How to get desktop in windows 10: How to Get to the Desktop in Windows 10

How to use multiple desktops in Windows 10

How to use multiple desktops on Windows 10

Windows 10, now enjoying the October 2020 Update, continues to make it extremely easy to set up and use multiple virtual desktops in Windows 10. Multiple desktops are great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized, or for quickly hiding from the boss that browser game you can’t stop playing. And if you’ve not yet upgraded to Windows 10, be sure to have a look at our collection of the best Windows laptop options with the latest OS.

Ready to tackle the day with multiple desktops? Let’s go!

How to create a new virtual desktop in Windows 10

Creating a new virtual desktop can be done with a couple of clicks or with a keyboard shortcut.

  1. Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
    • You can also use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or you can swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen.
  2. Click New Desktop. (It’s located in the top left corner of your screen.)

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

That’s it. Easy, right? There’s also a Ctrl + Windows key + D keyboard shortcut that will immediately create a new virtual desktop.

How to switch between virtual desktops in Windows 10

Now that you’ve created a new virtual desktop, you can quickly switch a few different ways.

  1. Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
    • You can also use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or you can swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen.
  2. Click Desktop 2 or any other virtual desktop you’ve created.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

You can switch back to your original desktop at any time by following the above steps but choosing Desktop 1. There’s also a Ctrl + Windows key + Left and right arrow keyboard shortcut that you can use to switch between virtual desktops. Using a device with a touchpad? You can perform a four-finger swipe left or right to switch between virtual desktops.

How to move windows between virtual desktops in Windows 10

There are two ways you can move windows between virtual desktops. First, you can click and drag windows; second, you can right-click the window and use the menu.

Click-and-drag method

  1. Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
    • You can also use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or you can swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen.
  2. Click and hold the window you want to move.
  3. Drag and release the window on an alternate desktop.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

  1. Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
    • You can also use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or you can swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen.
  2. Right-click on the window you’d like to move to another desktop.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

  1. Hover your cursor over Move to.
  2. Click the desktop to which you’d like to move the window.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

You can move windows back and forth between desktops to your heart’s content.

How to duplicate windows across virtual desktops

Certain windows or collections of windows from one app can be duplicated across all virtual desktops.

  1. Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
    • You can also use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or you can swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen.
  2. Right-click an active window.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

  1. Click Show this window on all desktops to duplicate a single window.
  2. Click Show windows from this app on all desktops to duplicate all windows from one app.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

How to remove a virtual desktop in Windows 10

Want to get back to just one desktop? No problem.

  1. Click the Task View button in your taskbar.
    • You can also use the Windows key + Tab shortcut on your keyboard, or you can swipe with one finger from the left of your touchscreen.
  2. Hover your cursor over the desktop you’d like to remove.
  3. Click the X in the top-right corner of the desktop icon.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Open and running windows in a desktop you close will be moved back to your original desktop. You can also use the Ctrl + Windows key + F4 keyboard shortcut to immediately close the virtual desktop you’re currently viewing.

Cale Hunt is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He’s been reviewing laptops and accessories full time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.

10 Ways to Quickly Access the Windows Desktop

Do you know the various ways to access the Windows desktop? You might be familiar with accessing the desktop by minimizing all your active apps and programs. However, that can be a tedious task—especially if you have tonnes of windows open.

So, let’s take a look at how you can easily access the Windows desktop. You’d be glad to know that one of these methods involves a single mouse click!

Have you ever noticed that tiny vertical stripe at the bottom-right of your taskbar? You can access the desktop by simply left-clicking on it.

To restore your active windows, simply click the vertical stripe again. This is an easy way to switch between your active windows and the desktop.

If you’re unable to left-click on that vertical stripe, here’s what you can do:

  1. Scroll to the bottom-right corner of the taskbar and right-click on the vertical stripe.
  2. Select Show desktop from the options.

To restore your active windows, right-click on the vertical stripe and select Show desktop again.

2. Use a Keyboard Shortcut

There are tonnes of keyboard shortcuts that you can use on your Windows device. Did you know that there’s also a shortcut that helps you quickly access the desktop?

To get started, all you need to do is press Win + D. This will immediately minimize all windows and take you straight to the Desktop. To restore your windows, simply use the same shortcut.

3. Right-Click on the Taskbar

There’s another way to access the Desktop through the Taskbar. All you have to do is right-click on a blank space on the taskbar and then click Show the desktop.

To restore your windows, right-click on the taskbar again and select Show open windows.

For this method to work, ensure that you’re clicking on a blank space on the Taskbar. If you’re right-clicking on a taskbar app, this won’t give you the correct menu items.

You can use the Quick Access menu to access various system tools like the Event Viewer, Device Manager, and Task Manager. But did you know that this feature can also help you quickly access the Desktop?

Here’s how you can open the Windows desktop via the Quick Access Menu:

  1. Press Win + X or right-click the Windows icon on the taskbar to open the Quick Access Menu.
  2. Select Desktop from the options

5.

Use the Run Command Dialog Box

The Run command dialog box can also help you access the Windows desktop. Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to access the desktop:
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

6. Use File Explorer

File Explorer is a critical tool that makes it easy to handle PC files. However, this tool can also help you access the files on your desktop.

Related: Key Tips for Managing and Organizing Your Computer Files

If you want to open a window that displays your Desktop icons, here’s how File Explorer can help:

  1. Press Win + E or click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
  2. Select the Desktop option on the left-hand side pane.

7. Use File Explorer’s Address Bar

Ever tried accessing Windows system tools using File Explorer’s address bar? This feature can help you open the system settings, Device Manager, Task Manager, and more.

Here’s how you can use File Explorer’s address bar to access the desktop:

  1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Type the following command in the address bar and press Enter to access the desktop:
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

8. Use the Task Manager

The Task Manager is one of those reliable Windows tools that you can always depend on. This tool is helpful when it comes to analyzing system performance or terminating problematic apps. But that’s not all—this tool also allows you to easily access several Windows software programs.

Related: 7 Tools to Increase Hard Drive Performance on Windows

Here’s how you can access the desktop via the Task Manager:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Click the File tab on the top-left corner and select Run new task.
  3. Type the following command in the search box and press OK to access the desktop:
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

9. Use the Command Prompt or Powershell

The Command Prompt and PowerShell are reliable for troubleshooting several system issues. But you can also use these tools to open various software programs.

Here’s how you can use the Command Prompt to access the desktop:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter to access the desktop:
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

Meanwhile, here’s how you can use PowerShell to access the desktop:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type Powershell and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated PowerShell window.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter to access the desktop:
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

10. Create a Shortcut

Do you prefer creating and using your own shortcuts? If so, let’s show you how you can create a shortcut that helps you quickly access the desktop:

  1. Navigate to the desktop using any of the methods we’ve covered.
  2. Right-click on a blank space on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
  3. In the next window, type the following command and then click Next:
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

Name the shortcut as Show Desktop or something similar. Click Finish to complete the process.

You’ll notice that the default icon for the Show Desktop shortcut is similar to File Explorer’s icon. To customize your Show Desktop shortcut, here’s what you can do:

  1. Right-click on the Show Desktop shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Navigate to the Shortcut tab and click the Change icon button. Select your favorite icon and press OK.
  3. Click Apply and then click OK to apply these changes.

Finally, all you need to do is to pin the Show Desktop shortcut to the taskbar. Here’s how:

  1. Right-click on the Show Desktop shortcut and select Pin to taskbar.
  2. Now, you can switch between your active windows and the Desktop by left-clicking on this Taskbar icon.

How Often Do You Access the Desktop?

It’s quite an easy task to switch between your active programs and the Windows desktop. But if you really want to access the desktop like a pro, simply apply any of the methods we’ve covered.

How to Restore Desktop Icons on Windows 10 and 11

You can create a desktop icon for virtually anything on your Windows PC. If you don’t see any, you’ll need to restore them. Here’s how.

When you set up a new Windows PC, you’ll see a familiar sight on your desktop.

This is where icons like the Recycle Bin and Microsoft Edge often appear for you to launch as soon as you’re ready. Over time, you might add other system icons pop-up for easy access, too.

If you clean install your PC, you’ll want to restore the desktop icons on Windows 10 and 11 that you’ve lost. It’s a straightforward process on both versions of Windows, however. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

How to Restore Desktop Icons on Windows 11

To restore system icons on the Windows 11 desktop:

  1. Click Start or hit the Windows key to launch the Start menu.
  2. Select Settings from the menu.
  3. Click on Personalization and then select Themes on the right.
  4. Scroll down the Themes section and click the Desktop icon settings option.
  5. On the Desktop Icons Settings screen, select the system icons you want to show on the desktop and click OK.

How to Restore Desktop Icons on Windows 10

You can also restore desktop icons on Windows 10, although the steps are different from Windows 11.

To restore icons on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Click Start or hit the Windows key to launch the Start menu.
  2. Click Settings from the menu.
  3. Select Personalization from the Settings menu.
  4. Select Themes and click the Desktop icon settings link on the right on the left side.
  5. Check each of the system icons you want to appear on the desktop and click OK.

On Windows 10 and 11, you can select This PC, User Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel from the menu. You don’t need to check them all—just the ones you want to appear on the desktop.

This option will show legacy desktop icons (although they have a new design). If you rely on system icons, it’s helpful to have them on your desktop for easy access.

How to Restore All Desktop Icons on Windows

Restoring system icons to the desktop is easy enough, but what if all your icons are gone? For example, you might sit down at your computer one day and realize they’re all missing.

Restore All Desktop Icons on Windows 11

To restore all desktop icons on Windows 11:

  1. Right-click an empty area on the desktop and select View > Show desktop icons from the menu.
  2. All of your icons should now show up on your desktop.

Restore All Desktop Icons on Windows 10

If you’re not seeing any of your desktop icons on Windows 10, making them appear is as straightforward as Windows 11.

To restore all desktop icons on Windows 10:

  1. Right-click an empty area on the desktop and select View > Show desktop icons from the menu.
  2. All of your desktop icons should now be on your desktop.

How to Restore Desktop Icons from the Recycle Bin

If you still aren’t seeing all of your desktop icons, they might have been deleted from the desktop. If you delete a file, it shows in the Recycle Bin, and so do desktop shortcuts. In that case, you can restore a desktop icon from the Recycle Bin.

To restore an icon from the Recycle Bin:

  1. Double-click the Recycle Bin to view its contents.
  2. Right-click the desktop shortcut icon you need and select Restore.
  3. Your desktop icon will revert to its original position on the desktop.

How to Manually Restore Desktop Shortcuts on Windows

If you already emptied the Recycle Bin, you’ll need to add shortcuts to the desktop manually.

To add an app shortcut, use the following steps:

  1. Select Start or hit the Windows key to launch the Start menu.
  2. Find the app you need from the All apps list.
  3. Drag and drop it from the list to the desktop, and it will create a shortcut to the app.
  4. To create a shortcut to a document or spreadsheet, open File Explorer. Hold the Alt key and drag it to the desktop.
  5. Create a desktop shortcut to a website by opening the page and dragging the lock icon to the desktop.

