Switching between workspaces (also known as virtual desktops) using your keyboard is a highly efficient way to manage multiple applications and tasks, significantly enhancing productivity. The exact keyboard shortcuts vary depending on your operating system and desktop environment.
What Are Workspaces (Virtual Desktops)?
Workspaces, or virtual desktops, provide additional screen space to organize your open applications. Instead of cluttering a single screen, you can spread your work across multiple virtual screens, dedicating each to a specific task or project. For example, you might have one workspace for email and communication, another for coding, and a third for research.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Switching Workspaces
Here's a breakdown of common keyboard shortcuts for navigating workspaces across major operating systems:
1. Windows (Virtual Desktops)
Windows introduced virtual desktops starting with Windows 10. They are managed through the "Task View."
- Switch to next/previous virtual desktop:
Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow(previous desktop)Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow(next desktop)
- Open Task View (to see all desktops and windows):
Win + Tab
- Create a new virtual desktop:
Win + Ctrl + D
- Close the current virtual desktop:
Win + Ctrl + F4
- Move an active window to another virtual desktop:
- Open
Task View(Win + Tab), then drag the desired window to the target desktop thumbnail. Alternatively, right-click the application icon on the taskbar, then select "Move to" and choose your desired desktop.
- Open
For more details, refer to Microsoft's support pages.
2. macOS (Spaces)
Apple's macOS calls virtual desktops "Spaces." They are an integral part of Mission Control.
- Switch to next/previous Space:
Control + Right Arrow(next Space)Control + Left Arrow(previous Space)- (Note: If your keyboard has function keys set to standard function behavior, you might need to press
Fn + Control + Left/Right Arrow)
- Open Mission Control (to view and manage all Spaces):
Control + Up Arrow
- Move an active window to an adjacent Space:
Control + Shift + Left Arrow(move window to previous Space)Control + Shift + Right Arrow(move window to next Space)
Learn more about Spaces and Mission Control on Apple's official support website.
3. Linux (Various Desktop Environments)
Linux distributions offer various desktop environments (e.g., GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, Cinnamon), each with slightly different default shortcuts, though many follow similar conventions. The "Super" key typically refers to the Windows key or Command key on your keyboard.
- General Switching (Horizontal Navigation):
Super + Left Arrow(previous workspace)Super + Right Arrow(next workspace)- Alternative (common in some DEs):
Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow/Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow
- Vertical Navigation (Common in GNOME and others):
Super + Page UporCtrl + Alt + Up Arrowto move to the workspace shown above the current workspace.Super + Page DownorCtrl + Alt + Down Arrowto move to the workspace shown below the current workspace.
- Show Activities/Workspaces Overview:
Superkey (in GNOME, to view all workspaces and open windows)- Alternative (e.g., KDE Plasma):
Ctrl + F8
- Move an active window to an adjacent workspace:
Super + Shift + Left Arrow/Super + Shift + Right Arrow- Alternative:
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Left Arrow/Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Right Arrow
For specific shortcuts in your Linux distribution, consult its documentation (e.g., Ubuntu's documentation for GNOME).
Summary of Workspace Keyboard Shortcuts
| Operating System | Action | Keyboard Shortcut(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Switch to next/previous desktop | Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow |
| Open Task View (manage desktops) | Win + Tab |
|
| Create new desktop | Win + Ctrl + D |
|
| Close current desktop | Win + Ctrl + F4 |
|
| macOS | Switch to next/previous Space | Control + Left/Right Arrow (or Fn + Control + Left/Right Arrow) |
| Open Mission Control (manage Spaces) | Control + Up Arrow |
|
| Move active window to next/previous Space | Control + Shift + Left/Right Arrow |
|
| Linux | Switch to next/previous workspace | Super + Left/Right Arrow or Ctrl + Alt + Left/Right Arrow |
| Switch to workspace above/below | Super + Page Up/Down or Ctrl + Alt + Up/Down Arrow |
|
| Move active window to next/previous workspace | Super + Shift + Left/Right Arrow or Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Left/Right Arrow |
|
| Show Activities/Workspaces Overview | Super key (GNOME) / Ctrl + F8 (KDE Plasma) |
Customizing Workspace Shortcuts
Most operating systems and desktop environments allow you to customize these keyboard shortcuts to better suit your workflow. You can typically find these options in your system's "Keyboard" or "Shortcuts" settings.
- Windows: Settings > System > Multitasking > Virtual desktops.
- macOS: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Mission Control.
- Linux: Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts (the exact path varies by desktop environment, e.g., GNOME, KDE, XFCE).
Practical Tips for Using Workspaces
- Organize by Task: Dedicate a workspace to each major task or project.
- Separate Work and Personal: Keep work-related applications in one set of workspaces and personal browsing/media in another.
- Persistent Applications: Some applications (like chat apps or music players) can be set to appear on all workspaces.
- Reduce Clutter: Instead of minimizing windows, switch to a different workspace to focus on your current task without distractions.
Mastering these keyboard shortcuts for workspace management can significantly improve your efficiency and make your desktop experience much more organized and fluid.
