Too many open windows on one screen? This Sysinternals utility spreads applications across as many as four virtual desktops. Configure hotkeys, then switch spaces with a keyboard shortcut or the tray icon’s desktop preview.
Separate work by desktop
Desktops creates distinct Windows desktop objects, with a separate space for each group of applications. For example, email can stay on one desktop, web browsing on another, and productivity software on a third. Switching spaces changes which group of windows is shown, keeping unrelated tasks out of the current view.
Windows associates an application window with the desktop where the window was created. That association is maintained as you move between desktops, so each space retains its own open windows.
How do you switch between spaces?
Set up hotkeys for desktop switching, then use the keyboard shortcuts as you work. The tray icon offers another route: open its preview and switching window to view the desktops and select one. Desktops supports up to four spaces.
- Keep related applications together on one desktop.
- Use a hotkey or select a desktop from the tray preview.
Desktop-object limitations
Because Desktops relies on Windows desktop objects, windows cannot be moved from one desktop to another. Plan which desktop should hold an application before opening its window there.
A separate Explorer process runs on each desktop for its taskbar and Start menu. Tray icons of most programs show only on the first desktop, so their icons may not appear when you switch to another space.
Individual desktop objects cannot be deleted. Desktops therefore has no option to close one desktop; logging off is the recommended way to exit the utility.
Pros
- Supports up to four separate virtual desktops
- Switch desktops with configurable hotkeys
- The tray icon opens a desktop preview and switching window
- Each space keeps its own open windows
Cons
- Windows does not let Desktops move a window between desktop objects
- Most tray applications appear only on the first desktop
- Desktops cannot close individual desktop objects; logging off is the recommended way to exit
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
How many virtual desktops can Desktops create?
Desktops supports up to four virtual desktops.
Can I move an open window to another desktop?
No. Windows does not provide a way for Desktops to move a window between its desktop objects.
How do I switch desktops?
Use a configured hotkey or open the tray icon’s desktop preview and switching window.