Using Desktop Icons on Windows

Desktop icons are an essential piece of navigating your workflow on Windows. It’s possible to create a shortcut icon for virtually anything. If your shortcuts and other desktop icons are missing, use the steps above to get them back.

If you’re looking to create more shortcuts to Windows tools, check out how to create a shortcut to Device Manager. Or, you might be interested in creating a shortcut to the Windows Tools folder. If you have poor eyesight or are looking for a change, you can make desktop icons larger.

Related Items:Hero, Microsoft, Windows 10, Windows 11

How to Quickly View Your Desktop on Windows 11

If you want to get to the desktop on your Windows 11 PC but have loads of open applications in the way, you can use the Show Desktop button on the taskbar or one of several nifty keyboard shortcuts to get the job done.

Minimizing each window one by one just to get a look at your desktop is a waste of time. Instead, Windows 11 offers the Show Desktop button, which gives you a quick look at your desktop. There are also several keyboard shortcuts that you can use to view your desktop or even minimize all those windows quickly.

Table of Contents

    Click the Show Desktop Icon on the Windows 11 Taskbar

    If you’re coming in from a previous version of Windows (such as Windows 10), you probably already know about the Show Desktop button. Microsoft may have implemented radical design changes to the Windows 11 user interface, but the handy taskbar button is still there. It’s just not as apparent.

    To use the Show Desktop button, move your pointer to the bottom right corner of the screen, where you’ll see a thin vertical line. Click or tap that button once to hide all open windows. 

    If you change your mind and want to restore each window, just click or tap the Show Desktop button again. Note that you won’t be able to show all your windows again automatically if you perform additional activities after getting to the desktop area (e.g., opening the Start menu, opening a folder, using Windows Search, or launching another application). 

    Unlike in previous Windows versions, Windows 11 does not allow you to peek at the desktop by hovering the cursor over the Show Desktop button. But you do have a system keyboard shortcut that accomplishes the same thing (we’ll cover how to do that in just a bit).

    Activate the Show Desktop Button in Windows 11

    The Show Desktop button is active by default. But if nothing happens when you click or tap the right side of the Windows 11 taskbar (or you don’t see the thin vertical line when you place the pointer over the area), you must enable it via the Settings app. Alternatively, you can use the Registry Editor to activate it.

    1. Open the Start menu and launch the Windows Settings app. If you don’t see it among your pinned apps, select All Apps, scroll down the list of programs, and choose Settings. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I to open the Settings window directly.

    2. Click Personalization on the sidebar.

    3. Scroll down and select Taskbar to reveal Windows 11’s taskbar settings.

    4. Select Taskbar behaviors.

    5. Check the box next to Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop.

    Use Show Desktop Keyboard Shortcut in Windows 11

    Want an even easier way to show your desktop? Just press Windows + D to hide all open windows instantly. Use the same keyboard shortcut again if you want to restore them. Note that just like with the Show Desktop button, if you make any changes after hiding your windows, you won’t be able to display them again automatically.

    Note: You don’t have to have the Show Desktop button enabled on the taskbar to use the Windows + D shortcut.

    Use Minimize Windows Keyboard Shortcut in Windows 11

    Another way to get to the Windows 11 desktop quickly is to use the Minimize Windows shortcut. Just press Windows + M to minimize all open application windows. You can also use the Windows + Shift + M shortcut to maximize all minimized windows.

    Although the Show Desktop and Minimize Windows shortcuts appear to do the same thing, there’s a subtle difference. The Show Desktop shortcut hides all open windows (including dialog boxes and properties panes), while the Minimize Windows shortcut only hides windows that support minimizing.

    Use Desktop Peek Shortcut in Windows 11

    In Windows 10 and earlier, you can hover the pointer over the Show Desktop button and peek at the desktop. That’s incredibly handy if you want to, say, look at your desktop wallpaper quickly. That functionality is missing in Windows 11, but there is a keyboard shortcut you can use.

    Just press and hold Windows + Comma (,) and you’ll immediately view your desktop. Releasing the keys restores all open windows.

    Tip: Learn how to get the best Windows 11 wallpapers for your desktop.

    Get to the Windows 11 Desktop Fast

    To recap, using the taskbar’s Show Desktop button (or the  Windows + D shortcut) is a quick way to get to your PC’s desktop area in Windows 11. You can also use the Windows + M key combo to minimize all open windows that support minimizing (and Windows + Shift + M to maximize all minimized windows). Finally, you can press Windows + Comma if you only want a quick peek at your desktop.

    Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube. Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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    How to Add Icons to Your Desktop on a Windows 10 PC

    • You can add icons to your desktop in Windows 10 and more easily access system folders or apps.
    • When you add icons to your desktop, you create shortcuts to folders or programs such as your Recycle Bin or Control Panel.
    • Here’s how to add icons to your desktop in Windows 10.
    • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

    Your Windows computer has a certain set of integral files built-in to it, such as the Computer, User Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel folders. 

    Now, you can get to any of these folders at any time by looking them up in the Windows Start Menu, or by typing their name into the search bar. However, if you find yourself using one or more of them frequently, you may find it easier to simply add it to your desktop instead.

    Adding these shortcuts to your desktop will allow you to click on them to open them in one step, as well as click and drag other files to them to easily keep your desktop organized.

    Here’s how to add icons to your desktop on your Windows 10 computer.

    Check out the products mentioned in this article:

    Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)
    Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

    How to add icons to your desktop on your Windows 10 computer

    1. Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon at the bottom-left of your screen.

    2. Select the Settings button, the gear icon above the power button.

    Open the Start menu and click «Settings. »

    Melanie Weir/Business Insider

    3. In the Settings menu, click «Personalization,» the icon at the top-left depicting an image of a desktop computer and a paintbrush.

    Click «Personalization.»

    Melanie Weir/Business Insider

    4. From the menu on the left hand side, select «Themes.»

    5. Under «Related Settings» on the right hand side, click «Desktop icon settings. «

    Go to «Themes» and select «Desktop icon settings.»

    Melanie Weir/Business Insider

    6. In the pop-up menu, choose the icons that you want to appear on your desktop from the checklist, then click «Apply.»

    7. After the process is complete, click «OK.»

    Choose the icons that you want on your desktop, then click «Apply» and «OK.»

    Melanie Weir/Business Insider

     

    • How to empty the recycle bin on your Windows 10 computer in 3 ways

    • How to change the size of your desktop icons on a Windows 10 computer

    • How to add websites to your favorites bar on a Windows 10 PC’s Microsoft Edge browser

    • How to change the admin user on a Windows 10 computer, and add or remove admin accounts

    • How to open a Pages file on your Windows 10 computer using a third-party app

    Melanie Weir

    Freelance author

    Melanie Weir is a freelance author for Insider, mainly focusing on the Tech Reference section, but occasionally contributing to Lifestyle and Entertainment topics as well. She is also a freelance writer for ScreenRant, and is the Lead Weekend News Editor at TheThings.com. In her spare time she writes plays for both stage and screen. She can be reached at [email protected], or through LinkedIn.

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    How to Fix the Desktop Icons Disappeared on Windows 10

    The desktop is often the fastest way of reaching important files, system folders, and provides quick access to applications as well. However, many Windows 10 users have reported that their desktop icons disappeared or are missing.

     

    This problem can cause a lot of distress, especially if you rely on the desktop to get quick access to your stored data. In our article, you can find the best solutions for quickly restoring your desktop and gaining access to your icons, shortcuts, and files back.

    There can be multiple sources of your desktop icons disappearing, however, that also means multiple fixes can be applied to get them back. Our article focuses on bringing you the most reliable and tested methods, allowing you to troubleshoot this issue efficiently.

    Let’s not waste any time and get right into it!

    Solution 1: Turn on the visibility of desktop icons

     

    It’s possible that your desktop icon visibility settings were toggled off, which caused them to disappear. This can be human error or caused by an application you recently used or installed. You can easily turn it back on by following the steps below.

    1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
    2. Click on the “View” option from the context menu to expand the options.
    3. Make sure that “Show desktop icons” is ticked. If it isn’t, simply click on it once to ensure it wasn’t causing issues with displaying your desktop icons.
    4. You should immediately see your icons reappear. If you don’t, proceed with our next methods.

    Solution 2: Disable the Tablet mode

    Users have reported that having Tablet mode enabled can cause errors with the display of desktop icons. This mode aims to help touch-enabled devices function, however, it can cause unwanted changes for many people.

    Below are the steps on how you can easily disable Tablet mode in Windows 10.

    1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. You can also press this key on your keyboard to bring the menu up.
    2. Click on Settings from the left side of the pop-up menu. It’s indicated with a gear icon. For faster access, simply use the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
    3. You’ll see a new window displaying many system options. Click on the System tile.
    4. Use the left-side panel to switch to the “Tablet mode” tab.
    5. Depending on what you see displayed, follow the next instructions:
    • If you see the “Make Windows more touch-friendly using your device as a tablet” option, make sure that the toggle is set to off.
    • Otherwise, change your tablet mode settings to “When I sign in use desktop mode” and “Always ask me before switching.”
  • Restart your computer and check if your desktop icons are back.
  • Solution 3: Use the Command Prompt to rebuild your icon cache

     

    The Command Prompt allows you to reach a deeper level of system configuration, making it simple to restore settings. All you have to do is follow the steps below — make sure not to make any other changes, as poorly inputting commands can cause more issues on your device!

    Simply rebuilding your icon cache may be the right thing to do if your desktop icons disappeared. This will ensure that Windows 10 has a clean canvas to render your icons, restoring any previous issues with the cache files.

    1. Press the Windows + R keys the on-screen keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
    2. Type in “cmd” and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys on your keyboard. Doing so, you’re launching the Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
    3. If prompted, click Yes to allow the Command Prompt to make changes on your device.
    4. Input the following commands, pressing the Enter key in-between each new line. This is going to restore your icon cache one step at a time:
    5. Restart your device. You should be able to check immediately whether or not your desktop icons reappeared.

    Solution 4: Run the System File Checker

     

    The System File Checker is a tool available in Windows 10 by default. It’s also called an “SFC scan,” and it’s your quickest way to automatically fix corrupted system files and other issues.

    Running this scan has proven to get rid of issues with the Windows 10 icons missing. Here’s what you need to do to run it.

    1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
    2. Type in “cmd” and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys on your keyboard. Doing so, you’re launching the Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
    3. If prompted, click Yes to allow the Command Prompt to make changes on your device.
    4. Once in the Command Prompt, type in the following command and press Enter to execute it: sfc /scannow
    5. Wait for the SFC scan to finish scanning your computer and repairing corrupt files. This may take a long time; ensure that you don’t close the Command Prompt or shut your computer down.
    6. Restart your device after the scan is complete.

