Questions tagged [virtual-desktop]

A virtual desktop is a way to expand the space of the computer's desktop environment beyond the physical limits of the screen's display area. For question related the virtualized environment between the computer platform and its operating system use the tag [virtual-machine]. For question related simply to the part of a graphical user interface upon which other elements like icons, windows, toolbars or widgets are placed refer to the tag [desktop].

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177 votes
7 answers
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Change name of Virtual Desktop in Windows 10

When adding Virtual Desktops on Windows 10 they are just named sequentially: Desktop 1, Desktop 2, ... etc Is there a way to modify these names to provide something more meaningful? i.e. Home, School,...
KyleMit's user avatar
  • 6,315
177 votes
23 answers
223k views

Is there a way to move the current window to another desktop without using a mouse in OS X?

In OS X as I'm aware to move the current window to the next desktop, I'd click down on the title bar of the window to have it in move mode, and then while keeping the mouse button down, press Ctrl+&...
user avatar
111 votes
5 answers
117k views

Assigning a virtual desktop to a monitor in Windows 10

Is there a way to assign a virtual desktop to a monitor in Windows 10 (i.e. have every monitor show a different VD)?
Traveling Tech Guy's user avatar
110 votes
6 answers
51k views

How to rearrange virtual desktops in Windows 10

Is there any solution on how I could rearrange my virtual desktops in the task-view (WIN+TAB)?
PatrickMA's user avatar
  • 1,221
97 votes
3 answers
54k views

Pin applications to multiple desktops in Windows 10

One of the big new features for Windows is the fact that multiple "virtual" desktops are now natively supported, allowing you to organise collections of windows together and separate groups of tasks. ...
Mokubai's user avatar
  • 92.6k
57 votes
7 answers
171k views

Split monitor into virtual monitors

I'm searching for a solution to split one physical monitor into two( or more?) virtual monitors. Let's say I've a monitor (monitor_a) with the resolution of 1920*1080. Now I want this monitor_a to ...
jawo's user avatar
  • 738
30 votes
5 answers
32k views

Virtual Desktop Manager for Windows 7 [closed]

I'm surprised to still NOT see a build in feature to be able to utilized more then one desktop! I mean every popular OS has it build in! Apple Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and I'm pretty sure many others....
alexus's user avatar
  • 2,894
30 votes
2 answers
6k views

How to show a window on all virtual desktops

If using Windows 10's built-in virtual desktop: Is it possible to show a window on all desktops and not only on a single one?
Hannes's user avatar
  • 497
30 votes
3 answers
6k views

Windows 10 virtual desktops - preserve taskbar order

Is there a way to preserve the taskbar order while switching between virtual desktops in Windows 10? The order resets on my PC every time, and that's very annoying.
Paul's user avatar
  • 1,733
29 votes
4 answers
17k views

Shortcut keys to move windows between virtual Windows 10 desktops?

In Windows 10, are there keyboard shortcut keys to move an application window between virtual Windows desktops? For example, I remember in Ubuntu, I can press CTRL+SHIFT+RIGHT and that will move the ...
learningtech's user avatar
  • 1,141
25 votes
5 answers
18k views

Avoid automatically switching to other virtual desktop when opening a file

I have been using virtual desktops in Windows 10 for a while. It works fine, the only issue I found and would love to solve is as the following scenario: I have Virtual Desktop 1 with Microsoft Excel ...
Yaman's user avatar
  • 373
22 votes
1 answer
13k views

Windows 10: How to save a virtual desktop session?

I work on multiple projects involving many different tools and therefore windows in my taskbar. I use the virtual desktop feature of Windows 10 to avoid having a messy desktop. I can let my laptop go ...
jacq's user avatar
  • 329
19 votes
6 answers
15k views

Is there a Linux window manager that allows separate virtual desktops (workspaces) on separate monitors? [closed]

For instance, in Gnome, I can set up multiple Gnome workspaces. But when I add a second monitor, all I get is my current workspace extended onto the second monitor. I hate it. Every time I run a ...
John Thompson's user avatar
19 votes
2 answers
3k views

How do I open a program directly to a specific virtual desktop with powershell

I am setting up a monitor screen. Because of the compatibility with different web pages viewed running a tab switcher in Firefox or Chrome is not working well for all websites. I am trying to create ...
Atalon's user avatar
  • 191
17 votes
1 answer
18k views

Stop automatic switching of virtual desktops in Windows 10

Having used Linux-based OSs for several years I grew to love the virtual desktops. I was happy to find out that W10 had implemented virtual desktops too. However using them i have found that ...
nluigi's user avatar
  • 223
17 votes
2 answers
9k views

Windows 10 Virtual Desktops and multiple program instances

I'm having an issue with the new Virtual Desktops in Windows 10. For example: From Desktop 1, double click the file "test1.xlsx". This will open the file in a new instance of Excel (specifically 2010,...
chezy525's user avatar
  • 271
16 votes
3 answers
23k views

