This tutorial will show you how to close multiple virtual desktops to remove them 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 are finished with a virtual desktop, you can close it to remove it. When you close a desktop, all open windows on that desktop automatically get moved to the desktop on its adjacent left side. 1 Press the Windows + Tab keys to open Task View. You can use the Tab and Left Arrow or Right Arrow keys to select a desktop in Task View. 3 Press the Delete key. Open Task View. (Win+Tab) Hover the pointer on the Task View button on the taskbar. 2 Click/tap on the red Close button on the title bar of the desktop you want to close and remove. Open Task View. (Win+Tab) Hover the pointer on the Task View button on the taskbar. 2 Right click on a desktop you want to close and remove. 3 Click/tap on Close. Is there a way to completely remove multi-desktops from Windows? I don't mean just the extra desktops as you demonstrated, but to completely remove the feature from Windows. Thank you in advance. Is there a way to completely remove multi-desktops from Windows? I don't mean just the extra desktops as you demonstrated, but to completely remove the feature from Windows. Thank you in advance. I suppose you could disable Task View using option 3 or 5 below to effectively do so. This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the Task View button on the taskbar for your account, specific users, or all users in Windows 11. Task View (Win+Tab) is a virtual desktop manager that allows you to quickly switch between all of your open apps on multiple desktops. This makes...

If you have a similar issue that makes you suspect you have any virtual desktop created and wish to close all or selected virtual desktops, this guide will show you several methods on how to close virtual desktop in Windows 11. Also see: How to Cycle Through Windows in Windows 11 Can I disable virtual desktop in Windows 11? The quickest method to see if you have any opened virtual desktop and to close them is by hovering your mouse cursor over the Task View button on the taskbar in Windows 11. The screenshot below shows where the Task View button usually located on the taskbar and how to close a virtual desktop if any is opened. Alternatively, you can also open Task View by simply pressing Win + Tab keyboard shortcut. To close a virtual desktop, hover your mouse cursor over it and click the X button to close it. If you can’t see the Task View button on your taskbar, check if you have it disabled or unpin previously by referring to this guide: How to Unpin Chat, Task View or Widgets From Windows 11 Taskbar. If it is disabled, enable it to make it appear on the taskbar again. Another method to close a virtual desktop in Windows 11 is by first pressing Win + Tab to open the Task View and switch to the virtual desktop you want to close, then press Win + Ctrl + F4 keys to immediately close it. This keyboard shortcut will close the currently active/selected virtual desktop. You can also press Win + Ctrl + F4 keys while you are in the Task View screen (without switching into any virtual desktop) to immediately close any opened virtual desktop. Unfortunately, there is no keyboard shortcut that allows users to close all virtual desktops at once. Due to how virtual desktop works, it needs to be closed one by one no matter how many desktops were created. The quickest method to close multiple virtual desktops is by holding Win + Ctrl keys and repeatedly pressing F4 key. This will allow you to close one virtual desktop each time you press the F4 key. However, depending on how fast your computer is, closing each virtual desktop may take up to several seconds. If your PC has high-end specs, it can shorten the time needed to close one virtual desktop to less than a second. Can I disable virtual desktop in Windows 11? As far as we know, there is no way to disable the Virtual Desktops feature in Windows 11 or Windows 10. That is by design and will be there as long as you continue using Windows. You can, however, hide the Task View button from the taskbar. You can learn how to do so by referring to this guide: How to Unpin Task View or Chat From Taskbar in Windows 11.

Closing desktops on Windows 11 is relatively straightforward. You can do it with a few clicks or keystrokes. Essentially, you just need to access the Task View, locate the desktop you wish to close, and select the option to close it. This process helps in decluttering your workspace by eliminating unnecessary virtual desktops. Below, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to achieve this. In this section, I’ll break down the steps to close a virtual desktop on Windows 11. This will help tidy up your digital workspace and improve productivity. Press the “Windows” key and the “Tab” key simultaneously. This action opens the Task View, which displays all your open applications and desktops. It’s like taking a peek into your workspace, allowing you to see everything at once. If you have multiple desktops open, you’ll see them listed at the top of the screen. Find the desktop you want to close at the top of the Task View screen. Each desktop will be displayed in a row, showing a preview of the applications running on it. It’s like flipping through a photo album; you just need to pick the right picture. Once you’ve identified the desktop you no longer need, you’re ready to close it. Hover over the desktop and click the “X” button in the upper right corner. This step is as simple as clicking a button. When you hover over a desktop preview, a small “X” will appear in the corner. Clicking it will close that desktop and move any open applications to your main desktop, ensuring you don’t lose your work. After completing these steps, the desktop will be closed, and all open applications from that desktop will be moved to the remaining desktop. Your digital workspace will be less cluttered, making it easier to focus on your tasks. Use keyboard shortcuts like “Ctrl + Windows + F4” to close the current desktop quickly. Keep only essential desktops open to reduce system resource usage. Rename your desktops to organize them better before closing any. Regularly clean up unused desktops to maintain a tidy workspace. Utilize virtual desktops to separate work and personal applications, closing them when tasks are completed. What happens to open apps when I close a desktop? Open applications are transferred to the remaining desktop, ensuring that no work is lost. Can I reopen a closed desktop? No, once a desktop is closed, it cannot be reopened. The applications will still be open on another desktop. Is there a limit to the number of desktops I can create? Windows 11 does not have a specific limit, but too many can slow down your system. Can I close desktops using a touchscreen?