    Solution 5: Update Windows 10 to the latest release

    Upgrading to the newest Windows 10 release may be able to restore some system issues on your device. Many users report that an update was able to resolve known bugs, and it also brings you new and exciting features, patches up security holes, and much more.

    Here are the steps to guide you when updating Windows 10.

    1. Click on the Start menu and choose “Settings.” You can alternatively use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut as well.
    2. Click on the “Update & security” tile.
    3. Make sure to stay on the default “Windows Update” tab.
    4. Click on the “Check for updates” button.
    5. When an update is found, click on the “Install” button and wait for Windows 10 to download and apply the update.

    Solution 6: Reset your Windows 10

    While this is the least desirable option, it can certainly help when dealing with serious system issues. Many users turn to reset Windows 10 in an attempt to get a clean start and fix messy problems that otherwise would require hours and hours of troubleshooting.

    Here are the steps to reset Windows 10. You have the option of keeping all of your personal data, but you may also choose to entirely wipe all data and start with a fresh system.

    1. Click on the Start menu and choose “Settings.” You can alternatively use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut as well.
    2. Click on the “Update & security” tile.
    3. Switch to the  “Recovery” tab.
    4. You should see a header that says “Reset this PC.” Simply click on the “Get started” button under it.
    5. Choose whether or not you want to keep personal files. Both options mean that your applications will be removed, but you can easily keep personal documents safe.
    6. Proceed with the on-screen prompts and reset your PC.

    We hope that this guide was helpful when restoring your missing or disappeared desktop icons on Windows 10. You should have quick and easy access to your most important shortcuts and folders again.

    If you notice in the future that your system is experiencing similar issues, feel free to return to our article and apply some other fixes. If nothing works, we recommend turning to either Microsoft’s customer support team or looking for an IT specialist in regards to your PC’s health.

    Windows 10 Virtual Desktops

    Windows 10 was the first to introduce virtual desktops, previously available in alternative operating systems, and in Windows 7 and 8 available only through third-party programs (see Windows 7 and 8 Virtual Desktops).

    In some cases, virtual desktops can actually make your computer experience more convenient. This guide details how to use Windows 10 virtual desktops for a more convenient workflow.

    What are virtual desktops

    Virtual desktops allow you to organize open programs and windows into separate «areas» and conveniently switch between them.

    For example, one of the virtual desktops can have the usual organized work programs open, while the other can have personal and entertainment applications open, and you can switch between these desktops with a simple keyboard shortcut or a couple of mouse clicks.

    Create a Windows 10 virtual desktop

    To create a new virtual desktop, follow these simple steps:

    1. Click the Task View button on the taskbar or press the keys with the Windows logo) on the keyboard.
    2. In the lower right corner, click on «Create desktop».
    3. In Windows 10 1803, the button for creating a new virtual desktop has moved to the top of the screen and the Task View button has changed in appearance, but the essence is the same.

    Done, the new desktop has been created. To create it completely from the keyboard, without even going into Task View, press the keys Ctrl+Win+D .

    I don’t know if there is a limit to Windows 10 virtual desktops, but even if it is, I’m pretty sure you won’t run into it (While I was trying to check the information about the limit, I found a message that one of the users had «Task View» stuck on the 712th virtual desktop).

    Using virtual desktops

    After creating a virtual desktop (or several), you can switch between them, place applications on any of them (i.e. the program window will be present on only one desktop), and delete unnecessary desktops.

    Switching

    To switch between virtual desktops, you can click on the Task View button and then on the desired desktop.

    The second switching option is using the hotkeys Ctrl+Win+Left_arrow or Ctrl+Win+Right_arrow .

    If you are using a laptop and it supports multi-finger gestures, additional switching options can be performed with gestures, for example, swipe up with three fingers to see the task view, all gestures can be found in Settings — Devices — Touchpad.

    Hosting apps on Windows 10 Virtual Desktops

    When you run a program, it is automatically placed on the virtual desktop that is currently active. You can move already running programs to another desktop, for this you can use one of two methods: ” (you can also create a new desktop for this program in this menu).

  • Simply drag the application window to the desired desktop (also in Task View).
  • Please note that there are two more interesting and sometimes useful items in the context menu:

    • Show this window on all desktops (I think it needs no explanation, if you check the item, you will see this window on all virtual desktops tables).
    • Show windows of this application on all desktops — this means that if the program can have several windows (for example, Word or Google Chrome), then all windows of this program will be displayed on all desktops.

    Some programs (those that allow you to run multiple instances) can be opened on multiple desktops at once: for example, if you launch the browser first on one desktop and then on the other, these will be two different browser windows.

    Programs that can only be run in one instance behave differently: for example, if you run such a program on the first virtual desktop, and then try to run it on the second, you will automatically be «transferred» to the window of this program on the first desktop.

    Deleting a virtual desktop

    To delete a virtual desktop, you can go to Task View and click the cross in the corner of the desktop image. At the same time, the programs opened on it will not be closed, but will be moved to the desktop, located to the left of the one being closed.

    The second way, without using the mouse, is to use the hotkeys Ctrl+Win+F4 to close the current virtual desktop.

    Additional information

    Created Windows 10 virtual desktops are saved when the computer is restarted. However, even if you have programs in autorun, after a reboot, they will all open in the first virtual desktop.

    However, there is a way to «beat» this using a third-party VDesk command line utility (available at github. com/eksime/VDesk ) — it allows, among other virtual desktop management features, to run programs on the selected desktop, something like this way: vdesk.exe on:2 run:notepad.exe (notepad will be launched on the second virtual desktop).

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    Desktop setup in Windows 10

    Hello everyone! We are starting a new course on mastering the Windows 10 operating system and will devote the first lesson to studying the desktop and everything connected with it. Here we will give the desktop the desired look and set it up so that working at the computer becomes more convenient.

    The desktop is a graphical environment that displays folders, shortcuts, system controls, and more. At the bottom, by default, is the Taskbar with the START button. For the convenience of the user, the ability to change the appearance of the desktop was provided.

    Taskbar is a default interface element located at the bottom of the desktop designed to quickly launch programs, as well as to manage running applications.

    Taskbar

    Let’s start with the Taskbar and look at its main elements.

    • START button is the main button that provides access to the main menu of the system, its settings, programs and much more.
    • Quick Launch . The name speaks for itself. This panel provides access to quick launch programs. You can add the most popular applications to it and launch them with one click.
    • Running Applications Bar — allows you to monitor running programs, manage and switch between them
    • Notification area . Some system icons, icons of running applications, time and date, language, notifications and more are displayed here.
    START menu

    Let’s take a closer look at the START menu.

    Left-clicking on this menu will open an area that displays installed programs, frequently used programs, tiles, and more. From here you can access the system settings. This is where the computer shutdown button is located.

    Right-clicking on the START menu will open the following menu:

    Here are the most important elements of the system that can be quickly accessed. In the process of studying the course, we will touch on many items of this menu.

    Basic settings of the Taskbar

    Well, since we have taken up the taskbar, let’s look at the most important of its settings. Right-click on an empty space in this panel and select Parameters . As a result, the following window will open.

    • Lock the taskbar . If this option is disabled, then it becomes possible to change the position of this panel by dragging it up, down or to the side with the mouse, as well as resize it
    • Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode . Enabling this option hides the taskbar, and you must hover your mouse pointer down the screen to display it.
    • Use small taskbar buttons . Visually reduces taskbar items.
    • Position of the taskbar on the screen . Allows you to select one of four panel positions. Try all the positions and keep the most comfortable.
    • Group buttons on the taskbar . Combines the icons of one program into a common group.
    • Select the icons displayed in the taskbar . Here you can customize the icons that will be displayed in the notification area.
    • Turn system icons on and off . Actually enables or disables the output of a particular icon.

    Play with these settings and bring the taskbar to the desired look.

    Desktop

    So let’s move on to the desktop settings. By right-clicking on an empty space on the desktop, a context menu will be displayed (image below). Let’s go through some of its points.

    • View . When you hover over this menu item, a submenu is displayed where you can customize the appearance of desktop icons, that is, their size: small, normal, large. Select each option with the left mouse button and choose the one that suits you best.
    • Arrange icons automatically . By activating this option, the shortcuts will be located one after another and you will lose the ability to move them around the desktop. Practice on your own. Tick ​​this option and try moving the icon to a different corner of the screen. In order to drag an icon around the screen, you need to click on it with the left mouse button and, without releasing the button, move.
    • Align icons to grid . This option draws an invisible grid on the screen that arranges labels in cells exactly one behind the other both horizontally and vertically. By activating this option, the ability to accurately position the icon on the screen is lost. It will align with the grid.
    • Display desktop icons . This option either hides desktop shortcuts or displays them in their proper places.
    • Sort . Sorts desktop icons based on the selected option: by name, by size, by item type, by date modified.
    • Update . Refreshes the desktop and its elements. Sometimes desktop changes do not take effect on their own and you need to enable this setting.
    • Screen settings . Displays the screen settings window.
    • Personalization. Starts screen parameter settings.

    Let’s dwell on the last two points in more detail.

    Screen settings.

    By clicking on this menu item, the following window will open:

    In this section, we will consider only item Screen , since the rest do not relate to our today’s topic.

    If you are not satisfied with the font size and other elements, you can change it by dragging the slider to the right. As a result, all elements will become larger.

    Parameter Orientation changes the display of the screen by rotating it 90 or 180 degrees.

    Adjusting the brightness level of increases or decreases the brightness of the screen backlight accordingly.

    Additional display options. By clicking on this link, some more screen settings become available. We are interested in the Extension setting here.

    Approval . Changes the size of the displayed image. It is better not to change this parameter and leave the one that the system recommends, otherwise the image on the computer may be distorted and become out of proportion. But there are cases when, by changing this parameter, working at a computer becomes more comfortable. Therefore, if you are not satisfied with the aspect ratio, then you can experiment.

    And we move on to the analysis of the last menu item.

    Personalization.

    Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Personalize. You will see a window with the following content:

    Background.

    Allows you to change the desktop image, put a photo or a group of images that will change each other after a certain period of time. There is a choice of one of three background options:

    • Photo
    • Solid color
    • Slideshow

    Photo it becomes possible to select an image from those provided or by clicking on the button Browse to find what you need on your computer. If the selected image does not match the screen parameters, that is, there are empty spaces at the top, bottom or sides, then you can correct it by setting it to Position .

    Solid color allows you to choose from the suggested background and set the screen to a solid color.

    Slideshow allows you to select a folder with images on your computer using the Browse button, which will change after a certain period of time, which in turn can also be configured.

    Colours.

    Here you can set a specific color for the Start menu and some other elements. You can also add transparency to the Start menu and taskbars by enabling the appropriate option.

    Lock screen.

    This screen appears when the computer is turned on, when the computer is idle for a certain time, or when the computer is forced to lock. Here you can also customize the view and some display options. Let’s take a look at the basic lock screen settings.

    There are three background options: Windows Interesting, Photo, and Slideshow.

