Microsoft today detailed the new Virtual Desktops feature in Windows 10. This feature is already part of Windows 10 Technical Preview since build 9926. Users can add a new desktop by simply clicking the task view button on your taskbar and click the “new desktop” button. There’s also no limit to how many desktops you can create. You can switch between different desktops using the Task View.
How it works?
The top part of this view shows previews of the windows you have open, just like Alt+Tab. However, task view also is able to filter this list when you create virtual desktops, so only the relevant windows appear. Under that you will find the list of desktops you have open. The labels along with accurate previews make it easy to find what you want to switch to.
What if you’re trying to find that music player and you forgot which desktop you had it on? With hover preview it really is a breeze. Just hover over each desktop preview and Windows will let you peek into any desktop to see what windows are open there. That’s right, no need to switch to one desktop at a time to search for the window you’re looking for! You can even click on the app preview from task view to bring that window straight to the top.
You can now drag any window into the desktop you want to move it to right from task view. You can even drag a thumbnail to the “new desktop” button to create and move it to a new desktop in one step.
Following keyboard shortcuts are available for Virtual Desktops,
- WIN + CTRL + LEFT/RIGHT: Switch to previous or next desktop
- WIN + CTRL + D: Create a new desktop
- WIN + CTRL + F4: Close the current desktop
- WIN + TAB: Launch task view
Now, Microsoft wants to know your feedback regarding a feature in Virtual Desktops. What windows are represented on the taskbar?
- Some users want stronger separation between desktops and expect to see open windows that are only on the current desktop.
- Other users expect the taskbar to always give them access to all their open windows no matter where they are.
There is a user setting that allows you to switch between these two options. What about the default one? Microsoft thinks the only option is to let you decide.
In the most recent flight we are A/B testing the taskbar behavior with the Insiders. If you get a notification asking how you like the taskbar behavior when using virtual desktops, be sure to let us know. Your votes play a direct role in helping us decide! We’re eager to see the results.
Source: Microsoft