To close desktops on Windows 11, you can follow a few simple steps. Open Task View by pressing Win + Tab, hover over the desktop you want to close, and click the ‘X’ button that appears. This quick action helps you streamline your workspace by reducing clutter and focusing on the tasks that matter most. In this section, you’ll learn how to close desktops on Windows 11 step by step. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to manage your virtual desktops effectively. Press the Win + Tab keys together to open Task View. Task View is a feature that shows all your open windows and desktops in one place. You can access it quickly using the Win + Tab shortcut, which helps you navigate through your virtual spaces. Hover your mouse over the desktop you want to close. In Task View, you’ll see thumbnails of all your open desktops at the top of the screen. Hovering over these thumbnails will help you identify which desktop you want to close. Click the ‘X’ button that appears when you hover over the desktop thumbnail. Once you hover over the desktop thumbnail, a small ‘X’ will appear in the top-right corner. Clicking this button will close the selected desktop. Ensure all necessary work is saved before closing the desktop. Before you close a desktop, make sure you’ve saved any important files or documents. Closing a desktop will move its open windows to another desktop, but it’s a good habit to double-check your work. After you complete these actions, the selected desktop will close, and any open windows will move to the next available desktop. Remember, to close a desktop, just open Task View, locate the desktop, and click that ‘X’ button. It’s straightforward and keeps your digital environment tidy. If you’re like many users, managing multiple desktops can be a game-changer. It allows you to separate different areas of your life, like work, hobbies, and personal tasks. So, take a moment to explore how you can use these tips to optimize your workflow. For more on how to make the most out of Windows 11, check out other guides or join online communities where users share their experiences and tips. By mastering how to close desktops on Windows 11, you’re not just learning a new skill—you’re taking control of your digital workspace, paving the way for a more organized and efficient computer experience. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how much more productive you can be! Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com. His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more. Learn how to efficiently close virtual desktops on Windows 11 with our simple step-by-step guide. Organize your workspace with ease and boost productivity!

Before we dive into how to close multiple desktops, it’s crucial to understand how to create them in the first place, as the steps for closing them should ideally follow the creation process. Click on the Task View button located on the taskbar. This button resembles a rectangle with two smaller rectangles on its side. Alternatively, you can press Windows Key + Tab to open Task View. In the Task View interface, you will see the current desktop at the top. Click on New Desktop in the upper left corner to create a new desktop. Besides using the Task View button, you can also press Windows Key + Ctrl + D to quickly create a new desktop without navigating through Task View. With each new desktop created, you can open different applications on each and switch between them based on your needs. Now that you understand how to create additional desktops, let’s go through the steps to close them. 1. Using the Task View The primary method for closing desktops involves using the Task View: Select the Desktop: At the top of the Task View interface, you will see all your current desktops. Hover over the desktop you want to close. Close the Desktop: You should see a small X button appear in the corner of the desktop thumbnail. Click this to close the desktop. It’s essential to note that when you close a desktop, any applications that were open on that desktop will also close, unless they were previously opened on another desktop. Windows will try to keep work from being lost by not closing the applications abruptly, but you should save your work before hitting close to avoid unexpected loss. 2. Keyboard Shortcuts The quickest way to close a virtual desktop is through keyboard shortcuts. While there isn’t a direct shortcut to close a desktop, you can easily switch to the desktop you want to close using Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow and then follow the Task View closure method. 3. Using Settings If you want to close multiple desktops at once, using the settings to manage their appearance might be a different approach, but not a direct method for closing them: Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I to open Settings. System > Multitasking: Click on System from the left pane, and then select Multitasking. Here, you can manage how desktops behave but closing desktops directly isn’t part of this. Instead, you can adjust how Windows manages multiple desktops. 4. Pressing Recreation In cases where you find yourself overwhelmed by multiple desktops and want to start fresh: Close All Desktops: You can cycle through each desktop manually, closing them one at a time using the Task View method outlined above until only your primary desktop is left. Recreate Desktops: If the number of open applications on different desktops becomes unmanageable, consider closing all but the one you need. You can then recreate fresh desktops as needed. 5. Restart Windows If you find that there’s an issue with your virtual desktops, and none of the above methods seems to work correctly, consider restarting your computer entirely: Saving Your Work: Make sure to save all open applications across your desktops before restarting.