    Windows interesting loads pictures from the Internet and puts them on the lock screen on its own.

    Photo allows you to select a specific image for the lock screen.

    Slideshow , as we already know, broadcasts a slide show that changes each other after a certain period of time.

    Having decided on the choice of background, you can add applications to the lock screen that will display some information.

    Parameter Show lock screen background on the login screen transfers the background to the Login screen accordingly. The login screen follows the lock screen where you need to enter a password to your account or confirm it.

    Themes

    Go to section Themes. The following options will be displayed on the right:

    • Theme Options
    • Additional sound parameters
    • Desktop Icon Options
    • Mouse pointer settings

    Follow the link Theme Options . The “Personalization” window will open

    All topics are concentrated here and you can select them. Also, by clicking on the link Other topics on the Internet you can choose and download the one you like. Let’s close this window and follow the link Additional sound settings . Here you can manually select the sound for each program event. Nobody usually does this, leaving everything as it is. Close the Sound window. Follow the link to Desktop icon settings. Here, by ticking, you can select the icons you need to display on the desktop, or vice versa, uncheck the box to remove a specific icon. Also in the field below you can set the icon to another icon. To do this, select the icon with the left mouse button and click on the button Change icon. Next, select the required one from the list provided, and then click OK .

    Let’s move on. Consider Mouse Pointer Options. A window will open where we need a tab Pointers . Here you can change the mouse pointer by selecting a specific scheme and marking the pointer you like from the list below with the left mouse button. To save the parameters, do not forget to press OK .

    Start

    Set the following items to be displayed on the Start menu:

    • Show more tiles. accordingly displays more tiles on the right side of the Start menu. Put it at your discretion.
    • Sometimes show recommendations in the start menu . Disable this option if it is enabled.
    • Show the most used applications . Accordingly, it displays a list of applications that are used most often on the computer. You can turn on the option to have quick access to such applications.
    • Show recently added applications . Will display recently installed applications. Here at will.
    • Open the start screen in full screen mode . By activating this option, the menu will open in full screen. Try it, maybe you will like this kind of Start.
    • Show last opened items… Let it show.

    That’s all with personalization settings for today. Now you can customize your workplace and bring it to the desired view for more comfortable work.

    how to create and delete using hotkeys

    One of the new features of the Windows 10 operating system is the ability to create additional desktops. This means that you can run different programs in different areas, thereby limiting the space used. In this article, you will learn how to create and use the mentioned elements.

    How to manage virtual desktops in Windows 10

    In order to be able to manage virtual desktops in Windows 10, you need to click on the corresponding button on the taskbar.

    You can also access virtual desktops using the Win-Tab key combination.

    After using this key combination, or pressing the button on the taskbar, you will see an interface for managing virtual desktops.

    This interface allows you to create new desktops, move windows from one desktop to another, and switch between desktops.

    Disadvantages

    While this technology does not fully meet the expectations of most users. And here’s why:

    • Windows 10 virtual tables are rigidly fixed, which excludes their movement, change of position;
    • Cannot rename elements;
    • When you restart your PC, the previously created «surfaces» will disappear;
    • Multiple monitor support not implemented;
    • It is not possible to set different wallpapers, to set a different location of shortcuts in some cases.

    How do you feel about these innovations in Windows 10? Do you like the functionality or do you think it needs to be improved? Share your opinion in the comments.

    How to create a virtual desktop in Windows 10

    Creating virtual desktops in Windows 10 is quite easy. This can be done using the new interface created for managing desktops. To do this, open the interface using the button on the taskbar or the Win-Tab key combination and click on the «Create Desktop» button.

    You can also create desktops using the Win-Ctrl-D keyboard shortcut.

    When you use this key combination, the system will create a new virtual desktop and switch to it.

    New «Snap» window organization feature for Windows applications

    The « Snap » function is required to more conveniently change Windows application windows. This feature will be of greatest interest to laptop owners. Using « Snap «will allow you to minimize the manipulations with the computer mouse as much as possible thanks to the key combination on the keyboard and thereby reduce the time for scaling between certain windows.

    Let’s deal with the « Snap » function in more detail. To do this, we will launch two windows, namely the new Microsoft Edge browser and the updated calculator.

    Now make the browser window active and press the Win key combination + ↑. The browser will then expand to full screen.

    You can minimize the browser window with the following combination: Win + ↓. To attach the browser to the right or left side of the screen, use the Win + ← and Win + → combinations. As you can see from the figure below, two windows are located on the left and right side of the screen.

    If you have several programs open and you want to split them into four active areas, then try activating one program and typing the following combination on the keyboard — Win + →, and then Win + ↓. After that, your application will be placed in the lower right part of the screen. This trick can be done several times with the remaining three programs.

    As you can see from the example, the « Snap » function is quite simple and at the same time very useful. So by using « Snap » you will save time as much as possible by dragging and scaling different windows.

    How to switch between virtual desktops in Windows 10

    You can switch between desktops through the desktop management interface. To do this, open the interface using the button on the taskbar or the Win-Tab key combination and click on the desired desktop.

    You can also switch using the Win-Ctrl-arrow key combination.

    Using this key combination, you can quickly switch to the next or previous virtual desktop.

    Exiting tablet mode to the regular desktop

    Many tablet users with a dozen often face the question of how to use a tablet PC as a desktop. This is pretty easy to do. To do this, go to « Notification Center » by launching it by clicking on the corresponding tray icon.

    Next, you need to click on the item “ Tablet Mode ”, after which the tablet will turn into classic desktop , which can be controlled with a mouse, not a touch screen. This mode of operation remains until you change it to tablet mode in the same way.

    How to delete a virtual desktop in Windows 10

    You can also delete virtual desktops in two ways. This can be done through the desktop management interface. To do this, you need to open the interface and click on the cross next to the desktop that you want to delete.

    You can also delete the desktop using the Win-Ctrl-F4 key combination.

    When deleting a desktop, all windows and programs smelling on it are not closed, but moved to the adjacent desktop.

    Brief essence of the virtual desktop

    The standard working area of ​​the user «dozens» (and other OS versions) is limited to the desktop — a screen that hosts shortcuts, files, folders. Now it is possible to create several virtual zones. Roughly speaking, the developers offered to increase the number of screens without buying new monitors.

    Several desktops are distributed according to tasks: on one place text programs, documents, on the other — video or photo editors, on the third — browsers, instant messengers, etc. There are many options for working with two or more virtual zones.

    Moving windows among desktops

    If you need to merge open windows or move partitions among running screens, then it is advisable to do the following:

    1. On the selected desktop, open the Task View shortcut;
    2. Move the mouse to the table whose windows need to be moved;
    3. Right click on the table to display a drop-down menu;
    4. In the context menu, select the «Move» tab;
    5. Show the desired direction for the selected partitions.

    The tips are simple, suitable for beginners.

    Working with VRS

    In Windows 10, the VRS function is built into the system, that is, no additional programs need to be downloaded. In different versions of the operating system, the appearance of the VPC control window may differ slightly, but all the functions described below were present both in the latest and in the first version.

    Transition to VPC

    VPC is called Task View in the operating system. You can go to the list of open VRS using a special icon located in the lower left corner of the quick access panel. By default, it is the third, if counted from left to right. The icon often changed its appearance. Build 17134 (the latest at the time of writing) has three rectangles and a rewind line, indicating that you can switch between these rectangles (desktops).

    Click on the third icon from the left

    Create a VPC and switch to it

    Once in the control window, at the top of the screen you will see a list of available desktops. By default, it will have two blocks: one is yours, in which you are currently working, and the second is a spare one created by the VRS system. To generate another VRS, click on the «Add» button.

    Click the Add button

    Using this list, you can switch between VRS. You can create as many VRS as you like, but remember that the programs open in each of the desktops take up part of the total computer power. If you do not control this process, you can significantly reduce performance.

    Delete BPC

    Go back to the BPC list again. Hovering over one of the tables, you will see that a cross has appeared on top. Click on it to close the desktop. Please note that all programs that are not previously closed in the deleted VRS will automatically go to the nearest desktop in the list.

    Click on the cross next to VRS

    Let’s say you have an additional table in which the video editor is open. By closing this desktop, you will not close the program, but transfer it to another, open VRS.

    It will not be possible to close all tables, since the last remaining table becomes the main one by default and the function that allows you to close the VRS automatically disappears.

    Moving programs between VRSs

    There may come a time when you realize that a program opened in one VRS is needed in another VRS. Do not close it and run it in another table. It is enough to go to the desktop management window, find the one you need in the list of running applications, “take” it with the left mouse button and drag it to the block of the appropriate VPC. Done, as soon as you release the button, the window will be transferred to another VPC.

    Drag a window to another table

    Restoring closed windows via VPC

    By default, in the control window you can see the list of previously closed windows. At the very top of it are the programs currently running, and below — information about previously closed applications, broken down by date. Using this data, you can find out when you last worked on a file in a program.

    In the list you can see which windows were opened and when

    If you sign in with your Microsoft account, you can increase the list of stored information up to 30 days.

    Hot Keys for VPC Management

    If you start using VPC frequently, you will lose a lot of time to expand the control window and other actions to switch between tables. To speed up the process, use the following combinations:

    • Win + Ctrl + D — automatically create a new desktop and switch to it;
    • Win + Ctrl + F4 — automatically close the current VRS and, accordingly, transfer all open windows to the neighboring VRS;
    • Win + Ctrl + arrow left and right — move through the list of VPCs in one direction or another.

    All of the above combinations work not only in the Task View window, but also at any time when working with the desktop.

    Video: Working with virtual desktops in Windows 10

    Snap Assist

    Snap Assist either replaces or complements the ability to create multiple desktops. With it, you can arrange open windows in the best possible way across the entire screen. Prior to this feature, users who worked with several programs at once had to manually adjust the size of both windows so that they fit on the screen. Snap Assist takes on this task and does it much better.

    1. To start using Snap Assist, just drag the window from the right side of the monitor. When a semi-transparent rectangle is stretched to half the screen, the window must be released. At this moment, it will stretch exactly to half of the monitor, and a list of open windows will appear in the free part.

      Dragging windows off the screen

    2. If you select any program from the list, it will occupy the second half of the screen. By moving the frame of the window, you can change the ratio of space distributed between active applications, one to one to another.

      Specify which application to place in the second half

    3. If you take one of the windows and pull it out of the monitor, and then release it, then one of the halves of the screen will again be divided into two parts, in each of which it will be possible to place a program. Using this method, you can arrange up to four windows at the same time.

      Up to four windows can be positioned in Snap Assist

    The advantage of the function is that it allows you to determine a clear position and size of the window, preventing it from straying or moving. For example, this is very convenient if you are typing text in one part of the screen, and looking for information using a browser in another. You can come up with a lot of combinations, using which you will speed up the process of completing the task, since you will always have several windows in front of your eyes at once.

