Improve Virtual Desktops In Windows 10

Below we have explained how to improve your Virtual Desktops in Windows 10. There is no secret that Microsoft is trying really hard to give the people Windows 10 and also their steps are questionable- irritating at best and unhelpful at worst- We can’t reject the facilities which are available in the new operating system compared to the previous OS.

In this article, we are trying to look at the virtual desktops feature. We already studied that introductory on how to use virtual desktops, so this article is going to explain you about taking your productivity to a further level. That’s the reason why the virtual desktops exist next to all, to make best productive to you.

By reading this you will understand why I thought the task view feature is the more forcible reason to connect to windows 10.

1. Use a “Current Desktop” Indicator

There is no clear way to find which particular desktop is presently being used so, this is one of the largest oversights of virtual Desktops. For example, we have a try indicator showing which desktop you are using in Linux.

Regrettably, that type of indicate is not accessible natively; so that we should now use simple work but effective around.

Beginning from above VirtualDesktopManager project on GitHub, select Releases along from the top, and download the new binary release in ZIP Form.(confirm that whether you get confused with source code ZIP) you no need to install that app because it is portable app –you can run it as soon as possible before it gets unzipped, because we suggest to move logical program files in a folder somewhere called VirtualDesktopManager.

While running, you can find a new icon in your system tray that specifies which type desktop presently on, that is exactly what we need.

Pro Tip: Create a file shortcut and stick it inside your%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup directory to start VirtualDesktopManager every time you log into Windows.

2. Set a Unique Wallpaper per Desktop

If it is difficult to understand the above tray indicator for you, then you have another way to workaround is trying: set a unique wallpaper for each virtual desktop. So you can immediately see which one you are using.

Or else be successful in best of both worlds and utilise both applications.

Unluckily, Microsoft won;t support individual wallpapers for virtual desktop so you will use a third party application to complete it.

Top above to Virtual Desktop on CodeProject and download the Demo file (another file is just the source code). This one is a portable app and also so no installation necessary, but you will need to create a free CodeProject account to download it

While running, you can assign various wallpapers to every virtual desktop, and when it identifies a connection between virtual desktops, As a result, it alters the wallpaper. It delays for a bit time so it is neither ideal nor bad.

Pro Tip: Create a startup shortcut using the instructions in Tip #1 to start VirtualDesktop every time you log into Windows.

3. Launch Directly on a Certain Desktop

There is another third party application which is important mentioning: VDesk on GitHub. This is a command-line utility which can be installed optionally, that normally adds a fresh item to the menu when you click on the right button on the file.

To get it, search on the releases page at the top and download the most recent EXE release.

After completion of downloading, you can run VDesk in command prompt from anywhere using the below command:

vdesk [#] [application]

To open Notepad, For example run the below command to open second desktop:

vdesk 2 notepad

If you skip the number, it opens on a new desktop:

vdesk notepad

But this is burdensome to do on a usual basis, so we suggest using optional installation feature to fasten the utility into the context menu:

vdesk -install

You will observe a new action named Open in new virtual desktop, which performs same as it says when you click on the right button on any file. To avoid it just run opposite command:

vdesk -uninstall

4. Learn the Keyboard Shortcuts

Probably the simplest way to increase your efficiency with virtual desktops is just to learn the shortcuts of the keyboard such as for removing, adding, and interchanging between open desktops. It is more convenient and even faster compared to a mouse, period.

We’ve discovered the shortcuts of keyboard for Virtual Desktop before, but in case you aren’t well-known, below is quick overview:

Win + Ctrl + Left:change to previous virtual desktop.
Win + Ctrl + Right:change to next virtual desktop.
Win + Ctrl + F4:Close the existing virtual desktop.
Win + Ctrl + D:Create another virtual desktop.
Win + Tab:Open the Task View.

I heard that many users complain about how they are inconvenient and unintuitive. If that expresses you, then you have to think of installing VirtualDesktopManager (instructions are given in tip 1).

You will get two extra shortcuts with this application:

Ctrl + Alt + Left:change to preceding virtual desktop.
Ctrl + Alt + Right:change to next virtual desktop.

Sometimes it won’t record may be due to another application is already using that, in which you can go to settings and utilise alternate shortcuts:

Shift + Alt + Left:change to the previous virtual desktop.
Shift + Alt + Right:change to next virtual desktop.

These shortcuts are the best method to increase control over your desktops in any case. Overlook them to the risk of your office efficiency.

5. Organise Your Desktops by Function

This last tip also answers the frequently asked question, “why to use Virtual desktops, anyway?” Though the feature aspects cool, many people are not sure of using it effectively. If that expresses you, carry on reading.

Virtual desktops are not so effective to have a number of monitors, which permits you to view all of your desktops simultaneously. Think of using virtual desktop as ways to arrange your desktop instead use them as a way to expand your desktop.

Below is How I had set up my virtual desktop:

Desktop 1is dedicated to free time: video games, web browsing, IRC and immediate messengers, etc.
Desktop 2is dedicated to utilities: music applications such as Spotify, email applications like Postbox , and other useful tools I may want to run in the
Desktop 3is dedicated to work: divide browser full of research tabs, applications for note-taking and writing, etc.

I stay fixed on Desktop 3, when working. I’m less probable to lose of time because all of my “distracting” applications are on Desktop 1. I change over to Desktop 1 when i finish my work, so that I can slip up and relax.

Every time I’m only one screen away from checking my email or pass over to another song because Desktop 2 is in the middle. When the apps will be open on the present desktop don’t forget that they only will show as “active” in the Taskbar.

You need not have to arrange your desktops in a similar way, but hope it gives an overview of how it can be set up in a way that improves your efficiency.

Let Virtual Desktops Make Your Life Easier

To get ease with the virtual desktop workflow, it takes about a week of daily use, but once you get over that initial hump, you’ll surprise how you eternally got by without them.

If you aren’t on Windows 10 till now, there are ways to get virtual desktops on Windows XP, 7, and 8. Though, it’s nicer to have it as a native feature, so you should seriously think to raise Windows 10 while you can.

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