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Customization

Set up virtual desktops with unique wallpapers on Windows 11

Create multiple virtual desktops on Windows 11 25H2, rename them, and assign a different wallpaper to each from the Task View bar.

by@guidox updated:10/26/26 time:10 min level:Beginner works on:Windows 11 25H2
TL;DR

Open **Task View**, add desktops with Ctrl+Win+D, right-click each thumbnail to **Rename** and **Choose background**, then use Ctrl+Win+Left/Right to switch.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Windows 11 25H2
  • Several wallpapers prepared at your monitor's native resolution
  • Nothing else - this is a built-in feature
Step by step

Instructions

01

Open Task View

Click the **Task View** icon on the taskbar or press Win+Tab. The row of desktops appears at the bottom of the screen.

tipIf Task View is missing from the taskbar, enable it in **Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar items**.
02

Add the desktops you need

Click **+ New desktop** or press Ctrl+Win+D for each extra workspace. Three or four is a practical ceiling before switching becomes a chore.

03

Rename each desktop

Hover a desktop thumbnail, right-click and choose **Rename**. Use short labels: Work, Personal, Media, Dev.

04

Assign a unique wallpaper per desktop

Right-click a desktop thumbnail in Task View and pick **Choose background**. The Personalization page opens for that specific desktop; set a picture, color or slideshow.

⚠ warningSelecting a wallpaper from **Settings > Personalization > Background** without going through Task View applies it to the current desktop only.
05

Repeat for every desktop

Switch to each desktop with Ctrl+Win+Left/Right (or click the thumbnail) and repeat **Choose background**. Confirm Task View now shows a distinct thumbnail for each.

06

Pin apps per desktop as needed

In Task View right-click an open window and pick **Show this window on all desktops** for things like Spotify, or leave work apps on the Work desktop only. By default, apps belong to the desktop they were opened in.

tip**Settings > System > Multitasking > Desktops** controls whether the taskbar shows apps from all desktops or just the current one.
07

Test the switch

Press Ctrl+Win+Right a few times. Each workspace should fade in with its own wallpaper and only its own windows. On a touchpad, a 4-finger swipe does the same.

Troubleshooting

Common issues

Wallpaper change applies to every desktop

You changed it from **Settings > Personalization** instead of Task View. Go back to Task View, right-click the specific desktop and use **Choose background**.

Virtual desktops disappear after reboot

Open **Settings > System > Multitasking > Desktops** and confirm that desktops persist across reboots. Some third-party tweak tools reset this.

A slideshow wallpaper only cycles on one desktop

Slideshows run only on the active desktop by design. Set static images on the inactive ones or use a tool like Lively Wallpaper for independent slideshows.

FAQ

Frequently asked

How many virtual desktops does Windows 11 support?

There is no fixed hard limit, but performance and usability drop sharply past 5-6 desktops.

Can I use a different accent color per desktop?

No, accent color is system-wide. Only wallpaper and open windows change per desktop.

Does this work on a laptop with the lid closed?

Yes, virtual desktops are independent of display configuration.

How to undo this

Open **Task View**, hover each extra desktop and click the X to close it. Reset the remaining wallpaper from **Settings > Personalization > Background**.

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