    Hotkeys for Snap Assist

    To manage windows in Snap Assist mode or switch to this mode, you can use the following key combinations: ;

  • Win + up or down arrow — Shrinks the window in half to the bottom or top of the screen. This combination only works in the activated mode, but does not activate it;
  • To switch between windows in Snap Assist mode, you can use the corresponding arrows (up, down, right, left). When given a choice between windows, you can confirm it with the Enter button.

Hotkeys allow you to minimize the use of the mouse, which significantly speeds up the process of managing windows.

How to navigate between desktops using the cursor?

It is possible to move from one table to another using a certain number of techniques — this is directly dependent on the user and his ability to work with a computer. In order to see the working elements, you need to move the mouse over the «Task View» icon. This icon is located on the left side of the quick launch bar.

Important : there is no such icon on the PC part. If this is the case, it means that the displayed functionality, which helps in managing virtual screens, is turned off.

The user can easily enable this shortcut to help navigate between virtual computer monitors:

  • Click on an unoccupied part of the RMB quick launch panel to display an additional list of options with settings;
  • Select the «Show task view button» tab.

The tool will appear immediately, no need to restart the computer.

how to beautifully customize the interface and arrange icons

The desktop on the Windows 10 operating system is the main interface. This is the main screen of the computer where the user can store files, folders and application shortcuts. To optimize the workflow, it is important to properly configure the interface, because it depends on how comfortable it will be to interact with the PC. The main screen offers a lot of features that the computer owner can adjust at their discretion.

CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE:

Customizing the Start Menu

As a rule, Windows 10 users are those who switched to the latest version of the operating system from Windows 7. And for the first time, owners of a computer based on the current OS experience problems when interacting with the Start menu. If in the “seven” it is a small area, then in the “ten” the interface occupies the entire screen when a person clicks on the corresponding icon in the taskbar.

However, after going to the menu, the user has the opportunity to change its size. To do this, just fix the mouse cursor on one of the edges, and then drag the window to the center. Then it will decrease and become habitual.

Full screen mode

Return to full screen mode, when the Start menu takes up the entire monitor space, is done as follows:

  • Open the settings by clicking on the gear logo in the «Start».
  • Go to Personalization and then Start.
  • Opposite the item «Open the Start menu in full screen mode», move the slider to the active position.

The same section contains other functions that allow you to customize Start. In particular, you can customize the applications that will appear in the menu, or, for example, activate additional elements such as tiles and recently added applications. This will allow you to use the interface, making it functional and convenient.

Tablet mode

It’s not uncommon for people to buy two-in-one devices. They combine the functions of a computer and a tablet, that is, their screen is touch. This allows you to get more options for interacting with your PC, but at the same time you need to activate a special mode:

  • Open «Settings».
  • Go to the System section.
  • Select the Tablet Mode tab.
  • Activate the slider.

Switching to tablet mode breaks down the boundaries between the desktop and the Start menu. Instead of the usual elements like small files and folders, the user sees only impressive tiles. On the one hand, it is inconvenient when a person interacts with a PC using a mouse and keyboard. On the other hand, on the contrary, such an implementation of the interface seems well thought out, since tapping on large tiles is more convenient than doing the same with small icons in normal mode.

Note. In the «Parameters» you can fine-tune the operation of the tablet mode. In particular, it is allowed to disable the icons in the taskbar.

Customizing the theme of the desktop and lock screen

The main part of customizing the main screen is to change its appearance. To go to the settings for the appearance of the Desktop, open «Settings», and then — the section «Personalization». Here you will see several items, each of which is responsible for a certain type of settings:

  • Fon. This is the image that will be placed on the Desktop. You can choose from pre-installed templates, your own photos or pictures from the Internet. When choosing a background, pay attention to the resolution of the image, as for the correct display it must match the screen parameters.
  • Colours. At this point, it is proposed to choose the general gamut of the Desktop. The choice is made both with the help of templates, and through the creation of your own shade. In addition, «Settings» allows you to activate the auto-color matching function, which will be correlated with the background and design features of the applications involved.
  • Lock screen. This element is indirectly related to the Desktop, but is extremely common among users. A person has the ability to customize the design of the lock screen by setting the appropriate image and individual elements here. To gain access to the main screen, you will need to enter a password. However, this method of protection can be abandoned.
  • Themes. These are full-fledged table design templates. Unlike point customization, themes offer a basic set of interface options that already include a header image, color scheme, and even mouse click sounds. The choice is made from standard themes, as well as options uploaded to the Microsoft store. Each ready-made theme is modified at the discretion of the user.
  • Fonts. Another important part of the design. The choice of font determines the appearance of text in standard applications. By analogy with themes, design options are available both in a preinstalled form and in the Microsoft Store.
  • Start. This section has already been discussed earlier in the material, so it makes no sense to focus on it for a long time. Just remember that this is where you adjust the contents of the Start menu.
  • Taskbar. The final section of «Personalization», which is responsible for the design of the lower area of ​​​​the PC, namely the strip, which is called the «Taskbar». Here you can place shortcuts to applications and individual computer settings.

A combination of personalized settings allows you to beautifully design your desktop, making it unique. If the changes made do not suit the owner, he retains the right to cancel the correction by returning to the standard parameters.

Desktop and start menu like in Windows 7

Using Windows 10, the owner of the computer now and then remembers how convenient the «seven» was. If the design capabilities of the current operating system do not suit the user, then he is invited to make the desktop and the Start menu look classic. To do this, you need to download and install the Classic Shell application. The parameters will be configured as follows:

  • After installing the program, click LMB on the Start icon.
  • Next, the application menu should open, where in the «Start Menu Style» tab you need to select the design of Windows
  • Adjust the remaining parameters as you wish.

To bring the appearance of the «tens» to the «seven» it is not necessary to use third-party software. Windows 10 settings allow you to organize the icons on the home screen and bring back shortcuts instead of tiles. In addition, with the help of «Settings», the size of the Start window is reduced to a size comparable to this menu from Windows 7. Therefore, it is important to carefully study all the OS settings.

Live Tiles and Groups

Changing the Live Tiles and Groups in Start will bring it closer to Windows 7. To do this, open the menu and then right-click on any of the tiles. You will see that among the options offered there are pinning and unpinning. Thus, you can get rid of the tiles or, for example, add new ones.

Functional expansion

For those who are not satisfied with the standard customization options, it is recommended to download and install the PowerToys package. It will add new features like color picker, keyboard and window manager. Outwardly, PowerToys are difficult to distinguish from the standard «Parameters», and therefore the setting should not be difficult.

Tiffany Garrett

Help And How To

Source: Windows Central

Windows 10, now enjoying the October 2020 Update, continues to make it easier to set up and use multiple virtual desktops in Windows 10. Multiple desktops are great for organizing unrelated ongoing projects or for quick hiding from the boss of that browser game you can’t stop playing. And if you haven’t upgraded to Windows 10 yet, be sure to check out our collection of the best Windows laptops with the latest OS.

Ready to take on a multi-desk day? Went!

  • How to create a new virtual desktop on Windows 10
  • How to switch between virtual desktops on Windows 10
  • How to move windows between virtual desktops on Windows 10
  • How to duplicate windows on virtual desktops 9017 How to remove virtual desktop in Windows 10

How to create a new virtual desktop in Windows 10

You can create a new virtual desktop in a couple of clicks or with a keyboard shortcut.

  1. Click the Task View icon on the taskbar.

    • You can also use the Windows key + Tab keyboard shortcut, or you can swipe with one finger to the left of the touch screen.
  2. Click New Desktop . (It’s located in the upper left corner of the screen.)

    Source: Windows Central

That’s it. Easy, right? There is also a Ctrl + Windows key + D keyboard shortcut that will immediately create a new virtual desktop.

How to switch between virtual desktops in Windows 10

Now that you’ve created a new virtual desktop, you can quickly switch in several ways.

  1. Click the Task View icon on the taskbar.

    • You can also use the Windows Key + Tab keyboard shortcut, or you can swipe to the left of the touch screen with one finger.
  2. Click Desktop 2 or whatever virtual desktop you have created.

    Source: Windows Central

You can return to the original desktop at any time by following the steps above, but selecting Desktop 1. There is also Ctrl + Windows key + left/right arrow Keyboard shortcut that can be used to switch between virtual desktops. Are you using a device with a touchpad? You can swipe left or right with four fingers to switch between virtual desktops.

How to move windows between virtual desktops in Windows 10

You can move windows between virtual desktops in two ways. First, you can click and drag windows; second, you can right-click the window and use the menu.

Click and drag method

  1. Click the Task View icon on the taskbar.

    • You can also use the Windows Key + Tab keyboard shortcut, or you can swipe to the left of the touch screen with one finger.
  2. Press and hold window you want to move.
  3. Drag and drop the window onto the alternate desktop .

    Source: Windows Central

Context Menu Method

  1. Click the Task View icon on the taskbar.

    • You can also use the Windows Key + Tab keyboard shortcut, or you can swipe to the left of the touch screen with one finger.
  2. Right-click window you want to switch to another desktop.

    Source: Windows Central

  3. Move your cursor over Go to .
  4. Click the desktop icon to which you want to move the window.

    Source: Windows Central

You can move windows between desktops to your heart’s content.

How to duplicate windows on virtual desktops

Certain windows or collections of windows from one application can be duplicated on all virtual desktops.

  1. Click the Task View icon on the taskbar.

    • You can also use the Windows Key + Tab keyboard shortcut, or you can swipe to the left of the touch screen with one finger.
  2. Right click active window .

    Source: Windows Central

  3. Click Show this window on all desktops to duplicate a single window.
  4. Click Show windows from this application on all desktops duplicate all windows from the same application.

    Source: Windows Central

How to delete a virtual desktop in Windows 10

Want to go back to just one desktop? No problem.

  1. Click the Task View icon on the taskbar.

    • You can also use Windows Key + Tab keyboard shortcut, or you can swipe with one finger to the left of the touchscreen.
  2. Move your cursor over the desktop you want to delete.
  3. Click the icon X in the upper right corner of the desktop icon.

    best video card for minecraft

    Source: Windows Central

Open and running windows on the closed desktop will be returned to the original desktop. You can also use Ctrl + Windows key + F4 keyboard shortcut to immediately close the virtual desktop you are currently viewing.

More Windows 10 Resources

For more helpful articles, articles, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

  • Everything you need to know about Windows 10 in Windows Central Windows 10
  • Windows 10 forums in Windows Central

How to open a new desktop on windows 10 using keyboard shortcuts

Contents

  1. Windows 10 in Detail
  2. Saturday, May 9, 2020
  3. 4. Virtual Desktops in Windows 10 9002 Lesson 9017 Virtual Desktops in Windows 10 9002 desktops in Windows 10
  4. Create and work with virtual desktops using a GUI.
  5. How do I create a Windows 10 virtual desktop?
  6. How do I switch between virtual desktops in Windows 10?
  7. How do I remove the virtual desktop?
  8. Windows 10 virtual desktop shortcuts
  9. Windows 10 virtual desktop shortcuts
  10. Virtual desktop shortcuts
  11. Windows+Tab: Open Task View create a new virtual desktop
  12. Windows+Ctrl+Left or Right Arrow: Switch desktops
  13. Windows+Ctrl+F4: Close current virtual desktop
  14. Esc: Close Task View
  15. Move a window between virtual desktops
  16. How to open or create a new virtual desktop in Windows 10
  17. Opening
  18. How to create a second one
  19. More keyboard shortcuts
  20. More keyboard shortcuts
  21. Video

Windows 10 in Detail

Saturday, May 9, 2020

4.

