Windows Virtual Desktops

Joel David Hernández Cruz 31

Is there a way either native to Windows or using 3rd party software to be able to have dedicated virtual desktops per monitor?

Ankit Mathur 1 Reputation point

2022-04-20T08:56:02.29+00:00

As far as the third party is concerned you can try Citrix, they have a similar solution that can work for you. Check it out https://www.oxtrys.com/introduction-to-citrix-virtual-apps-and-desktops

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Limitless Technology 39,686 Reputation points

2021-11-02T19:22:07.893+00:00

Hello @Joel David Hernández Cruz

Unfortunately not with the windows 10 feature. Each virtual desktop contains all of your monitors. So when you switch to another virtual desktop you are switching to a new virtual desktop that spans all of your monitors.

Maybe one of the third party solutions can do this and run on Windows 10.

There is a workaround that can get near what you want to do:

Type Win + Tab to show up the Multiple Desktops panel also showing windows of the current desktop. Right click on one of them and you can choose either "Show this window on all desktops" or "Show windows from this app on all desktops". You can now switch desktop and they'll stick to the screen.
If you choose the 2nd option, it will remember your choice even if you close all windows from the app at one point.

You can get some ideas also from:

Defining Different/Dissimilar Monitor Layouts for Windows 10 "Multiple Desktop"
https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/issues/8781

Hope this helps with your query!

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1 person found this answer helpful.
Wei Jiang (Shanghai Wicresoft Co,.Ltd.) 1 Reputation point

2021-11-17T05:56:06.427+00:00

sufficient information provided.
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5 additional answers

Mr Pickles 36 Reputation points

2022-02-08T05:26:18.853+00:00

It is absurd that Microsoft has not responded to this concern from my count for over 7 years. This is not the first thread that I've seen on this issue.

I am trying, I am MAKING AN EFFORT, to come back to Windows after years of being on a Mac. I would be PERFECTLY HAPPY if they would just SEPARATE VIRTUAL DESKTOPS PER MONITOR!!!

I don't know what kind of maniac actually uses their computer in the way it is designed, where changing something on one monitor changes it on ALL the monitors, but it is asinine, absurd and the one thing that is keeping me from being able to use the computer in the way that I prefer to work.
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7 people found this answer helpful.
Kamal Mehta 1 Reputation point

2022-03-07T14:52:48.433+00:00

@vipullag-MSFT @Pramod Valavala @PRADEEPCHEEKATLA does window 11 support this feature?

Joel David Hernández Cruz 31 Reputation points

2022-03-07T16:33:16.85+00:00

It does not.

jiffytalking 26 Reputation points

2022-07-19T14:20:12.063+00:00

Yes, please see my other comment I just posted below. I hope it helps!

Ben 101 Reputation points

2022-08-06T11:10:25.357+00:00

It does NOT. What you have described is a workaround that is a far cry from what this behavior should be. We do not want a window, or a set of windows, to be shown on all virtual desktops. We want them to remain on the desktop they were originally open. The point is, if I switch to a different virtual desktop in one monitor, we DO NOT want other monitors to also switch... it's actually quite simple. The current behavior is super counter intuitive and breaks your (already divided) focus.

jiffytalking 26 Reputation points

2022-08-07T02:39:58.183+00:00

I'm sorry I misunderstood your question. My brand of ADHD requires I name each virtual desktop and keep the contents of each seperate because that is how I minimize my distractions. I just have messenger and Discord on all, so I can easily use no matter what project I am working on. Hopefully you get a resolution soon!
Have a nice day!

Ramazan SAMUR 6 Reputation points

2022-10-21T07:41:56.04+00:00

I was using MAC for 7 years and this basic feature is available since then. Now I had to start working on Windows and it is a pain for a person who works in a multitasking environment.
I searched a lot, also people are resisting understanding what is the feature asking exactly :(

I hope the Microsoft team will take this basic feature in the upcoming patches.
The request is if I want to switch between Virtual Desktops, where the mouse cursor is on the actual display (built-in, or external monitor) should switch the virtual desktops on that specific display and I should be able to create as many virtual desktops regardless of affecting the other display.
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jiffytalking 26 Reputation points

2022-07-19T14:09:24.283+00:00

Yes, Windows 11 allows for this. See, you have to right-click where I have in the screenshot attached.
I hope this helps! Have a GREAT DAY!
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3 people found this answer helpful.
jiffytalking 26 Reputation points

2022-07-19T14:15:43.043+00:00

Likewise, if you wish to only "stick" one program or app to all Virtual Desktops, attached is what that pop-up displays. This whole thing is new to me, so I love what this means for my organization and workflow!

Dariusz Legizynski 0 Reputation points

2024-05-13T19:55:21.99+00:00

this is the right answer as of 2024
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vipullag-MSFT 26,396 Reputation points

2021-11-02T07:52:11.533+00:00

@Joel David Hernández Cruz

Are you looking for having a different desktop monitor displaying a different AVD session?
If Yes, you can do this manually but if want to enable through RDP properties you could enable the use of selected displays. Please check this blog post that explains the concept, with the setting configured through the AVD portal under display settings.

Hope this helps.
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Joel David Hernández Cruz 31 Reputation points

2021-11-02T14:55:37.163+00:00

HI, no, now that i notice it wasn't suppose to be azure-virtual-desktop in the tags for this posts, but windows-virtual-desktops, what i meant to ask was about the normal Virtual Desktop available in Windows (the one you switch with Ctrl+Win+ Left/Right ArrowKeys). Like for example in Linux or macOS if I have 2 monitors I can define Virtual Desktops for individual monitors, so when i switch in monitor A, the monitor B doesn't. I can't seem to be able to find how to do this in Windows. every time i switch in any of my monitors all of them do. Hopes this clarifies my question a bit more.

Wei Jiang (Shanghai Wicresoft Co,.Ltd.) 1 Reputation point

2021-11-17T05:56:11.503+00:00

sufficient information provided.
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Άγγελος Κουτρούμπας 1 Reputation point

2022-01-20T07:20:53.017+00:00

i am looking for the same feature. The only way i have managed to do this is by installing vmware and run it to the second, third screen. If you have an update please comment.
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