If you’ve ever wondered about the small icon next to the Cortana/search bar that looks like a rectangle overlapping another rectangle in Windows 10, you’re looking at Task View. But what does Task View actually do, and how can it make your workflow smoother? In this guide, we’ll explain what Task View does in Windows 10, how to use it effectively, and why it’s one of the most underappreciated productivity tools built into Windows.
What Is Task View?
Task View is a built-in Windows 10 feature that allows users to:
-
See all open apps and windows at a glance
-
Switch quickly between tasks
-
Create and manage virtual desktops
Think of it as a bird’s-eye view of everything happening on your computer. Instead of clicking through each window or app, Task View gives you an organized overview.
Key Features of Task View
1. View All Open Windows
When you open Task View, Windows displays thumbnails of all currently open apps and documents. You can click on any window to bring it to the front.
2. Virtual Desktops
Task View allows you to create multiple desktops, which is perfect for separating workspaces. For example:
-
Desktop 1 – Work apps (Excel, Word, Outlook)
-
Desktop 2 – Personal apps (browser, media, games)
This keeps your workflow clean and organized.
3. Timeline (Windows 10 Feature Update)
Windows 10 introduced Timeline within Task View. Timeline shows a chronological history of apps and files you’ve used in the past 30 days, helping you pick up where you left off.
How to Open Task View
There are several ways to access Task View in Windows 10:
Method 1: Task View Button
-
Look for the Task View icon on the taskbar (next to Cortana/search).
-
Click it to open the Task View interface.
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut
-
Press Windows key + Tab to instantly open Task View.
-
Use arrow keys to navigate through open windows and desktops.
Method 3: Touch Gesture (on Touchscreen Devices)
-
Swipe in from the left edge of the screen to open Task View.
How to Use Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops are a game-changer for multitasking. Here’s how to use them:
Step 1: Open Task View
-
Press Windows key + Tab or click the Task View icon.
Step 2: Add a New Desktop
-
Click New Desktop at the top left.
-
A new, empty desktop will appear.
Step 3: Move Apps Between Desktops
-
In Task View, drag any open window to a different desktop.
-
This allows you to organize apps by project or category.
Step 4: Switch Between Desktops
-
Press Ctrl + Windows key + Left/Right arrow to quickly move between desktops.
How to Close a Virtual Desktop
-
Open Task View.
-
Hover over the desktop you want to close.
-
Click the X in the top-right corner.
Note: Closing a virtual desktop does not close any open apps—they are moved to the next available desktop.
Why Task View Improves Productivity
-
Reduces clutter – Multiple desktops keep apps organized.
-
Speeds up navigation – Switch between tasks quickly without Alt+Tab chaos.
-
Improves focus – Separate work and personal tasks across desktops.
-
Easier multitasking – Track all open windows at a glance.
Tips and Tricks for Task View
-
Keyboard shortcuts save time:
-
Windows + Tab – Open Task View
-
Ctrl + Windows + D – Create new virtual desktop
-
Ctrl + Windows + F4 – Close current virtual desktop
-
-
Drag and drop windows between desktops for organized workflow.
-
Use Timeline to reopen recently closed files or apps quickly.
Common Issues and Fixes
1. Task View Button Missing
-
Right-click the taskbar → select Show Task View button.
2. Virtual Desktops Not Switching
-
Ensure you’re using Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right arrow for navigation.
3. Timeline Not Showing Apps
-
Go to Settings > Privacy > Activity History and enable “Let Windows collect my activities”.
FAQ: Task View in Windows 10
1. Is Task View the same as Alt + Tab?
No. Alt + Tab switches windows one by one, while Task View provides an overview and virtual desktop management.
2. Can I rename virtual desktops?
Yes. In Task View, right-click the desktop and choose Rename.
3. Does Task View affect performance?
No significant impact. Virtual desktops and Task View are lightweight and optimized.
4. Can I move apps between virtual desktops on multiple monitors?
Yes. Task View supports multi-monitor setups for app management.
5. How long does Timeline keep activity history?
By default, up to 30 days of app and file activity.
Key Takeaways
-
Task View gives you a bird’s-eye view of all open windows and apps.
-
Virtual desktops let you organize tasks and projects efficiently.
-
Timeline within Task View helps you resume work quickly.
-
Keyboard shortcuts make switching between windows and desktops seamless.
-
Task View improves productivity by reducing clutter and enhancing multitasking.
By understanding what Task View does in Windows 10, you can manage your workspace more efficiently, stay organized, and boost productivity whether you’re working on multiple projects or simply keeping your personal and work apps separate.