Virtual Desktops in Windows 10

Lesson 4: Virtual Desktops in Windows 10

In this lesson, we will understand what virtual desktops are in Windows 10 and learn how to use them.

In this tutorial, we will look at both of these methods.

Create and work with virtual desktops using a graphical interface.

How do I create a Windows 10 virtual desktop?

When using the GUI, the first thing to do is to turn on the «task view» mode.

If you don’t know how to do this and what it is, then be sure to study the previous lesson: https://www.win10details.ru/2020/05/sposoby-pereklyucheniya-mezhdu-otkrytymi-oknami.html

Now in short I will say that you can enable this mode by clicking this button on the taskbar:

Task View Button

Or by using the keyboard shortcut Win + Tab .

After the task view mode is enabled, a button will appear in the upper left corner of the screen:

Creating a virtual desktop in Windows 10. ! Virtual Desktop Created:

Virtual Desktop in Windows 10.

In the same way, I can create both 3 and 4 desktops. And so on until the resources of the computer run out.

How do I switch between virtual desktops in Windows 10?

As you have already noticed, when creating a virtual desktop, a new menu appears at the top of the «task view» mode, in which all currently created virtual desktops are represented in thumbnails.

Virtual Desktop Panel.

This menu is navigated using the mouse cursor.

If you move the mouse cursor over the virtual desktop thumbnail and do not click anything, we will see which applications are open on this desktop.

If you move the mouse cursor over the desktop thumbnail and click on it with the left mouse button, then we will exit the mode of presenting tasks to this desktop.

I also want to draw your attention to the fact that all created virtual desktops are completely empty by default, and are in the same state as your computer would be if you just turned it on. It’s pretty handy for work.

But let’s get back to task view. While in task view mode, we can move already open applications from one desktop to another.

To do this, we just need to move the mouse cursor over the corresponding thumbnail of the desktop on which applications are already open, then move the mouse cursor over the application that we want to move. After that, holding down the left mouse button, we move this application to the desktop we need.

Moving an application window to another virtual desktop in Windows 10.

So all the applications we migrated disappeared from the first virtual desktop and ended up on other virtual desktops.

How do I remove the virtual desktop?

If the virtual desktop is no longer needed, you can easily close it.
To do this, just click on the cross in the upper right corner of the corresponding thumbnail.

Turn off the virtual desktop in Windows 10.

This will move all applications that were open on this virtual desktop to the neighboring one. They won’t be closed!

If we close all virtual desktops, then all applications from them will be transferred to the only remaining one.

When we have only one desktop left, the menu from the top of the task view disappears:

Windows 10 Virtual Desktop Panel is missing.

This approach allows you to most clearly demonstrate all the basic principles of working with virtual desktops. But, as you may have noticed, it is quite clumsy and requires a lot of time to implement.

In order to fix this, we will use the hot keys, which I will tell you about now.

Hot keys for working with virtual desktops in Windows 10.

In order to quickly create a virtual desktop, you need to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Win and the English letter «D» .

Win button.

In order to quickly switch between already created virtual desktops, you need to use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Win and left arrow or right arrow respectively.

In order to delete a virtual desktop that has become unnecessary, you must use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Win + F4

Using hot keys makes working with virtual desktops really fast and convenient. You will get used to them very quickly and will soon be doing it on full automatic without even thinking. What I wish you!

Source

Keyboard shortcuts for virtual desktops in Windows 10

If you use virtual desktops in Windows 10, these keyboard shortcuts will give you more control and speed up your Windows experience.

Virtual Desktop Hotkeys

Like most Windows 10 features, you can control several aspects of virtual desktops without using a mouse. At the time of this writing, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts to manage virtual desktops:0003

Let’s take a closer look at each of these keyboard shortcuts.

Windows+Tab: Open Task View

To quickly open the Task View screen, simply press Windows+Tab . A screen will appear with thumbnails of each of your virtual desktops, as well as thumbnails of any applications running on the currently selected virtual desktop. You can also open this window by clicking the Task View button on the taskbar.

In Task View, use the Tab key to move the cursor between the list of virtual desktops at the top and the application window thumbnails at the bottom. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor and then press Enter to select the desktop or application window you want to control.

Windows+Ctrl+D: create a new virtual desktop

To quickly create a new virtual desktop, press Windows+Ctrl+D at any time, and you will immediately be taken to a new desktop. Alternatively, you can click «New Desktop» in Task View.

Windows+Ctrl+Left or Right Arrow: Switch between desktops to switch to a virtual desktop with a higher number. For example, if you are using Desktop 3 and want to switch to Desktop 4, you must press

Windows+Ctrl+Right Arrow .

Windows+Ctrl+F4: close the current virtual desktop

To close the current virtual desktop, press Windows+Ctrl+F4 . All windows that are open on the desktop you close will appear numerically on the virtual desktop just above the one you closed.

For example, if you start Notepad on Desktop 3 and then close Desktop 3, Notepad will appear on Desktop 2. You can also close the virtual desktop in Task View by clicking the 9 icon0101 X » in the thumbnail.

Esc: Close Task View

If Task View is open and you don’t want to switch to another virtual desktop, just press Esc. You will then return to the desktop you were viewing when you opened Task View.

Moving a window between virtual desktops

There are currently no keyboard shortcuts for moving an application window from one virtual desktop to another. In the meantime, if you want to do this, activate the task view. Then drag the window thumbnail onto another virtual desktop thumbnail using the mouse.

It will appear there instantly. You can also right-click on the window thumbnail and select a destination from the Move to menu.

Based on posts on online forums, the keyboard shortcut to control this task is in high demand, so it (and others) may appear in future versions of Windows.

Source

How to open or create a new virtual desktop in Windows 10

Users who work with a large number of different applications at once can find it inconvenient to find the desired icon on the desktop or Taskbar if they are all running. Microsoft has thought about this and developed Virtual Desktop in Windows 10.

More precisely, this trick existed in previous versions of the system, but to use it, you had to install special software. Now the creation, management, removal of such spaces is carried out with a couple of mouse clicks or hot keys.

Opening

Virtual tables are a convenient innovation. For example, you can place text editors on one of them, graphics programs on the second, something for entertainment (games, music and video players) on the third, browsers on the fourth, and so on.

You can open the previously created space using the special Task View button, visually similar to a column of rectangles and scrolling next to them (or a row of rectangles, depending on the version). It is located on the Taskbar.

If it is not there, then you need:

1. Right-click anywhere without icons on the «Taskbar».

2. Among the offered commands in the context menu, select «Show task view button».

Pressing this button will open a window for managing virtual spaces. The same thing will happen if you hold down the Win + Tab keys on the keyboard.

How to create a second one

In the same virtual workspace management wizard, you can create a new table by clicking on the button marked with a plus sign. It can be located at the bottom of the screen or at the top, like a new tab, depending on the version of the system.

Change settings

Virtual desktops can be configured, for which in the «Parameters», in the «System» category, there is a section «Multitasking» (the list of sections is in the left part of the window). Having entered it, by scrolling you should move down to the subsection «Virtual tables». There you can configure two parameters that are responsible for the convenience of using spaces:

2. Which windows to display when pressing the Alt + Tab hot keys — also the choice of the current environment or all at once.

By setting these parameters, each user decides for himself what is more convenient for him. If a great many applications are open in working environments, then there is no point in displaying all of them on the Taskbar, since looking for the right one among the heap of icons is not a very pleasant and quick task. If there are few running applications, then you can display all of them for quick navigation. The same principle applies to the Alt+Tab keys.

How to uninstall

The main purpose of virtual desktops is to increase the working space. This makes it possible to include several tables, and adventure between them.

If you ever forget which desktop you left playing music or video on, remember that you can always get an accurate overview of all running applications on each desktop, and quickly navigate to the right one.

Source

Keyboard shortcuts in Windows

Learn more about taking screenshots with the Sketch on Screen Snip tool .

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or key combinations that can be used to perform tasks that would normally require the use of a mouse. Click one of the options below to see a table of related keyboard shortcuts:

Cut the selected item.

CTRL+C (or CTRL+INSERT)

Copies the selected item.

CTRL+V (or SHIFT+INSERT)

Inserts the selected element.

Switch between open applications.

Close the active element or exit the active application.

Display and hide the desktop.

Rename the selected element.

Search for a file or folder in Explorer.

Display the address bar list in Explorer.

Updates the active window.

Cycle through screen elements in a window or desktop.

Activate the menu bar in the active application.

Display password on login screen.

Cycles through items in the order they were opened.

Execute the command corresponding to this letter.

Displays the properties of the selected element.

Open the context menu of the active window.

Move up one page.

Move down one page.

Closes the active document (in full-screen applications that allow multiple documents to be open at the same time).

Selects all items in the document or window.

Delete the selected item and move it to the trash.

Updates the active window.

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next word.

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.

Use arrow keys to switch between open applications.

ALT+SHIFT+arrow keys

If a group or tile has focus in the Start menu, move it in the direction shown.

CTRL+SHIFT+arrow keys

If a tile has focus in the Start menu, move it to another tile to create a folder.

CTRL+arrow keys

Change the size of the Start menu when it is open.

CTRL+arrow key (to move to an item)+SPACE

Select multiple individual items in a window or desktop.

CTRL+SHIFT+arrow key

Select a block of text.

Open the start menu.

Opening the task manager.

Switching the keyboard layout if there is more than one.

Enable or disable the input method editor (IME) for Chinese.

Opens the context menu for the selected item.

SHIFT+any arrow key

Select multiple items in a window or desktop, or select text in a document.

Deleting the selected item without first placing it in the trash.

Open the next menu on the right or open a submenu.

Open the next menu on the left or close a submenu.

Stop or exit the current task.

Capture the entire screen and copy it to the clipboard.

Open or close the Start menu.

Open the notification center.

Set focus in the notification area.

Open Cortana in listening mode.

Cortana is only available in certain countries/regions. Some features of Cortana may not work everywhere. If Cortana isn’t available or disabled, you can use search.

Windows key +SHIFT+C

Launches the charms menu.

Display and hide the desktop.

Windows key +ALT+D

Show or hide the date and time on the desktop.

Open the Feedback Hub and take a screenshot.

Opening the menu of a running game.

Opens the Options menu.

Set focus to the Windows prompt when available.

