Shuffling through multiple apps for different projects has always made it hard for me to concentrate. This is even worse when working with a single monitor—so much time wasted on juggling and resizing Windows. Then I found this built-in Windows feature and everything changed.
Windows Virtual Desktop Changed How I Work
Before I discovered Windows Virtual Desktop, I struggled with a cluttered screen and wasted time searching for the right window. It was uncomfortable having to keep holding Alt + Tab and squinting at my screen throughout the day to juggle a dozen windows.
Though I had already heard about Windows Virtual Desktop when it first came out on Windows 10, I never tried it until I switched to Windows 11 and took the time to learn about its features.
Fast-forward to today, and Virtual Desktops has become one of my favoritetime-saving Windows features. With this feature, I’m able to create dedicated workspaces for different tasks or interests, such as writing and research, education, programming, and entertainment.
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This simple separation lets me concentrate on one task at a time. When I switch to my writing desktop, I only see the apps, tools, and folders that relate to my current tasks. This not only enhances my focus but also helps me cycle through a much smaller set of apps for every workspace.
And with Windows 11 now able to assign different background for each desktop, I can assign a calming image for my writing space and a bright one for my research desktop. I no longer need to minimize or close programs to see what I am working on, and everything remains neatly grouped.
How You Can Use Virtual Desktop Effectively
Windows Virtual Desktop is a straightforward management tool that doesn’t take much time to learn. Here’s how you can use Virtual Desktops effectively:
Create and Switch Through Virtual Desktops
To start using Windows Virtual Desktop, you’ll first need to know the basics. Here’s how you can create desktops and switch through them:
Simple! Now you know the basics of virtual desktop, but there are a couple of things you can do to make it better.
Understanding the More Advanced Controls
Beyond the basic functionalities, Windows Virtual Desktops offers a few more controls that can significantly improve your multitasking capabilities. Here are a few of them:
Though minor, taking the time to learn about these controls will help you better control virtual desktops in the long run.
Customize Virtual Desktop
As mentioned earlier, I use different workspaces for different tasks and interests. To make it easier for me to identify each of them, I need to customize each one to look different. Here’s how:
If you’re on Windows 11, you can also change the background image of each virtual desktop.
attempt to use images that closely relate to the tasks assigned to each virtual desktop. you may also choose images that evoke a specific emotion to help you get into the right mindset for the task at hand.
For example, use a serene image for your writing space, a dramatic background for watching shows and movies, and a regular Windows background for personal or everyday tasks.
Utilize Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Snap Layouts is one of the features where Windows excels. It’s also a feature that pairs very well with Virtual Desktops as it allows you to organize your windows within a desktop more efficiently.
By creating separate desktops for different projects, I now work faster and with less stress. If you have the same problems I had, now is the time to actually give Windows Virtual Desktop a try.
