Windows desktop tips are built-in settings and keyboard shortcuts that keep a screen tidy and open work easy to reach. The most useful ones cover five areas: a leaner taskbar, side-by-side window layouts, separate virtual desktops, deliberate desktop shortcuts, and the optional Widgets board in Windows 11. Most steps below depend on your Windows version, so each one is labeled.
What counts as a Windows desktop tip
A desktop tip, in this sense, is a feature that already ships with Windows and changes how the screen is organized. It does not require third-party software. Nothing here changes how fast Windows runs. The goal is to reduce visual clutter and make it quicker to find the window or app you need.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Identify your Windows version first
Taskbar layouts, available toggles, and some features differ between Windows 11 and Windows 10. Check your version before following a step: select Start, open Settings, then select System and About. The Windows specification line shows the edition and version.
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Support status | Current support depends on your edition and version; check Windows Update. | Microsoft ended free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes on October 14, 2025. |
| Taskbar at bottom only through settings | Yes. Microsoft’s taskbar guidance says settings cannot move it to the top or sides. | Not covered by the sources used for this article; the taskbar location option appears in Windows 10 Personalization settings. |
| Snap layouts flyout and Win+Z | Documented in Microsoft’s Snap guidance. | Not stated in the sources used for this article. |
| Widgets board (Win+W) | Documented in Microsoft’s Widgets guidance. | Not applicable; Widgets is documented for Windows 11 only. |
Tip 1: Clean up the taskbar
The taskbar collects pinned apps, running apps, and system icons. Trimming it is usually the fastest visible improvement.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Pin and unpin only what you use daily
- Open the app you want to pin from the Start menu or the taskbar.
- Right-click its taskbar icon and choose Pin to taskbar.
- To remove an app you rarely use, right-click its pinned icon and choose Unpin from taskbar.
- To reorder pinned apps, drag an icon to a new position.
Choose which items and tray icons appear
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Under Taskbar items, switch off optional buttons such as Search or Task View if you never use them. Under the system tray section, choose which icons stay visible. Icons you hide remain available through the chevron (^) next to the tray.
Set alignment and auto-hide
- Alignment: In Windows 11, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select Taskbar alignment. You can choose Left or Center.
- Auto-hide: In the same Taskbar behaviors group, turn on Automatically hide the taskbar. The taskbar appears when you move the pointer to the bottom edge.
- Position: Windows 11 keeps the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Microsoft’s taskbar guidance says settings cannot move it to the top or sides.
Tip 2: Snap windows side by side
Snap arranges open windows into fixed zones so you can compare or reference several apps without resizing each one by hand.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Use a Snap layout from the maximize button
- Open the first window.
- Hover over the window’s maximize button. A layout flyout opens.
- Select a layout. The window snaps into the zone you choose.
- Click an empty zone to open another window there, or pick from the thumbnails that Snap Assist offers.
Pressing Win+Z opens the same layout options from the keyboard. Available layouts depend on display size and orientation, so a small laptop screen may offer fewer zones than a wide monitor.
Drag windows to the screen edges
Drag a window by its title bar to the left or right edge to snap it to half the screen. Drag it to a corner to snap it to a quarter. Microsoft’s Snap guidance describes this edge behavior as an alternative to the layout flyout.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Turn Snap behaviors on or off
Go to Settings > System > Multitasking. The Snap windows section controls whether windows snap, whether Snap Assist appears, and related options. If windows stop snapping, check this page first.
Tip 3: Separate work with virtual desktops
A virtual desktop is a separate set of open windows. You might keep work projects on one desktop and personal browsing on another. This is an organizing approach, not a measured productivity gain, so use it only if it fits how you work.
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Create, switch, and close desktops
- Create a desktop: press Win+Ctrl+D.
- Switch between desktops: press Win+Ctrl+Left or Win+Ctrl+Right.
- Close the active desktop: press Win+Ctrl+F4. Windows open on that desktop move to another desktop rather than closing.
- See all desktops and windows: press Win+Tab to open Task View.
Move a window to another desktop
Open Task View with Win+Tab, then drag the window thumbnail onto the desktop you want. Dragging is the most reliable way to keep a window where you expect it.
Tip 4: Keep only useful desktop shortcuts
A desktop shortcut is a link to an app, file, folder, or web page. Keep shortcuts to items you open many times a day. Anything else is easier to reach through search or the Start menu.
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Create a shortcut
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
- Enter the location of the app, file, folder, or web address, then select Next and name the shortcut.
- For an existing file or folder, right-click it and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
Show or hide default desktop icons
Right-click an empty area of the desktop and choose View, then turn Show desktop icons on or off. To choose which system icons appear, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. Hidden icons are not deleted; you can restore them the same way.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Tip 5: Use Widgets only if they help
Widgets is a Windows 11 information board. It shows cards from supported apps and services, such as weather, calendar, or news, and you can add, remove, arrange, and resize them. Open it with Win+W. The board can still be opened with this shortcut even when its taskbar button is hidden.
Widgets is optional. If you do not check glanceable information, hide the taskbar button in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar items and leave the board unused. Widgets is not needed to organize the desktop.
Recommended Free Tools
Choosing a setup
Compare options on four practical axes rather than looking for one correct configuration:
- Screen space: a clean taskbar and hidden desktop icons leave more room for windows; visible shortcuts and Widgets cards put information closer at hand.
- Work style: one desktop with Snap layouts suits a single task that needs several windows, while virtual desktops suit switching between separate contexts.
- Input method: mouse and touch work for dragging and pinning; keyboard shortcuts such as Win+Z, Win+Tab, and Win+Ctrl+D are faster once memorized.
- Windows version: Windows 11 offers the broadest set of options described here, and Widgets is available there only.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Win+W does nothing: Widgets may be hidden or unavailable on your version. Check Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar items, and confirm you are on Windows 11.
- Snap layouts do not appear: confirm Snap windows is on under Settings > System > Multitasking, then try Win+Z. A small or unusual display may offer fewer layouts.
- Taskbar will not move to the side: this is expected in Windows 11. Settings do not reposition it.
- Desktop icons disappeared: right-click the desktop, choose View, and turn on Show desktop icons.
- A virtual desktop closed with windows missing: windows from a closed desktop move to the desktop next to it. Press Win+Tab to find them.
The Bottom Line
Start with the taskbar and Snap, since they change the screen most quickly for the least effort. Add virtual desktops or shortcuts only when they match how you already switch tasks.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