Sets the focus to the Windows tooltip when it is displayed. Press the keyboard shortcut again to set focus to the element that is displayed on the screen to which the Windows Tip is associated.

Invoke the «Connect» quick action.

Computer lock or account change.

Minimizes all windows.

Fix device orientation.

Select the presentation display mode.

Windows key +CTRL+Q

Open the Quick Support application.

Opens the Run dialog box.

Opens the search window.

Windows key +SHIFT+S

Capture part of the screen.

Cycle through applications on the taskbar.

Opening of the Accessibility Center.

Open clipboard.

Windows key +SHIFT+V

Cycle through notifications.

Opens the quick links menu.

Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and the desktop.

Displays the commands available in the application in full screen mode.

Windows key + period (.) or semicolon (;)

Open the emoji panel.

Windows key + comma (,)

Temporarily display the desktop on hover.

Windows key +PAUSE

Opens the System Properties dialog box.

Windows key +CTRL+F

Search for computers (if network is available).

Windows key +SHIFT+M

Restore minimized windows on the desktop.

Windows key + number

Opens the desktop and launches an application pinned to the taskbar with the specified number. If the application is already running, switch to this application.

Windows key +SHIFT+number

Opens the desktop and launches a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar with the sequence number specified by the number.

Windows key +CTRL+number

Opens the desktop and switches to the last active window of the application pinned to the taskbar with the sequence number specified by the number.

Windows Key+ALT+number

Opens the desktop and jump list for the application pinned to the taskbar with the sequence number specified by the number.

Windows key +CTRL+SHIFT+number

Open the desktop and a new instance of the application located at this location on the taskbar as an administrator.

Windows key +TAB

Open Task View.

Windows Key +UP ARROW

Windows Key +DOWN ARROW

Removes the current application from the screen or minimizes the desktop window.

Windows key + LEFT ARROW

Maximize an application or desktop window to the left edge of the screen.

Windows key + RIGHT ARROW

Maximize an application or desktop window to the right edge of the screen.

Windows key +HOME

Minimize all windows except the active desktop window (restore all windows on second press).

Windows key +SHIFT+UP ARROW

Stretches the desktop window to the top and bottom edges of the screen.

Windows key +SHIFT+DOWN ARROW

Restores or minimizes active desktop windows vertically while maintaining width.

Windows key +SHIFT+LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW

Move an application or window on the desktop from one monitor to another.

Windows key + SPACE

Switch input language and keyboard layout.

Windows key +CTRL+SPACE

Return to the previously selected input language.

Windows key +CTRL+ENTER

Turn on Narrator.

Windows key + plus sign (+)

Launches Magnifier.

Windows key + slash (/)

Start IME reconversion.

Windows key +CTRL+V

Show direct connections.

Windows key +CTRL+SHIFT+B

CTRL+C (or CTRL+INSERT)

Copies the selected text.

CTRL+V (or SHIFT+INSERT)

Inserts selected text.

Switch to mark mode.

Start selection in lock mode.

Arrow keys

Moves the cursor in the specified direction.

Move cursor up one page.

Moves the cursor one page down.

CTRL+HOME (in mark mode)

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the buffer.

CTRL+END (in mark mode)

Move the cursor to the end of the buffer.

Move up one line in the output log.

Move down one line in the output log.

CTRL+HOME (log navigation)

Moves the viewport to the top of the buffer (if the command line is empty). Otherwise, delete any characters to the left of the cursor on the command line.

CTRL+END (log navigation)

Moves the viewport to the command line if it is empty. Otherwise, delete any characters to the right of the cursor on the command line.

Displays the items in the active list.

Move forward through tabs.

Navigate back through tabs.

CTRL+number (1 to 9)

Move to the nth tab.

Move forward through the parameters.

Go back through the parameters.

Execute a command (or select an option) that begins with this letter.

Check or uncheck if the active option is a check box.

Opens a folder one level up when the folder is selected in the Save As or Open window.

Arrow keys

Button selection if the active parameter is a radio button group.

Select address bar.

Opening a new window.

Closes the active window.

CTRL+mouse scroll wheel

Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons.

Displays all folders that contain the selected folder.

Create a new folder.

Displays all folders under the selected folder.

Displays the contents of the selected folder.

NUM LOCK+minus sign (-)

Collapses the selected folder.

Display the preview area.

Opens the «Properties» dialog box for the selected element.

View next folder.

View the folder in which this folder is nested.

View the previous folder.

View the previous folder.

Display the highlighted item (if it is collapsed) or select the first subfolder.

Collapses the selection (if it is expanded) or selects the folder in which the folder is nested.

Displays the bottom edge of the active window.

Displays the top edge of the active window.

Maximize or minimize the active window.

Windows key +TAB

Open Task View.

Windows key +CTRL+D

Add a virtual desktop.

Windows key +CTRL+RIGHT ARROW

Switch between created virtual desktops from left to right.

Windows key +CTRL+LEFT ARROW

Switch between created virtual desktops from right to left.

Windows key +CTRL+F4

Closes the virtual desktop in use.

SHIFT+taskbar button click

Launches an application or quickly opens another instance of an application.

CTRL+SHIFT+taskbar button click

Run application as administrator.

SHIFT+right-click taskbar button

Display the window menu for the application.

SHIFT+right-click a grouped taskbar button

Display the window menu for the group.

CTRL+Click on a grouped taskbar button

Cycle through group windows.

Return to the settings home page.

Enter text on any page with a search field

Additional keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or key combinations that you can use to perform tasks that would normally require the use of a mouse. Click one of the options below to view a table of related keyboard shortcuts:

The following table lists common keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1.

CTRL+C (or CTRL+INSERT)

Copy the selected item

Cut the selected item

CTRL+V (or SHIFT+INSERT)

Paste the selected item

Switch between open applications

Close the active item

from an active application

Computer lock or account change

Show or hide the desktop

The following table lists the new keyboard shortcuts that you can use in Windows.

Windows key + simultaneous typing

Computer search

CTRL+plus sign (+) or CTRL+minus sign (–)

Zoom in or out on a large number of items, such as applications pinned to the Start screen

CTRL+mouse scroll wheel

Zoom in or out on a large number of items such as applications pinned to the home screen

In an app, open commands for an app

Invoke the Search charm to search for files

Invoke the Share charm

Invoke the Settings charm

Invoke the Devices charm

3 Lock screen orientation (portrait or landscape)

Invoke the Search charm to search across all resources or within an open application (if the application supports in-application search)

Invoke the Search charm to search Windows and the web

Invoke the Search charm to search for settings

Display the commands available in the application

Note: You can also view some settings by going to the Settings charm when the application is open.

Windows key + SPACE

Switch input language and keyboard layout

Windows key + CTRL + SPACE

Return to the previously selected input language

Windows key + TAB

Cycle through recently used desktop applications (desktop)0003

Windows key +CTRL+TAB

Cycle through recently used applications (except desktop applications)

Windows key +SHIFT+TAB

Cycle through recently used applications (except desktop applications) in reverse order

Windows key + SHIFT+period (.)

Pin app to left

Windows key+period (.)

Cycle through open apps

Stop or exit the current task

Windows key +CTRL+SHIFT+B

The following table lists the main keyboard shortcuts for Windows.

Rename the selected item

Search for a file or folder

Display the address bar list in Explorer

Refresh the active window

Cycle through screen elements in a window or desktop

Activate the menu bar in the active application

Close the active element or exit the active application

Cycle through the elements in the order they were opened

ALT+ an underlined letter

Execute the command corresponding to that letter

Display the properties of the selected element

Open the context menu of the active windows

Move one page up

Move one page down

Switch between open applications (except desktop applications)

Close the active document (in full-screen applications that allow multiple documents to be open at the same time)

Select all items in the document or window

CTRL+C (or CTRL+INSERT)

Copy the selected item

Delete the selected item and move it to the trash

Update the active window

CTRL+V (or SHIFT+INSERT)

Insert the selected element

Cut the selected element

CTRL+plus sign (+) or CTRL+minus sign (–)

Zoom in or out on a large number of items, such as apps pinned to the Start screen

CTRL+mouse scroll wheel

Resize icons desktop, or zoom in or out on a large number of items, such as applications pinned to the Start screen

Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word

Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word

Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph

Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph

Use the arrow keys to switch between open applications

CTRL+arrow key (to move to an item)+Spacebar

Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop

CTRL+SHIFT+arrow key

Select a block of text

Open the Start menu

Launch Task Manager

Switch keyboard layout if there is more than one

Enable or disable the input method editor (IME) for Chinese

Open the context menu for the selected item

SHIFT+any arrow key

Select multiple items in a window or desktop

Delete the selected item without first placing it in the trash

Open the next menu on the right or open a submenu

Open the next menu on the left or close a submenu

Stop or exit the current task

Windows key +F1

Open Windows Help and Support

Show or hide the Start screen

Set focus in the notification area

hiding the desktop

Opening the Search charm and finding files

Opening the Share charm

Opening the Settings charm

Invoke the Devices charm

Lock the computer or change users

Minimize all windows

Lock the device orientation

Select presentation display mode

Invoke the Search charm to search all open resources or within open resources application (if the application supports in-application search)

Opens the Run dialog box

Invokes the Search charm for searching Windows and the web

Cycle through applications on the taskbar

Open Ease of Access Center

Cycle through notifications

Windows key+SHIFT+V

Cycle through notifications in reverse order

Open menu of shortcuts 9003 in the app

Note: You can also view some settings by going to the Settings charm when the app is open.

Windows key +comma (,)

Temporarily show desktop on hover

Windows key +PAUSE

Open the System Properties dialog box

Windows key +CTRL+F

Search for computers (when network is available)

key Windows + SHIFT + M

Restore minimized windows on the desktop

Windows key + number

Opens the desktop and launches the application pinned to the taskbar with the number specified by the number. If the application is already running, switch to this application.

Windows key+SHIFT+number

Opens the desktop and launches a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar with the number specified

Windows key+CTRL+number

Opens the desktop and switches to the last active window of the pinned application on the taskbar with the specified number

Windows key + ALT+number

Opens the desktop and jump list for the application pinned to the taskbar with the specified number

Windows key +CTRL+SHIFT+number

Open the desktop and a new instance of the application located at the current taskbar location as administrator

Windows key +TAB

Cycle through recently used applications (except desktop applications)

Windows key +CTRL+TAB

Cycle through recently used applications (except desktop apps)

Windows key +SHIFT+TAB

Cycle through recently used applications (except desktop applications) in reverse order

Windows key + CTRL + B

Switch to the application that displayed the notification area message

Windows key + UP ARROW

Windows key + DOWN ARROW3

Remove the current application from the screen or minimize the desktop window

Windows key + LEFT ARROW

Maximize the application or desktop window to the left edge of the screen

Windows key +RIGHT ARROW

Maximize an application or desktop window to the right edge of the screen

Windows key +HOME

Minimize all windows except the active desktop window (restore all windows on second press)

Windows key +SHIFT +UP ARROW

Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen

Windows key +SHIFT+DOWN ARROW

Restore or minimize active desktop windows vertically while maintaining width

Windows key + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW

Move an application or window on the desktop from one monitor to another

Windows key + SPACE

Switch input language and keyboard layout

Windows key + CTRL + SPACE 9002 Return to the previously selected input language

Windows key +ENTER

Launch Narrator

Windows key +SHIFT+period (. )

Cycle through open applications

Windows key + period (.)

