I share here a tool recommendation for handling virtual desktops on Windows.
Why Virtual Desktops?
I especially love to use Virtual Desktops when I do some virtual presentations or record some screencasts where I share my screen.
Using a virtual desktop for this case allows me to hide some applications from the presentation easily i.e. without having to close them.
I also like to use virtual desktops for having a specific desktop design for specific tasks e.g. for Coding or Writing.
Windows Status quo
Windows already offers a basic virtual desktop functionality that you can trigger using the Win + Tab (similar to Alt+Tab) hotkey to switch Desktops.
Unfortunately I find the functionality a bit limited. For example there are :
- no possibility to custom backgrounds - one background image per desktop
- no possibility to remove desktop icons (clean desktop)
For such advanced functionality, I recommend using another tool.
Tool recommendation: VirtuaWin
Homepage
VirtuaWin is a freeware under GNU GPL.
Installation / Setup
You can install a Portable version (no need for Admin rights)
Previously I had to install the Beta version because of some bugs in v4.4 (Custom Desktops Bug: with different screens/ setup (e.g. Home and Work) desktop images are resized, blinking icon)
For documentation Test versions are stored here: https://sourceforge.net/
Modules
I recommend you to install some Modules to pimp your VirtuaWin.
I personally use:
- VirtuaWallpapersPlus
This allows you to add custom background/wallpaper images for each Virtual Desktop - to get you in the mood. - DesktopIcons
This enables the user to select which desktop icons are visible and set their position on each VirtuaWin desktop.
Setup custom Wallpapers
Go to Setup (Right Mouse Click =RMC on systray icon->Setup.)
Select the Modules Tab.
Click on VirtualWallpapersPlus.
Press the button Configure
From there you can browse for an image file (jpg only) to assign as wallpaper for your virtual desktop.
Hotkeys
You can setup hotkeys to activate a Desktop.
RMC on systray icon->Setup. Select the Hotkeys Tab
This is how I have setup the hotkeys:
Usage
When VirtuaWin is started, you will see its small icon on the System Tray.
You can access its functionality by right-clicking on the icon.
To switch to the next virtual desktop I like to Middle-mouse click (MMC) on the system tray icon.
To switch to the previous desktop Shift+MMC
If you normal-click on the systray icon you can then get windows from other desktops into your current one by selecting the window in the "Move here" list.
Alt+NumPad #: will switch to Desktop #
Alt +PgUp: will switch to next Desktop
Alt+PgDwn: will switch to previous Desktop
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