Closing desktops on Windows 11 is a simple task that can help you stay organized and keep your workspace tidy. Whether you need to close a virtual desktop or just manage your open windows, these steps will guide you through the process. Follow these instructions to quickly and efficiently close desktops on your Windows 11 system. In this section, we will look at the step-by-step process of closing virtual desktops in Windows 11. By the end of these steps, you will be able to manage your desktops effortlessly. Press the "Task View" button on your taskbar or use the "Windows + Tab" keyboard shortcut. Task View shows all your open apps and virtual desktops. It’s a great way to get an overview of your current workspace setup. Hover your mouse over the desktop thumbnail you want to close. Each virtual desktop is displayed as a thumbnail at the top of the Task View screen. Identifying the correct desktop will prevent you from closing the wrong one. Click the "X" button on the top right corner of the desktop thumbnail. This action will close the selected virtual desktop. Don’t worry, your open applications will not be lost; they will be moved to another desktop. Check that the desktop is no longer listed in the Task View. This step ensures that you have successfully closed the virtual desktop. If it’s still there, you may need to repeat the process. Click or switch to your main desktop to continue working. You can now resume your tasks on the remaining desktops without the clutter of unnecessary desktops. Once you complete these steps, the closed desktop will disappear, and any open apps from that desktop will move to another visible desktop. Use the keyboard shortcut "Windows + Ctrl + F4" to quickly close the current virtual desktop. To avoid confusion, label your desktops with specific names based on tasks.

To close desktops on Windows 11, follow these straightforward steps: access the Task View, hover over the desktop you want to close, and click the "X" button that appears on the thumbnail. This method ensures that you efficiently manage your virtual desktops without any hassle. Closing desktops on Windows 11 can help you streamline your workspace and focus on the tasks at hand. Follow these steps to close any virtual desktop: Click the Task View button located on the taskbar, or press Win+Tab on your keyboard to open Task View. Task View provides a visual representation of all open windows and desktops. It’s like having a bird’s eye view of your digital workspace. Hover over the desktop thumbnail you wish to close. When you hover over a desktop thumbnail, it will highlight, making it easier to identify which one you are about to close. This helps prevent closing the wrong desktop. Click the "X" button on the top-right corner of the desktop thumbnail you want to close. The "X" button appears only when you hover over the desktop thumbnail. Clicking this button will immediately close the selected desktop, moving its open windows to the previous desktop. After closing a desktop, all the windows and applications from that desktop will be shifted to your main or previous desktop. This helps in keeping your workspace organized and minimizing distractions. Utilize Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts like Win+Ctrl+F4 to close the current virtual desktop swiftly. Organize Before Closing: Make sure you organize your apps and windows before closing to avoid losing track of your tasks. Check Open Apps: Ensure no important applications are open on the desktop you plan to close to prevent accidental loss of unsaved work. Use Task View Frequently: Regularly use the Task View to get an overview of your desktops and manage them effectively.

To create a Virtual Desktop in Windows 11, you can use the following shortcut key: Press the Windows key + Tab key to open Task View. In Task View, click on "New Desktop" in the top-left corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the following shortcut key to create a new Virtual Desktop directly: Press the Windows key + Ctrl key + D key to create a new Virtual Desktop. Viewing Virtual Desktops in Windows 11: Once you have created multiple Virtual Desktops, you can easily switch between them using the following shortcut key: Press the Windows key + Tab key to open Task View. In Task View, you can see all the Virtual Desktops you have created. Click on the desktop you want to switch to. Alternatively, you can use the following shortcut key to switch between Virtual Desktops directly: Press the Windows key + Ctrl key + Left arrow key to switch to the Virtual Desktop on the left. Press the Windows key + Ctrl key + Right arrow key to switch to the Virtual Desktop on the right. Closing Virtual Desktops in Windows 11: To close a Virtual Desktop in Windows 11, you can use the following shortcut key: Press the Windows key + Tab key to open Task View. In Task View, hover over the Virtual Desktop you want to close. Click on the "X" button that appears in the top-right corner of the Virtual Desktop. Alternatively, you can use the following shortcut key to close the current Virtual Desktop directly: Press the Windows key + Ctrl key + F4 to close the current Virtual Desktop. Benefits of using Virtual Desktops in Windows 11: Improved organization: Virtual Desktops allow you to separate different projects, tasks, or applications on different desktops, helping you stay organized and focused. Increased productivity: Switching between Virtual Desktops is quick and easy, allowing you to multitask efficiently and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Enhanced privacy: You can keep personal and professional tasks separate by using different Virtual Desktops, ensuring privacy and security. Simplified workflow: Virtual Desktops help you streamline your workflow by keeping related tasks and applications together on the same desktop. In conclusion, Virtual Desktops are a powerful feature in Windows 11 that can help you stay organized, increase productivity, and simplify your workflow. By using the shortcut keys mentioned in this article, you can create, view, and close Virtual Desktops quickly and efficiently. Give them a try and see how they can improve your computing experience!

