To multitask on Windows 10, drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen to snap it, then pick a second window to fill the other side. Press Alt + Tab to switch between open apps, and press Windows key + Tab to open Task View, where you can add more desktops.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Snap two windows side by side
- Drag a window by its title bar to the left or right edge of the screen until an outline appears, then let go. Or select the window and press Windows key + Left arrow or Windows key + Right arrow.
- Thumbnails of your other open windows appear on the other side. Select the one you want.
To snap four windows, drag a window into a corner of the screen, or press Windows key + Up arrow after snapping it. To turn snapping on or off, go to Settings > System > Multitasking.
Switch between apps
- Press Alt + Tab. Keep holding Alt and press Tab again to move through your windows, then let go.
- Select an app on the taskbar.
- Press Windows key + D to show the desktop, and press it again to bring your windows back.
Use Task View and extra desktops
- Press Windows key + Tab, or select Task View on the taskbar.
- Select New desktop to add a desktop. Each desktop has its own set of open windows.
- Select a desktop to switch to it. Or press Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow or Right arrow.
To close a desktop, open Task View, point to it, and select the X. Its open windows move to the desktop next to it, so nothing closes.
Move windows between desktops
- Open Task View, right-click a window, select Move to, and choose a desktop.
- To keep a window on every desktop, such as a chat app, right-click it in Task View and select Show this window on all desktops.
Handy shortcuts
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: add a new desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + F4: close the desktop you’re on.
- Windows key + Up arrow: maximize a window. Windows key + Down arrow restores or minimizes it.
- Windows key + Home: minimize every window except the one you’re using.
- Windows key + a number: open the app in that spot on the taskbar, such as Windows key + 1 for the first one.
If multitasking doesn’t work as expected
- Windows don’t snap. Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and turn on Snap windows.
- Alt + Tab shows every Microsoft Edge tab. On the Multitasking page, change Pressing Alt + Tab shows to Open windows only.
- The taskbar shows apps from other desktops. On the Multitasking page, under Virtual desktops, set On the taskbar, show windows that are open on to Only the desktop I’m using.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use more than two windows on one screen?
Yes. Snap up to four windows, one in each corner.
How do I multitask with two monitors?
Press Windows key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow to move a window to the other screen. See how to set up dual monitors in Windows 10.
Where can I learn more about each feature?
See how to split screen in Windows 10, how to use virtual desktops in Windows 10 and how to switch between windows in Windows 10.
Can I rename a desktop?
Yes, in Windows 10, version 2004 and later. Open Task View, select the desktop’s name, such as Desktop 2, type a new name like Work or School, and press Enter.
Do my desktops stay after a restart?
The desktops and their names stay, but apps don’t reopen on them. After a restart, open your apps again and move them to the desktop you want. Apps you set to start with Windows open on the first desktop.
Microsoft’s references are Snap Your Windows and Configure Multiple Desktops in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.