Running virtual desktops (like Spaces on Mac OS) on Windows 7

I make much use of Ctrl-arrows to new virtual desktops on my MacBook to get more real estate, organize like-applications and windows, and help focus on a task at a time. How can I get the same or ...
davebug's user avatar
  • 261
15 votes
2 answers
2k views

Possible to keep a window in all virtual desktops? [duplicate]

In Ubuntu you can have virtual desktops, and toggle individual windows to exist on all of those desktops. How do I do the same in Windows 10?
Alejandro Huerta's user avatar
14 votes
4 answers
19k views

Windows 10 - virtual desktop startup automation

I've not been able to find much on this so I thought I'd ask here: I am looking for a way to have multiple virtual desktops created on logon and a few applications automatically started in each. For ...
Abraxas's user avatar
  • 4,356
14 votes
1 answer
3k views

Notepad++ one instance per each virtual desktop

I have problem with opening .txt file on windows-10. Notepad++ is default program to open .txt files, but when there is notepad++ application already running in other virtual desktop OS will ...
watbywbarif's user avatar
13 votes
2 answers
12k views

independent and separate Virtual Desktops on each Monitor - Win 10 & 11

I know it is not a new problem, but I'm switching from MAC to Win and this issue drastically affected my productivity. the problem was discussed in multiple forums without any clear answer, but I'm ...
reza_679's user avatar
  • 131
13 votes
2 answers
9k views

Possible to have different taskbars on different windows 10 desktops?

When creating different desktops in Windows 10 (Win+Tab) it seems you can only have one taskbar across all desktops. Ideally, I want to have a personal desktop and a work one which have different ...
Jameson_uk's user avatar
13 votes
3 answers
2k views

How to map a virtual desktop to a monitor in a multiple monitor setup?

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Microsoft Windows 7 My laptop is plugged to a docking station that supports dual monitors, which I use extensively. I have windows placed where I want them. All is ...
t3.'s user avatar
  • 131
12 votes
5 answers
5k views

Make programs (specifically chrome) open on same virtual desktop

Windows has virtual desktops which is great. I use separate desktops for different things I am working on. But if I close a program (or reboot), then when I open the program again the program appear ...
Jan Stanstrup's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
1k views

How to disable flashing VirtuaWin systray icon? Window is not responding

I have to run an application which is not responding so ViruaWin isn't able to manage it. (There is a "1 window not responding" tooltip on its systray icon.) Because of the hanging VirtuaWin flashes ...
palacsint's user avatar
  • 627
12 votes
2 answers
7k views

Windows virtual desktops: Cycle back to first desktop at end

Let's say I have three virtual desktops. I know I can navigate through them using: ctrl + windows + left | right However, is there a way to make it cycle back through to the beginning if I reach the ...
Caedan's user avatar
  • 231
11 votes
1 answer
11k views

Move window to new desktop in Windows 10?

In the current Windows 10 tech preview, you can finally add new "virtual" desktops and quickly jump between them. But is it possible to move an open window (for example a browser) from one desktop to ...
Thomas's user avatar
  • 631
11 votes
4 answers
6k views

Move windows between KDE activties

KDE 4.6 Plasma Workspaces added support for managing windows in Activities, which are a sort of combination between virtual desktops and session management. But I still haven't figured out some basic ...
Mechanical snail's user avatar
11 votes
3 answers
6k views

Stop Windows 10 virtual desktops from switching when opening programs

Whenever I run a program that is already open in another desktop it automatically switches me to that particular desktop. and it's so annoying with some programs like notepad++ that I use for many ...
primee's user avatar
  • 121
11 votes
3 answers
2k views

Chrome instances move to same virtual desktop after sleep or hibernate in Windows 10

I use Google Chrome on Windows 10, and I like to keep one window with a set of tabs in one virtual desktop and another Chrome window in a different desktop Frequently after sleeping or hibernating my ...
Aaron Campbell's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
12k views

Windows 10: Run virtual desktop on one monitor only?

I currently have an external monitor connected to my laptop. I have four virtual desktops that span both screens. I would like to have my external monitor have the four virtual desktops, but only ...
Luis's user avatar
  • 103
10 votes
4 answers
8k views

In Windows 10 is it possible to arrange virtual desktops in a grid with multiple rows and columns as I can on linux?

