By Marlo Anderson – The Tech Ranch
Work windows, family photos and the fantasy football draft, all piled on one screen? Press Windows key + Ctrl + D to make a brand-new, empty desktop. Everything else waits for you on Desktop 1.
The Shortcut
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: new virtual desktop
- Your other windows stay on the first desktop
- Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Bonus Tip: Switch and Close Desktops
Press Windows key + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow to slide between desktops. Done with one? Windows key + Ctrl + F4 closes the desktop you’re on, and its windows move to the one next door.
More Keyboard Shortcuts, Explained
This is part of my Keyboard Shortcuts Explained series: quick, plain-English tips that make everyday computer work faster. Watch the whole series on YouTube and subscribe to The Tech Ranch so you don’t miss the next one. Short on time? Here’s the quick Short version.
Found this helpful? Give the video a thumbs up on YouTube. Got a shortcut you can’t live without? Tell me in the YouTube comments and it might show up in a future video.
