Desktops - Sysinternals | Microsoft Learn

Desktops v2.01 — Summary By Mark Russinovich — Published: October 12, 2021

What it is

Desktops is a lightweight utility from Sysinternals that provides up to four virtual desktops on Windows.
It lets you organize applications across separate desktops (e.g., email on one, web on another, work apps on a third) to reduce window clutter.

How it works

Instead of hiding/showing windows, Desktops creates a separate Windows desktop object for each virtual desktop.
Applications are bound to the desktop object when created; Windows manages which windows are visible when you switch desktops.
You can switch desktops via configured hotkeys or by clicking the tray icon to open a desktop preview/switch window.

Key benefits

Very lightweight and less prone to inconsistencies found in other virtual-desktop tools because it relies on Windows desktop objects.
Simple workflow for separating tasks across multiple desktops.

Limitations

Windows provides no API to move a window between desktop objects, so Desktops cannot move windows between desktops.
Each desktop requires its own Explorer process for taskbar and Start menu; many tray (notification area) applications will only appear on the first desktop.
There is no way to delete a desktop object; Desktops does not offer a “close desktop” feature (deleting would leave orphaned windows/processes). Recommended exit method is to log off.

Compatibility

Downloads / Run

Download Desktops (199 KB): https://download.sysinternals.com/files/Desktops.zip
Run now from Sysinternals Live: https://live.sysinternals.com/Desktops.exe

Images

Configuration dialog: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/media/desktops/desktops.png
Tray desktop switch window: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/media/desktops/desktops2.png

Notes

Additional resources (from original page)

MD-102 Explore the Enterprise Desktop - Training: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/explore-enterprise-desktop/?source=recommendations
Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty - Certifications: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-virtual-desktop-specialty/?source=recommendations