Title says it all. I usually have a 3x4 array of virtual desktops on linux. Can I do the same on Windows 10. I don't believe that you can with the UI. Was wondering if it were possible by editing ...
demented hedgehog's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
5k views

Virtual Desktop Properties To Command Line

Is there a way from the command line (wmic, regedit, or dedicated tool) to check how many Virtual Desktops in Windows 10 are active, in which a window is, and which one the computer is currently using?...
Paul's user avatar
  • 188
10 votes
2 answers
6k views

Starting Programs in a Specific Virtual Desktop

When I boot my laptop, I'd like to have two programs open, A and B. I can do this using the startup folder, but I'd like to open A in my first desktop and B in my second desktop. Is this possible in ...
Windows10User's user avatar
9 votes
4 answers
3k views

Force Sublime Text to open on current virtual desktop in Windows 10

I often have several virtual desktops open in Windows 10 with various programs in each one. I often want to open in my current virtual desktop a new instance of a program that already has a window ...
erobertc's user avatar
  • 633
9 votes
5 answers
7k views

How can I show the desktop name when I'm switching virtual desktops in Windows 10?

Now that renaming windows desktops is possible in the latest Windows 10 build, it leaves me looking for an overlay of the name when I am switching desktops, or some other indication (custom wallpaper, ...
VirtualAgent4294967296's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

Windows 11 - Hide/Remove virtual desktop indicator while changing

A few weeks ago, the virtual desktop moving animation returned to Windows 11, including an indicator that shows on what virtual desktop you are. There is any way to disable this indicator? Tried the ...
Vinicius Leterio's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
10k views

How can I force a program to open in a specific desktop?

I've created an environment where I use 3 different desktop configurations, but every time I reboot, I have to manually open each program in that target desktop to make it look like it did before. ...
Laith's user avatar
  • 191
9 votes
1 answer
8k views

Multiple Workspaces in Windows with Two Monitors

I have a dual monitor (soon to be a three-monitor) setup. I am running windows 7 and my machine is capable of anything (no worries about memory hogs or intensive cpu loads). What I would like to do ...
slimbo's user avatar
  • 193
9 votes
4 answers
8k views

Restore open applications, documents, and window state

When working on a project, I generally have a couple of Explorer windows open to relevant folders and a couple of applications (e.g. Eclipse and a form development tool) open to specific project-...
rfeague's user avatar
  • 203
9 votes
4 answers
17k views

AutoHotKey - Custom shortcut to switch to next/previous desktop in Windows 10

I have written a small AutoHotKey script to switch virtual desktops in Windows 10. I wrote this code so that I could switch desktops with my own custom keyboard shortcut instead of using Windows 10's ...
MattsterJames's user avatar
8 votes
9 answers
2k views

Why windows went for so long without Virtual Desktops? [closed]

Windows has lacked Virtual desktop since it's origin (although Windows 1.0 had a tiling window manager :), and has required always the use of a third party application or a PowerToy (Windows XP+). ...
voyager's user avatar
  • 2,750
8 votes
2 answers
5k views

Openbox : make 4 desktops 2x2

Strangely, my openbox default rc.xml file has keyboard shortcuts for the commands DesktopDown and DesktopUp, but it seems that the only configuration option for the desktops is their number (which is ...
glmxndr's user avatar
  • 181
8 votes
1 answer
3k views

Windows 10 - Automatically focus windows on virtual desktops

I really love the new virtual desktops of Windows 10, but everytime I switch to a virtual desktop, I have to press ALT+TAB to focus the only window on that desktop. That kind of kills the feature, ...
itmuckel's user avatar
  • 438
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

Windows 10 Multiple Desktop Affinity for processes

I've never really used multiple desktops before on different operating systems, so maybe this is just how they work. But if I kick off a process on one desktop, and then switch to another desktop ...
CleverPatrick's user avatar
7 votes
4 answers
16k views

What is the equivalent of Mac OS X Spaces for Windows?

I am looking for a utility that does the same task done by Spaces for Mac OS X. For who doesn't know it, it's a utility that allows you to create virtual screens in order to not have all the screens ...
apaderno's user avatar
  • 1,478
7 votes
1 answer
4k views

How to prevent windows from changing external display virtual desktop when I change primary display virtual desktop?

I have a 2 screen setup and I use virtual desktop on windows 10. When I change from virtual desktop 1 to virtual desktop 2 in Display1, it also changes on display2. It there a way to prevent this ...
dave's user avatar
  • 71
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

Split wide monitor into multiple displays?

There are many similar questions but most of the answers mention a tool that splits a single desktop into different areas and make it easy to move windows from one area to another, maximize in an area ...
Miserable Variable's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
8k views

Better virtual desktop switching in Win10

To switch virtual desktops in Windows 10, one has to use the Task View, or use the keyboard shortcuts. Is there a way to have virtual desktops buttons (or at least arrows) on the task bar, like in ...
dr_'s user avatar
  • 4,442
7 votes
1 answer
794 views

VirtuaWin - Show window on 2 out of 4 Desktops

Is there a way to configure VirtuaWin (http://virtuawin.sourceforge.net/) so that a window is displayed on more than 1 desktop, but not on all of them? For example I want to show Visual Studio on ...
ppittle's user avatar
  • 1,074

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