To create a new virtual desktop in Windows 11, you can use the following keyboard shortcut: Upon pressing these keys, a new virtual desktop will be created immediately, and you will be taken to that new desktop. This shortcut helps you effortlessly start working in a separate workspace without having to click through menus. Access Your Current Desktop: Ensure you’re on your current workspace. Use the Shortcut Key: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + D together. Confirm Creation: Your screen will refresh, indicating a new virtual desktop is created. You can verify this by switching to Task View. To view all open virtual desktops and switch between them, use the following shortcut: This action opens the Task View, where all your desktops are displayed at the top of the screen. You can see an overview of all your virtual desktops, the applications open on each one, and your current desktop. Task View Opens: A window will appear, showing all your desktops. Select the Desktop: Click on any desktop in the Task View to switch to it. Close Task View: After selecting your desired desktop, you can close the Task View by clicking anywhere outside of it or pressing Esc. Windows 11 allows seamless transitions among virtual desktops without using the mouse. The shortcuts to switch are: Press the Shortcut: Depending on your desired direction, use the appropriate shortcut. Instant Transition: You will quickly move to the adjacent desktop, and all open windows on that desktop will be displayed. To close the current virtual desktop, utilize the following keyboard shortcut: This command will immediately close your active virtual desktop, merging its applications and windows into the next available desktop. Select the Desktop: Ensure you are on the desktop you wish to close. Press the Shortcut: Hit Windows Key + Ctrl + F4. Confirm Closure: Any applications open on this desktop will spill over to the next virtual desktop. In addition to the shortcuts for managing virtual desktops, Windows 11 offers customization options to enhance your workspace experience. Here are tips you can employ: Hover over the desktop name (like "Desktop 1") and click on the pencil icon to rename it according to your project or purpose, such as "Work", "Gaming", or "Research". You can also customize different backgrounds for each virtual desktop. This allows for visual cues that help you quickly identify which desktop you are in: Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize". Choose a background from the selection or browse for a custom image. Use the taskbar settings to customize how applications are displayed across virtual desktops. By default, all taskbar buttons display on every desktop, but you can limit this in Taskbar settings under "Multiple displays". Create dedicated desktops for specific tasks. For instance, one for work-related tasks, and another for personal use or entertainment. This segregation helps minimize distraction.

It might be better to consider a virtual desktop in Windows as something of a second desktop or a desktop extension. “Desktop 1”, “Desktop 2” and so on, the extensions can be freely named. However, the background can only be changed in Windows 11, not in Windows 10. To create a new desktop, click the Task View icon in the taskbar in Windows 10. By default, you will find it immediately to the right of the combined Search and Run box. Click on + New desktop at the top left to create an additional virtual desktop. You will then see the two Windows desktops labelled “Desktop 1” and “Desktop 2” at the top. In principle, virtual desktop creation works in the same way under Windows 11, but here the Task View icon is different, as is the location of your new desktops. The image at the top of this article clearly shows the differences between the two operating systems. As soon as you have created your first additional desktop, click on the icon in the taskbar again and select one of the two desktops. It is best to try it out as you go, that way you can understand how it works more quickly. Play around here to familiarize yourself with the virtual desktop creation function. Don’t worry, you can’t break anything in the process, even deleting a desktop is harmless. Also, something to note is that open windows with unsaved contents are not lost, but are automatically moved to another desktop. Tip: If the desktop icon for the virtual desktops is missing from your taskbar, add it by right-clicking on a free space in the taskbar. Under Windows 10, select Show Task View button. And under Windows 11, right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings, where you will see a toggle to turn the Task View on. Below, the virtual desktops in the overview; above, the open windows of the active desktop. The context menu allows various actions. Tip: Most of the virtual desktop’s important functions can also be quickly accessed via shortcut instead of with the mouse: Win-Tab: Display the contents of the various desktops. Unlike Alt-Tab, the preview is retained even after the keys are released If you click on the Task View button and have already created at least one other desktop, Windows will highlight the current actively used desktop. As you select each desktop, you’ll be able to see the currently open windows in that particular desktop. By clicking on one of these thumbnails you can bring it to the foreground, or by dragging and dropping the window you’re able to move it to another desktop. Clicking on another desktop will open it, while hovering the mouse over a desktop (without clicking) displays a preview of the open windows of that desktop. From this preview you can bring a running application to the foreground by clicking on it or move it back to the active desktop by holding down the mouse button. It sounds complicated, but once you play around with it you’ll notice it’s actually quite simple and intuitive.