Are desktops linked?

Daniel DeCoursey 0 Reputation points
2023-01-24T15:06:12.8333333+00:00

I use WIN11. I have created 2 desktops. The new desktop #2, since creating it, has the same desktop shortcuts as the original Desktop #1. If I add or delete any desktop items on either desktop that same action takes place on the other desktop. When I saw the same icons on the new desktop #2, I deleted them. When I got back on Desktop #1 those icons were also gone. I can rename the desktop and change the background. But as far as establishing a different collection of desktop items, this can't be done. Essentially other than the desktop name and background these 2 desktops, as far as content goes, are clones. I have read and watched many video's on managing multiple desktop sand they all state or show the ability to create and groom these desktops to operate separately. I hope this outline is fully understandable. I expect the issue of creating/managing Multiple desktops of be simple, and do-able right within Window 11 as all documentation and tutorial video's show.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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  1. alex 421 5 Reputation points
    2025-09-03T13:00:15.8633333+00:00

    Hi! In Windows 11, desktops share the same files and shortcuts, so if you delete something on one, it disappears from the other too. They look different but still use the same folder. Tools like Delta Exploit Android won’t help here — Windows just doesn’t separate desktop items by default.

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  2. Kris-2379 0 Reputation points
    2025-09-01T03:33:33.59+00:00

    I'm having a somewhat related issue on my laptop. I just found 3 separate desktops in the desktop properties menu and it's sorta freaking me out. I do not need or want these but there doesn't, at least to me, appear to be a way of deleting them. I didn't (knowingly) set these up and I worry about spyware/hijacking.

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  3. JonasVerberkt-5997 0 Reputation points
    2023-02-02T14:56:06.7466667+00:00

    The desktops you are talking about are the desktops within windows i presume?

    You have limited personalisation there, like changing backgrounds.

    Once you open an application in desktop 1 it will not be shown in desktop 2.

    The desktop shortcuts are linked as far i know.

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  5. Alan Kinane 17,361 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2023-01-24T21:03:33.2533333+00:00

    Without more information this is a bit of a guess but most likely I suspect you have configured Onedrive (with the same account) on both desktops and you have linked the Windows known folders to Onedrive. This will sync your desktop items to both desktops. You can read about it here: [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/redirect-known-folders

    If it's not this can you please provide more information about your set up. For example, are you using Active Directory in your environment or how are you signing in to both desktops.

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