Personalizing your workspace is one of the best ways to improve productivity and make your daily computer use more enjoyable. If you've ever wanted to set different wallpapers on each of your virtual desktops in Windows 11You'll be pleased to know that it's now very simple and offers interesting possibilities, not only for distinguishing work or study spaces, but also for giving each environment a more personal touch. Surely, if you're coming from Windows 10, you'll remember that it wasn't easy at all and required external applications, but in the latest version of Windows, everything is much more intuitive and accessible to anyone.
In this article we show you How to set multiple desktop backgrounds on Windows 11 virtual desktops We explore other advanced options, such as management with third-party applications, customization across multiple monitors, and the tricks that will make your life easier. Whether you use your computer for work, study, or organizing your personal projects, you'll discover how to get the most out of this feature and improve your organization, comfort, and aesthetics.
What are virtual desktops and what are they used for?
A virtual desktop It's a distinct workspace within the same operating system, where you can group different applications or documents according to your needs. It's like having multiple computers in one, each with its own set of windows and open programs, which helps you stay focused and separate the different tasks you perform throughout the day.
This feature is especially useful for:
- Separate work and personal life: You can dedicate one desk to your work and another to your leisure time, avoiding distractions and keeping everything organized.
- Manage multiple projectsIf you have several projects open at once, you can assign one to each desktop to gain efficiency and mental clarity.
- Prepare meetings: Organize a desktop with only the documents, presentations, and tools you need for your meetings. So, a single click takes you to the ideal environment at the right time.
Furthermore, Each virtual desktop can be customized independently, allowing you to differentiate work areas at a glance using different wallpapers.
How to create and manage virtual desktops in Windows 11
Before you start customizing, it's important to know how to manage virtual desktops. Windows 11 has greatly improved this experience compared to previous versions., making it more fluid and easier to understand.
Creating new desktops
The fastest way to create a virtual desktop is use the Windows + Tab key combination. This will open the call task view, where you will see the option New desktop at the bottom. Click this button to add as many desktops as you want. Each one will appear with a default name, such as "Desktop 1," "Desktop 2," etc.
Rename and rearrange desktops
To have everything even more to your liking, you can change the name of each desktopJust click on the default name and type in your preferred one. If you want to change the order, simply drag them into the desktop list in Task View. This way, you'll have a perfect organization tailored to your daily routine.
Quickly switch between desktops
Navigating between your virtual desktops is a matter of seconds. Uses Windows + Control + Left Arrow o Right arrow to move between them. This way, you can switch from one work environment to another instantly without losing track of what you were doing.
Set different wallpapers for each virtual desktop in Windows 11
One of the great new features of Windows 11 is that you can assign a unique wallpaper to each virtual desktop without the need for additional programs. This option is ideal for quickly identifying what environment you're in or simply for enjoying more variety in your daily life.
Step by step: change the background of each desktop
- Access the task view: press Windows + Tab or click the Task View icon (two overlapping rectangles) on the taskbar.
- Select the desktop you want to customize: Choose the virtual desktop on which you want to set a different background.
- Right click on the wallpaper: Once you are on that desktop, right click on the wallpaper itself.
- Choose the Customize option: A menu with several options will appear; search and select Customize now (identifiable with a paintbrush icon).
- Select the background you prefer: The Windows configuration section will open, in the section of Personalization. > FundsHere you can choose any available image or upload your own.
Remember that this change only affects the desktop you are working on.The rest of your desktops will retain their previous backgrounds, so you can repeat the process for each one and create a truly unique setup.
Advanced customization: different backgrounds for multiple monitors
If you work with more than one monitor, Windows 11 offers the possibility of assign different wallpapers to each connected display. Additionally, this customization can be combined with virtual desktops, multiplying the options to create a custom environment.
- Opens Configuration from the start menu.
- Accede to Personalization. and then to Background.
- In the "Customize Background" section, click right click on the image you want to use.
- Select from the context menu which monitor you want to apply it to (Set for monitor 1, Set for monitor 2, etc.).
So, you can differentiate each screen and desktop as you prefer, something very useful for jobs that require having several tasks in view or for those who use the computer for both leisure and work.
Options for Windows 10 users
In Windows 10, although it is possible to use virtual desktops, There is no native option to set a different background for each one.However, this can be achieved by using third-party applications specifically designed to extend customization.
How to create desktops in Windows 10
The process for organizing and creating virtual desktops is very similar: press Windows + Tab to access the task view and select New desktop. To move from one to the other, use Windows + Control + Arrows.
Recommended apps for different backgrounds in Windows 10
To make each virtual desktop have its own background in Windows 10, you can use programs like SylphyHorn (available at Microsoft Store) or Windows 10 Virtual Desktop EnhancerThese applications allow you to manage desktop customization easily and reliably.
Setting up SylphyHorn step by step
- Prepare a folder on your computer where all the backgrounds you want to use are, renaming each image with the corresponding desktop number (for example: 1.jpg for the first desktop, 2.jpg for the second…).
- Install SylphyHorn from the Microsoft Store.
- Start the application (it usually stays minimized in the system tray).
- Right click on its icon and enter Settings.
- In the left column, select background and check the option Change the background for each desktop.
- Enter the path to the folder where your number backgrounds are or navigate to it using the button References.
With this, every time you change virtual desktops, the background configured for that number will automatically be displayed.. Additionally, you can disable the notifications that appear with each change from the section General within the application settings.
Alternatives and more possibilities
There are other tools like DisplayFusion o lively-wallpaper which offer even more customization options. You can use them, for example, to set animated backgrounds, create collages, or combine different images and effects to give your desktops and monitors a unique touch.
Tips and tricks to get more out of your virtual desktops
- Reorganize your desktops dragging them into the task view to keep things organized based on your work areas or times of day.
- Move applications from one desktop to another easily. In Task View, drag an app window from the top of the screen to the desktop you want to move it to.
- visual customization: Different backgrounds not only help identify each desktop, they can also influence your mood and concentration. Use cool colors for work and brighter tones for leisure time.
- Activate automatic start from third-party applications like SylphyHorn so that your funds are always applied as soon as you start your computer.
What else can you customize on virtual desktops?
In addition to wallpapers, Windows 11 lets you rename each desktop, adjust how windows are displayed on the taskbar, and decide whether open applications appear only on the active desktop or on all desktops. From the settings Multitasking You can choose to show only the current desktop windows or view them all at once by pressing Alt + Tab.
This is highly recommended for those who want to keep their taskbar clear and avoid confusion between open windows on different desktops.