To "open another Windows" on your computer most commonly refers to utilizing Multiple Desktops, also known as Virtual Desktops. This built-in Windows feature allows you to create separate workspaces to organize your applications and enhance productivity without needing to install another operating system.
Understanding Multiple Desktops (Virtual Desktops)
Multiple Desktops provide distinct environments where you can group related applications and tasks. Imagine having several physical monitors, but all on one screen, accessible with a quick switch. This feature helps declutter your main desktop, organize your workflow, and easily switch between different sets of tasks. For instance, you can have one desktop for work applications, another for personal browsing, and a third for entertainment.
How to Manage Multiple Desktops
Windows offers several intuitive ways to create, switch, and manage your virtual desktops.
1. Using Task View
The Task View feature is your central hub for managing multiple desktops.
- Access Task View:
- Click the Task View icon on your taskbar (it looks like two overlapping rectangles).
- Alternatively, press the
Windows key+Tabon your keyboard. This shortcut is particularly useful for quickly seeing all open applications and desktops.
- Create a New Desktop:
- Once in Task View, look for the "+ New desktop" option at the top or bottom of the screen and click it. A new blank desktop thumbnail will appear.
- Switch Between Desktops:
- In Task View, click on the thumbnail of the desktop you wish to switch to.
- Move Windows Between Desktops:
- In Task View, click and drag an application window from one desktop thumbnail to another.
- Alternatively, right-click on an open window in Task View (or on its icon in the taskbar) and select
Move to>Desktop [number]orNew desktop.
- Close a Desktop:
- In Task View, hover over the desktop thumbnail you want to close. A small 'X' will appear in its corner. Click the 'X' to close it. Any open windows on that desktop will automatically move to the adjacent desktop.
2. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
For even faster navigation and management, mastering these keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your workflow with multiple desktops:
| Action | Keyboard Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Task View | Windows key + Tab |
Displays all open windows and virtual desktops. |
| Create New Desktop | Windows key + Ctrl + D |
Instantly creates and switches to a new blank virtual desktop. |
| Switch Desktops | Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow |
Moves you to the adjacent virtual desktop. |
| Close Current Desktop | Windows key + Ctrl + F4 |
Closes the active virtual desktop. All open apps move to an adjacent desktop. |
These shortcut keys make working with multiple desktops even easier, allowing you to manage your workspaces efficiently without needing to click through menus.
Other Interpretations of "Opening Another Windows"
While Virtual Desktops are the most common interpretation, "opening another Windows" could also refer to running a completely separate instance of the Windows operating system.
1. Running a Virtual Machine
A Virtual Machine (VM) allows you to run an entire operating system, like another instance of Windows, inside a window on your current operating system. This is ideal for testing software, running older applications that require a specific OS version, or isolating environments for security reasons.
- How it Works: You install virtualization software (e.g., VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player) on your computer. Within this software, you can then create and install a full operating system (like Windows 10 or 11) as if it were on a separate physical computer.
- Benefits: Completely isolated environment, ability to run multiple different operating systems simultaneously, easy to revert to previous states (snapshots).
2. Dual Booting
Dual Booting involves installing two or more operating systems directly on your computer's hard drive. When you start your computer, you're presented with a menu to choose which operating system you want to boot into.
- How it Works: You partition your hard drive to allocate space for each operating system. You then install each OS on its respective partition.
- Benefits: Each operating system has full access to your computer's hardware, providing native performance.
- Considerations: You can only use one operating system at a time, requiring a reboot to switch between them. Setting up dual-boot can be more complex and carries a risk of data loss if not done carefully. For detailed guidance, you can refer to resources like Microsoft's documentation on installing Windows.
