How to Switch Desks on Chromebook with Keyboard

Are you tired of having multiple windows open and cluttering your workspace? Chromebooks have a solution for that! Desks are a feature that allows users to create separate workspaces for different tasks, making it easier to stay organized and focused. In this article, we will show you how to switch desks on Chromebook with keyboard shortcuts and alternative methods.

Understanding Desks on Chromebook

Before we dive into switching desks, let’s first understand what they are. Desks are virtual desktops within your Chromebook that allow you to organize your apps and windows into separate workspaces. You can create up to 4 desks on a single Chromebook, each with its own set of apps and windows.

Desks are helpful when you need to switch between different tasks or projects quickly. For example, you can have one desk dedicated to work-related tasks while another desk is for personal use. By separating your workspaces, you reduce distractions and increase productivity.

To access the desk feature on your Chromebook, click the “Overview” button (the square icon) in the top row of your keyboard or swipe up using three fingers on the touchpad. From there, click the “New Desk” button located in the top right corner of the screen.

Now that you know what desks are let’s move onto how to switch between them using keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard Shortcut for Switching Desks

Chromebooks have built-in keyboard shortcuts that make switching between desks quick and easy. Here’s how:

1. Press “Search + ]” (or “Search + [” if you want to move left) on your keyboard.
2. This will bring up a thumbnail view of all your open desks.
3. Use the arrow keys or trackpad/scroll wheel to select the desk you want.
4. Press Enter or click on the desired desk thumbnail.
5. You’re now on your selected desk!

Using this keyboard shortcut saves time compared to clicking back and forth between desks manually. However, if you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts, there’s an alternative method for switching desks that we’ll cover next.

Now, let’s move on to the alternative method for switching desks.

Alternative Method for Switching Desks

While the keyboard shortcut is convenient, some users may prefer a different method for switching between desks. Here’s how:

1. Click the “Overview” button (the square icon) in the top row of your keyboard or swipe up using three fingers on the touchpad.
2. From there, click on the desk you want to switch to.
3. You’re now on your selected desk!

This method requires a few extra clicks than the keyboard shortcut, but it’s still straightforward and simple.

In the next section, we’ll share some tips and tricks for managing your desks more efficiently.

Keyboard Shortcut for Switching Desks

The keyboard shortcut for switching desks on Chromebook is a quick and efficient way to jump between multiple workspaces. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Press “Search + ]” (or “Search + [” if you want to move left) on your keyboard.
2. This will bring up a thumbnail view of all your open desks.
3. Use the arrow keys or trackpad/scroll wheel to select the desk you want.
4. Press Enter or click on the desired desk thumbnail.
5. You’re now on your selected desk!

It’s that simple! If you have more than four desks open, keep pressing Search + ] until you reach the desired desk.

Pro Tip: If you want to move an app from one desk to another, drag and drop it onto the desired desk in overview mode.

Alternative Method for Switching Desks

If you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts, there’s an alternative method for switching between desks. Here’s how:

1. Click the “Overview” button (the square icon) in the top row of your keyboard or swipe up using three fingers on the touchpad.
2. From there, click on the desk you want to switch to.
3. You’re now on your selected desk!

While this method may take a few extra clicks than using a shortcut, it’s still effortless and straightforward to use.

Pro Tip: You can also customize your desktops by changing their names or backgrounds by right-clicking on them in overview mode.

Now that we’ve covered both methods for switching desks let’s move onto some tips and tricks for managing multiple desktops efficiently.

Tips and Tricks

Now that you know how to switch between desks, here are some additional tips and tricks for managing your desks on Chromebook efficiently:

1. Organize Your Desks by Task or Project

One of the benefits of using desks is that you can create specific workspaces for different tasks or projects. For example, you can have one desk for email, another for writing, and a third for research. By keeping your apps and windows separate, you reduce distractions and increase productivity.

2. Customize Each Desk

Each desk has its own set of apps and windows, so take advantage of this feature by customizing each desk to fit your needs. You can add or remove apps from each desk as needed, making it easier to switch between tasks quickly.

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Move Windows Between Desks

If you have a window open in one desk but need it in another, use the keyboard shortcut “Search + Alt + ]” (or “Search + Alt + [” if you want to move left) to move the window between desks quickly.

By utilizing these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to manage your desks more efficiently and get more done in less time!

Troubleshooting

While switching between desks on Chromebook is generally straightforward, there are some common issues that users may encounter. Here are a few solutions to fix these issues:

1. Desk Thumbnails Not Showing Up

If the thumbnails for your desks aren’t showing up when you try to switch between them using the keyboard shortcut, try restarting your Chromebook or updating your operating system. This should resolve any issues with missing thumbnail previews.

2. Apps Not Appearing on Correct Desk

Occasionally, apps may appear on the wrong desk even if they were originally added to a different one. To fix this issue, simply drag the app from its current location onto the correct desk.

3. Desk Not Switching

If you’re having trouble switching between desks using the keyboard shortcut, try using the alternative method we discussed earlier. If that doesn’t work, restart your Chromebook or check for any updates to your operating system.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can quickly resolve any issues and get back to using your desks on Chromebook efficiently!

Conclusion

Desks are an excellent feature on Chromebooks for staying organized and productive. With the keyboard shortcut and alternative method, switching between desks is quick and easy. By separating workspaces, you can focus on specific tasks without distractions from other open windows.

If you’re new to using desks on your Chromebook, it may take some getting used to. But with a little practice, you’ll be switching between desks like a pro in no time!

In addition to the keyboard shortcut and alternative method, there are many other tips and tricks for managing desks more efficiently. For example, you can customize wallpapers for each desktop or use different desk names to help keep track of tasks.

Overall, using desks on your Chromebook is an effective way to stay organized and increase productivity. Give it a try and see how it works for you!