Windows 11’s built-in multitasking tools help you arrange apps, switch between them, review open windows, and separate projects into different desktops. Use Snap when you want windows visible together, Alt+Tab for a quick app switch, Task View to inspect windows and desktops, and multiple desktops to keep workspaces apart. You do not need an extra monitor, though one can extend your workspace.
Arrange apps with Snap
Snap can place windows side by side or in a larger layout, without manually sizing each one. The layout choices available can vary with display size, according to Microsoft Support.
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Snap two windows side by side
- Drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen until it snaps into place. Alternatively, select the window and press Windows key + Left Arrow or Windows key + Right Arrow.
- When Snap Assist shows other open windows, select one to fill the remaining space.
Choose a different layout
- Hover over a window’s maximize button or press Windows key + Z.
- Select a layout position, then choose open windows for the other spaces.
To snap into a screen corner, use a layout with corner positions. Once windows are arranged, drag the divider between adjacent windows to resize them.
Return to a snapped arrangement
Snap groups collect windows arranged together so you can return to that arrangement from a relevant taskbar app, Task View, or Alt+Tab. Microsoft describes Snap groups as collections of snapped windows that let you switch back to a specific arrangement. You can adjust Snap behavior at Settings > System > Multitasking, including Snap Assist suggestions, layout flyouts, the top-of-screen Snap bar, and whether snapped groups appear while switching.
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Switch between open apps with Alt+Tab
Hold Alt, press Tab until the app you want is selected, then release Alt. The switcher can also be configured to show recent Microsoft Edge tabs: review that option in Settings > System > Multitasking. For a quick change to one app, Alt+Tab is more direct than opening Task View.
See open windows and manage desktops with Task View
Press Windows key + Tab or select the Task View button on the taskbar. Task View shows open windows and desktop thumbnails; select a window to bring it forward, create another desktop, or move a window between desktops.
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If the Task View button is missing, change its visibility in taskbar settings. Task View is useful when you want to scan what is open rather than cycle through apps one at a time.
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Create and switch between virtual desktops
Use separate desktops to keep different projects or contexts organized. Apps remain open as you switch desktops, so this separates workspaces without requiring you to close and reopen those apps.
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Create a desktop and move apps into it
- Press Windows key + Ctrl + D to create a desktop, or open Task View with Windows key + Tab and choose New desktop.
- Open the apps you want to use in that desktop. To move an existing window, open Task View and drag it to another desktop, or right-click the window and choose Move to.
Switch or close a desktop
- Switch to the desktop on the left: Windows key + Ctrl + Left Arrow.
- Switch to the desktop on the right: Windows key + Ctrl + Right Arrow.
- Close the current desktop: Windows key + Ctrl + F4.
Closing a desktop moves its open app windows to the next available desktop; it does not close those applications. These shortcuts are listed in Microsoft’s Windows keyboard shortcut reference.
To control which desktops’ windows appear in the taskbar and Alt+Tab, open Settings > System > Multitasking and review the desktop options. You can choose whether those views include windows from all desktops or only the current desktop.
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Use a second display when you need more screen area
An external display is optional; the multitasking features above work without one. To spread the desktop across connected screens, press Windows key + P and choose Extend. Microsoft says Extend lets you move items between displays. The other choices are Duplicate, which shows the same content on all displays, PC screen only, and Second screen only. See Microsoft’s guide to using multiple monitors in Windows.
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Choose the right tool for the task
| Need | Use |
|---|---|
| Keep several windows visible on one screen | Snap |
| Bring another open app forward quickly | Alt+Tab |
| Scan open windows or manage desktop layouts | Task View |
| Keep separate projects in distinct workspaces | Multiple desktops |
| Work across more physical screen area | Extend to an external display |
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