How to move a window to another desktop (Space) on a Mac

Three ways to move a window between Spaces on a Mac: Mission Control, dragging to the edge, and a keyboard trick most people never find.

Guide · Updated 13 October 2026

The surest way: open Mission Control (⌃ ↑ or swipe up with three fingers) and drag the window onto a desktop in the bar at the top of the screen.

Three ways

  1. Mission Control: drag the window to a desktop thumbnail at the top. Drag it to the + at the right to make a new desktop for it.
  2. Hold and switch: click and hold the window's title bar, then press ⌃ → or ⌃ ← (or ⌃ and a number). The window comes with you to the next desktop.
  3. Drag to the edge: drag the window to the left or right edge of the screen and hold it there; after a moment macOS switches desktops with the window in hand.

⌃ and a number only works once it is turned on: System Settings, Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts, Mission Control, Switch to Desktop 1, 2 and so on. See switching desktops.

Make an app always open on one desktop

Right click the app in the Dock, choose Options, and pick This Desktop. See assigning an app to a desktop.

Fewer desktops, less moving

Many people use extra desktops only to make room. ClutterFreeMac makes room on one desktop: every window gets a column on a strip that runs past the screen edge, so you scroll to a window instead of moving it to another Space.

Questions

How do I move a window to another desktop with the keyboard on Mac?

Click and hold the window's title bar, then press ⌃ → or ⌃ ←. The window moves with you to the next desktop.

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