Tech how-to: Set up multiple desktops to keep work and home separate
Multitasking can feel overwhelming when working from home. You’ve got work and personal tabs open at once, not to mention all the new work-related programs you must use. Worse still is if you share a computer with family. But you can separate work-from-home programs by using multiple desktops.
Before you even think about optimizing your onscreen efficiency, you’ve got to set up your home office. Tap or click here for the 10 things you need to work from home.
For macOS and Windows, virtual desktops are just a few clicks away. But first, a quick lesson on what desktops are and why it makes sense to use multiples.
What are desktops?
Desktops are comprised of your screen and open browsers, apps and programs. To separate work from personal desktops, create multiples you can switch between. Want to take a break from work? Switch to your personal desktop to play a game or go online for some retail therapy.
You may think the same can be achieved by logging on as different users on your computer. This is true, but then you’re left switching between accounts throughout the day and having to enter passwords and it isn’t a quick or easy process. Why go through all those extra steps?
Instead, use multiple desktops. Not sure how? Well, you’re in luck if you have a Windows PC or Mac.
Windows’ Multiple Desktops
Microsoft calls its virtual desktop feature Multiple Desktops. Using this tool, you can generate new desktops and switch between them. Each desktop will house whatever programs you open on that desktop only.
The best part? Switching between desktops and moving apps and windows between them is easy.
Here’s how to use Multiple Desktops on a Windows PC:
- Click the Task View button from your taskbar. It looks like this:
- Click + New desktop at the top left of the screen to create new desktops. You’ll now see multiple desktops to choose from.
- Choose whichever desktop you’d like to jump to by clicking Task View again and choosing which desktop to use. Your initial desktop is called Desktop 1.
- Add new windows to your freshly created desktop by dragging the thumbnails of whichever open program you’d like to whichever desktop you’d like.
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You probably have a limited amount of space on your desk, especially if you’re working at home. Multiple monitors might seem like an impossibility, but you do have options. Tap or click here to check out a portable monitor that can be placed or taken along just about anywhere.
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When the 16-inch MacBook Pro 16 first hit the scene back in 2019, tech critics rejoiced. Finally, Apple’s butterfly keyboard design flew away on a breeze. In its place, Apple inserted a ton of user-friendly features. From a more comfortable keyboard to a physical escape key, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 prioritizes your experience.
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