How does switching between desktops work on Mac Ventura?

JohnFreitag wrote:

Occasionally things download on a separate desktop window and I am unable to either move them to the main window I am working in or even switch back to that window. I have not discovered any foolproof ways to navigate between other desktop windows. Frankly, I have no use for other desktop windows...can I turn that feature off entirely? I have been using Macs since system 6...that's right FORTY years! and I still do not have a clear picture of how desktop windows work...HELP!

You do not need to be using multiple Desktops if it does not suit your workflow...

four finger swipe up for mission control, hover your mouse momentarily for the X to appear.

Mission Control / multiple Desktops was introduced in 2011 with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion

ref

Use Mission Control on your Mac - Apple Support

You can easily navigate between multiple desktops using ctrl + left and ctrl + right keys.

To move files between desktops, just drag a file to the top of the screen. You will see all the available desktops, hover over to the desired desktop and drag the file.