7 tips for better desktop tab management when working on Windows 11

If you want a cleaner screen and faster app access, explore these tips for managing tab clutter on your Windows 11 desktop.

1. Name your Windows browser

By default, browser windows are named according to the currently open tab. To help you multitask better on Windows 11, you can name your browser windows to identify pages faster. Here's how to rename windows in Microsoft Edge or Chrome:

1. Right-click the window title bar at the top of your browsing window.

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2. From the options, select Name Window…

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3. Assign a name to the window and click OK.

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Unfortunately, this method does not apply to Firefox users, however, you can solve this problem by installing Window Titler, a free Firefox add-on.

You can see the window name on the taskbar and when using the Alt + Tab switch tool . Using this method can help you find information faster when switching between windows quickly. It's also useful if your work involves constantly switching between two or more windows.

2. Use the Window Snapping feature

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Window Snapping is one of the most useful multitasking features of Windows 11. Some presets have been carried over to Windows 10 but there are several layouts in the latest version of Windows to increase your productivity.

To see all available window layouts, press Windows + Z . If you have a favorite layout, you can snap a window to any of these presets. Make sure the window is highlighted with your cursor, apply the shortcut, then click anywhere from the template to snap the window to its location.

For a faster method, you can drag a window to the top of the screen to view and apply any snapping presets. Windows 11 has kept quick access to the most basic presets from the previous version. Drag a window to the right or left of the screen to split your screen in half. To divide your screen into 4 parts, drag the window to one corner.

3. Minimize and maximize windows faster

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If you're not good with a mouse or like the speed of pressing keyboard buttons, Windows 11 has many keyboard shortcuts to help you minimize and maximize tabs faster.

If your desktop becomes cluttered, you can use the  Windows + M keyboard shortcut to minimize all open windows immediately. You can restore them using Shift + Windows + M .

For each individual window, you can press Windows + Down Arrow to minimize individual windows. Use Windows + Up Arrow  to maximize the selected window.

4. Use numbered shortcuts on the taskbar

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Opening multiple apps at once can be difficult. Luckily, the Windows taskbar has a hidden shortcut to instantly open apps from the taskbar.

Shortcuts work based on the application's location on the taskbar. Hold the Windows key then press the number corresponding to the application's location to open it immediately. For example, Windows + 3 will open the third item on the taskbar. This shortcut works regardless of whether the application is open or not.

If an application has multiple open windows, you can cycle through each window by repeatedly tapping the number key. You can also access a list of in-app shortcuts for each taskbar item. Press Windows + Alt + [1–9] to open a shortcut for the corresponding application on the taskbar.

5. Use virtual desktops

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Virtual desktops were introduced in Windows 10 but continue to be developed in the latest version of Windows. They will help you stay organized and you achieve work-life balance when working remotely.

To create a new virtual desktop, open Task view with Windows + Tab , then select New Desktop . From Task view, you can rename virtual desktops by clicking the default name and easily move windows between desktops. To move a window to a new desktop, open Task view, then drag the window from the top window to the desktop list.

You don't need to go to Task view every time you want to switch between desktops. You can navigate between virtual desktops instantly using the Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow shortcut .

6. Use the Alt + Tab converter

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If you're browsing online, you can use Ctrl + Tab to quickly switch between browser tabs. But what if you want to quickly switch between windows?

Windows' famous Alt + Tab shortcut can help you switch between windows faster to get you to what you need. Hold down the Alt button and press the Tab button to activate the Alt + Tab converter . Make sure you continue holding down the Alt key when using the shortcut.

To advance through windows, press the Tab key until you reach your desired window. To go back, hold down the Shift key along with the Alt key. If, like many people, you don't like the Alt + Tab window disappearing when you release the Alt key , there is a workaround. Use the keyboard shortcut  Alt + Ctrl + Tab to get a fixed view of the Alt + Tab converter . This also allows you to open windows by clicking on them instead of using the Tab key repeatedly.

7. Download third-party apps

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If you're looking for more ways to organize your desktop windows, you can install third-party applications. SideSlide is a free application where you can arrange your desktop windows more quickly and neatly when working on your PC.

SideSlide organizes tabs on the screen into containers, allowing you to group multiple windows. You can add URLs and files from your hard drive to the container. You can also add notes and reminders. SideSlide's flexible approach to window management is guaranteed to improve workflow and keep you online efficiently. The best thing is that this app is free to use.

Micah Soto

Update 21 September 2023