Cycle through open applications

Windows key + forward slash (/)

Launch IME reconversion

Windows key +ALT+ENTER

Windows key + 9003 Open Windows Media Center key 9002 plus sign (+) or minus sign (-)

Zoom in or out using Magnifier

Windows key + ESC

Exit Magnifier

The following table lists the keyboard shortcuts that you can use to can be used in dialog boxes.

Display active list items

Navigate forward through tabs

Navigate backward through tabs

CTRL+ digit (from 1 to 9)

Navigate to the nth tab

Navigate forward through parameters

Navigate backward through parameters

ALT+ underlined letter

Execute a command (or select an option) that begins with that letter

Check or uncheck if the active option is a checkbox

Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open window

Arrow keys

Select a button if the active option is a radio button group

Select an address bar

Open a new window

Close the current window

CTRL+mouse scroll wheel

Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons

Display all folders that contain the selected folder

Create a new folder

Display all folders under the selected folder

Display the contents of the selected folder

NUM LOCK+minus sign (-)

Collapse the selected folder

Display the Preview area for the Properties dialog box

Open the Properties dialog box

selected element.

View the next folder

View the folder in which this folder is nested

View the previous folder

View the previous folder

Display the selection (if it is collapsed) or select the first subfolder

Collapse the selection (if it is expanded) or select the folder in which the folder is nested

Display the bottom edge of the active window

Display the top edge active window

Maximize or minimize the active window

The following table lists keyboard shortcuts for working with items on the desktop taskbar.

SHIFT+click the taskbar button

Launch an application or quickly open another instance of the application

CTRL+SHIFT+click the taskbar button

Run an application as an administrator

SHIFT+right-click the taskbar button

Display menu windows for an application

SHIFT+click a grouped taskbar button, right-click

Show the window menu for a group

CTRL+click a grouped taskbar button

Cycle through the windows of the group

Move between applications from left to right

Move between applications from right to left

Cycle through the applications in the order they were launched

Display the start screen

Switch between windowed and full screen 9003

Display the Windows Security dialog box

Activate the connection panel in full screen mode

Display the system menu

CTRL+ALT+minus sign (-) on the numeric keypad

Place a copy of the active window on the client on the terminal server’s clipboard (same effect as pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on the keyboard) local computer)

CTRL+ALT+plus sign (+) on numeric keypad

Place a copy of the entire client screen on the clipboard of the terminal server (same effect as pressing the PRINT SCREEN key on the local computer keyboard)

Transition from remote desktop controls to host application controls (such as a button or text field). This is useful if the remote desktop controls are embedded in another (main) application.

Transition from remote desktop controls to host application controls (such as a button or text box). This is useful if the remote desktop controls are embedded in another (main) application.

The following table lists keyboard shortcuts for working with the Help Viewer.

Move the cursor in the search field

Display the Options menu

Move to the beginning of a section

Move to the end of a section

Return to the previously viewed section

Move to the next (previously viewed) section to the home page

and support

Go to the user support page

Display the Connection Options menu

Search the current section

The following table lists keyboard shortcuts for reordering modern applications.

Enter reorder mode and select apps or splitters across all monitors

Windows key + LEFT ARROW

Move app splitter left

Windows key + RIGHT ARROW

Move app splitter right

Windows key + UP ARROW0003

Windows key +DOWN ARROW

Windows key + ESC

Exit reorder mode

Additional keyboard shortcuts

Windows 7 support ended on January 14, 2020

Windows 10.

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or key combinations that you can use to perform tasks that would normally require the use of a mouse. Click one of the options below to view a table of related keyboard shortcuts:

CTRL+C (or CTRL+INSERT)

Copy the selected item

Cut the selected item

CTRL+V (or SHIFT+INSERT)

Paste the selected item

Delete the selected item and move it to the trash

of the selected item without first placing it in the trash

Rename the selected item

Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word

Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word

Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph

Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph

CTRL+SHIFT+arrow key

Select a block of text

SHIFT+any arrow key

Select multiple items in a window or desktop and select text in a document

CTRL+Any Arrow Key+Spacebar

Select multiple individual items in a window or desktop

Select all items in a document or window

Search for a file or folder

Display the properties of the selected item

Close the active item or exit the active program

Open the context menu of the active window

Close the active document (in programs that allow multiple documents to be open at the same time)

Switch between open items

Using arrow keys to switch between open items

CTRL+mouse scroll wheel

Resizing desktop icons

Windows key

+TAB

Cycling between programs on the taskbar with Aero Flip 3-D

CTRL+Windows key

+TAB for arrow keys

switching between programs on the taskbar using Aero Flip 3-D

Cycling through items in the order they were open

Cycling through screen items in a window or desktop

Display a list of the address bar in Explorer

Open a context menu for the selected item

Open the Start menu

Display the corresponding menu

Execute a menu command (or other underlined command)

Activate the menu bar in the active program

Open next menu on the right or open submenu

Open next menu on the left or close submenu

Update active window

Browse a folder one level up in Explorer

Cancel the current task

Launch Task Manager

SHIFT when CD is inserted

Disable CD autoplay

Switch input language if multiple languages ​​are enabled

Switch layout

keyboards if there is more than one

Right or Left CTRL+SHIFT

Change text reading direction for right-to-left languages ​​

The following table lists the keyboard shortcuts you can use in dialog boxes.

Navigate forward through tabs

Navigate backward through tabs

Navigate forward through options

Navigate backward through options

Execute a command (or select an option) that begins with that letter

Replaces mouse click for many commands Setting

or clear the checkbox if the active parameter is a checkbox

Arrow keys

Select a button if the active option is a radio button group

Display active list items

Open a folder one level up if the folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

The table below shows keyboard shortcuts that include Windows key

Windows key

Open or close the Start menu.

Windows key

+PAUSE

Opens the System Properties dialog box.

Windows key

+D

Displays the desktop.

Windows key

+M

Minimizes all windows.

Windows key

+SHIFT+M

Restore minimized windows on the desktop.

Windows key

+E

Opens the Computer component.

Windows key

+F

Search for computers (if network is available).

Windows 9 key0003

+L

Computer lock or user change.

Windows key

+R

Opens the Run dialog box.

Windows key

+T

Cycle through programs on the taskbar.

Windows key

+ number

Launches the program pinned to the taskbar with the specified sequence number. If the program is already running, it switches to it.

SHIFT+Windows key

+number

Launches a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar with the specified sequence number.

CTRL+Windows key

+number

Switches to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar with the specified sequence number.

ALT+Windows key

+number

Opens the jump list for the program pinned to the taskbar with the specified serial number.

Windows key

+TAB

Cycle through programs on the taskbar using Aero Flip 3-D.

CTRL+Windows key

+TAB

Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar using Aero Flip 3-D.

CTRL+Windows key

+B

Switch to the program that displayed the message in the notification area.

Windows 9 key0003

+ SPACE

View desktop.

Windows Key

+UP ARROW

Windows Key

+LEFT ARROW

Maximizes a window to the left edge of the screen.

Windows key

+RIGHT ARROW

Maximizes a window to the right edge of the screen.

Windows Key

+DOWN ARROW

Windows Key

+HOME

Minimizes all windows except the active one.

Windows key

+SHIFT+UP ARROW

Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.

Windows key

+SHIFT+LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW

Move a window from one monitor to another.

Windows key

+P

Select the presentation display mode.

Windows Key

+G

Cycles between gadgets.

Windows 9 key0003

+U

Ease of Access Center opens.

Windows key

+X

Opens the Windows Mobility Center.

Open a new window

Close the current window

Create a new folder

Show the bottom edge of the active window

Show the top edge of the active window

Maximize or minimize the active window

Rotate the image clockwise 9002

NUM LOCK+asterisk (*) on the numeric keypad

Display all folders under the selected folder

NUM LOCK+plus sign (+) on the numeric keypad

Display the contents of the selected folder

NUM LOCK+sign » minus (–) on the numeric keypad

Collapse the selected folder

Collapse the selected item (if it is expanded) or select the parent folder

Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item

Display the preview area

View the previous folder

View the previous folder

Display the selection (if collapsed) or select the first subfolder

View the next folder

View the parent folder

Display all folders that are nested selected folder

CTRL+mouse wheel

Changing the size and appearance of file and folder icons

Selecting the address bar

The table below shows keyboard shortcuts for working with items on the desktop taskbar.

SHIFT+click the taskbar button

Open a program or quickly open another instance of the program

CTRL+SHIFT+click the taskbar button

Open a program as an administrator

SHIFT+right-click the taskbar button

Display menu windows for a program

SHIFT+right-click a grouped taskbar button

Display the window menu for a group

CTRL+click a grouped taskbar button

Cycle through the windows of a group

The following table lists keyboard shortcuts for working with Remote Desktop Connection.

Move between applications from left to right

Move between applications from right to left

Cycle through programs in the order in which they were launched.

Display the start menu.

Switch between windowed and full screen modes

Display the Windows Security dialog box

Display the system menu.

CTRL+ALT+minus sign (-) on the numeric keypad

Places a copy of the active window on the client on the terminal server’s clipboard (same effect as pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on the local computer).

CTRL+ALT+plus sign (+) on the numeric keypad

Places a copy of the entire client screen on the terminal server’s clipboard (same effect as pressing the PRINT SCREEN key on the local computer).

Navigates from remote desktop controls to a control in the main program (such as a button or text box). This is useful if the remote desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program.

Navigate from remote desktop controls to a control in the main program (such as a button or text box). This is useful if the remote desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program.

Note: The CTRL+ALT+BREAK and CTRL+ALT+END keyboard shortcuts are available in all Remote Desktop sessions, even if the remote computer is configured to recognize keyboard shortcuts in Windows.

The following table lists keyboard shortcuts for using the Paint application.

Creating a new image

Opening an existing image

Saving changes to an image

Saving an image as a new file

Closing an image and its associated Paint 9 window0003

Select the entire image

Cut the selection

Copy the selection to the clipboard

Paste the selection from the clipboard

Move the selection or active shape to the right by one pixel

Move the selection or active shape to the left by one pixel

Move the selection 90 or active shape down one pixel

Move selection or active shape up one pixel

Make selected text bold

Increase the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel

Decrease the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel

Underline selected text

Open the Properties dialog box

Open the Resize and Skew dialog box

View image full screen

Show or hide ruler

Show or hide grid lines

Show key tips

Display the current shortcut menu

Open Paint Help

The table below shows keyboard shortcuts for working with the WordPad application.

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