A desktop is a computer display area that represents the kinds of objects found on top of a physical desk, including documents, phone books, telephones, reference sources, writing and drawing tools, and project folders.

A desktop can be contained in a window that is part of the total display area or can be full screen, taking up the total display area. Users can have multiple desktops for different projects and work environments, and they can switch between them.

A desktop on a computer display is different from a desktop computer, which is personal computer (PC) that sits on a desk or table.