newly created workspace operates independently. You can open different programs and files there than in the others. This way, you can easily separate different tasks – for example, work documents from private media.

How to switch desktops – personalization options

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

Set a new wallpaper through the context menu – right-click on the desktop and choose "Personalize." Different wallpapers are a suitable way to label desktops – you’ll instantly distinguish between work and private spaces.

On the taskbar, you’ll only find the programs you launched on that desktop. You can change this in system settings – then program icons will be visible everywhere. It’s useful if you often use the same apps in different tasks. For example, a web browser works well both for work correspondence and evening movie watching.

Windows also offers window movement between desktops. Right-click on the window’s title bar and point to the target workspace. This way, you can quickly organize your tasks. The system also has additional window management options – you can pin them to a specific desktop or set them to appear on all simultaneously.

You can customize the taskbar according to your preferences. It’s worth changing its position, size, or how icons are displayed – separately for each desktop. This way, you’ll create the perfect space for every task.

Switching between desktops – from basics to advanced tricks

Once you create multiple desktops, it’s time to learn how to navigate between them smoothly. Windows 10 offers several simple ways to switch:

press Windows + Ctrl + arrow keys (left or right) to move quickly between desktops;
click the Task View icon on the taskbar or use Windows + Tab to see all desktops on one screen;
swipe three fingers sideways on the touchpad if you prefer gestures.

It is just as easy to move screens between desktops. Insimply grab a window with the left mouse button and drag it to another desktop in Task View. You can also right-click the window’s title bar and choose where you want to move it.

On the taskbar, you decide whether to show programs from all desktops or only from the current one. This way, you can easily find needed apps even when using them across different projects.

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

Second Windows 10 desktop – what is it useful for?

Windows 10 introduced a feature that truly simplifies daily computer work. Virtual desktops allow you to split the screen into several independent spaces so each task has its dedicated place.

Take a typical day at the office. In the morning, you open spreadsheets and invoices you must handle before noon. Meanwhile, emails from clients arrive that need immediate replies. After lunch, you prepare a presentation for tomorrow’s meeting. Instead of getting lost in dozens of open windows, you place each of these tasks on a separate desktop.

Teachers also use this feature. They prepare materials for different subjects on separate desktops, e.g., after finishing biology lessons, they quickly switch to chemistry materials – without closing and opening dozens of files.

Remote work often makes it hard to focus. Notifications from social media can effectively distract you from work documents. That’s why it’s worth separating these areas – work files and programs on one desktop, and private ones on another.

But remember your hardware limitations. Each new desktop means additional programs in your computer’s memory. Check if your processor and RAM can handle such a load.

How to solve problems with virtual desktops?

Is your computer slowing down with each new desktop? This often happens when you work intensively in Windows 10. Luckily, a few simple steps are enough to make the system run smoothly again.

First, check Task Manager. You’ll see which programs are putting the biggest load on your processor and RAM. Often, just closing some unused apps will get everything running at full speed again.

However, the main cause of your computer slowing down is insufficient RAM. To efficiently handle multiple desktops, you need at least 8 GB. Programs like Photoshop or computer games require even more power, so it’s worth installing 16 GB – then you can forget about performance problems. Programs like Photoshop or computer games require even more power, so it’s worth installing 16 GB – then you can 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 additional workspace. Switch between desktops using Windows + Ctrl + arrow keys, and you’ll quickly realize how convenient your digital office can be. Just remember to regularly check system performance and close unused programs.

FAQ – frequently asked questions

Why does my computer run slower after creating several desktops?

Each new desktop adds load to RAM and the processor. Check Task Manager for the programs that most heavily use system resources and close unnecessary apps. For smooth work with many desktops, you need at least 8 GB of RAM.

Why can’t I open the same program on the second desktop?

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