Get more screen space than you ever imagined with virtual desktops

This article explores the benefits and setup of virtual desktops on Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. It emphasizes the increased productivity and organizational advantages offered by this feature, highlighting its use for separating work and leisure activities, managing multiple projects, and discreetly hiding sensitive online activity.

Why Use Virtual Desktops?

Virtual desktops provide a way to organize open applications, similar to having multiple monitors, but without the added hardware cost. This is ideal for separating tasks rather than simultaneously viewing multiple windows. Examples include dedicating one desktop to work and another to personal use, or assigning separate desktops to individual projects. The ability to quickly switch between desktops also offers a simple way to maintain privacy.

Setting Up Multiple Desktops:

Windows:

Windows utilizes "multiple desktops" (managed via Task View, accessible via Windows Tab or the Task View button on the taskbar). New desktops are created using Windows Ctrl D or the "New desktop" option in Task View. Switching between desktops is done through Task View thumbnails, clicking on an application window (switching to its desktop), or using Windows Ctrl Left/Right arrow keys. Closing a desktop moves its open applications to the desktop to its left. Applications can be moved between desktops via drag-and-drop in Task View, or using the right-click context menu options within Task View, including options to show a window or application on all desktops.

macOS:

macOS uses "multiple spaces" (accessed via Mission Control, using F3, Ctrl Up, a four-finger swipe up on the trackpad, or via Launchpad/Finder). Up to 16 desktops can be created using the " " button in Mission Control. Switching between desktops is achieved by clicking thumbnails in Mission Control, a three/four-finger swipe left/right on the trackpad, or using Ctrl Left/Right arrow keys. Closing a desktop shifts its open applications to the desktop on its left. Moving windows between desktops can be done by dragging them to the screen edge, using Ctrl Left/Right arrow keys, or via drag-and-drop in Mission Control. Apps can be locked to a specific desktop or made to appear on all desktops through the Dock's context menu. Customizing the appearance of each desktop, including setting individual wallpapers, is possible through System Preferences.

Chrome OS:

Chrome OS employs "desks" (accessed via the "Show windows" key). A maximum of eight desks can be created using the " " button (or "New desk" button). Switching between desks is done by clicking on a desk thumbnail in the "Show windows" overview, using Alt Tab (with options to cycle through all desks or just the current desk), a four-finger swipe left/right on the trackpad, or using Search [/] and Search ] keyboard shortcuts. Moving applications between desks can be done by right-clicking on the title bar and selecting "Move window to desk," or via drag-and-drop in the "Show windows" overview. Closing a desk shifts its open applications to the desk on its left.

The article concludes by encouraging readers to experiment with virtual desktops to discover their own optimal workflow and productivity enhancements.

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