Master Your Workspace: Windows 11 Virtual Desktops

Note: Written with the help of my research and editorial team 🙂 including: (Google Gemini, Google Notebook LM, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity.ai, Claude.ai and others as needed)

My first writing about this topic was when it first came out back in 2021 on blog post: Multiple Desktops Feature in Windows 11

In today’s digital world, “context switching” is the ultimate productivity killer. For developers, consultants, and power users juggling multiple technical workflows, a cluttered screen inevitably leads to a cluttered mind.

This isn’t just a setup for me; it’s a non-negotiable part of my workflow. With the recent explosion of AI-related work, the need for these digital / focused “rooms” has become critical. Maintaining three or four desktops is my baseline for staying productive. It allows me to compartmentalize sales, coding, research, and consulting without the friction of a cluttered screen, keeping every client pursuit in its own dedicated lane.

Clearing the Confusion: Local vs. Remote

Before we dive in, let’s clear up a common terminology trap. In the past, “Virtual Desktops” usually referred to VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)—remoting into a server located in a data center.

The Windows 11 Virtual Desktops we are talking about today are different. They are local, high-performance workspaces living right on your machine. They aren’t separate computers; they are separate “rooms” for your apps, allowing you to organize your work without the lag of a remote connection.

The Power of Independence

The most common question I get is: “Are the apps within these sessions truly independent?” The answer lies in how you configure them.

1. Visual Independence (The Focus Factor)

You can set Windows 11 so that each desktop feels like its own isolated workstation.

• Taskbar Isolation: You can configure your taskbar to show only the apps open on your current desktop. If you are on your “Development” desktop, you won’t see the flashing notification from an email sitting on Desktop 2.
• Unique Backgrounds: I highly recommend setting a different wallpaper for each desktop. It provides an instant mental cue of which “mode” you are currently in.

2. Logical Sharing (The Reality)

While visually independent, these desktops share your computer’s local resources. This means your browser profiles and system files are accessible across all of them. To maintain true independence, I recommend using different browser profiles (e.g., “Work” vs. “Research”) so that your tabs and login sessions stay separated between your different desktops.

Daily Workflow: Customizing Your Desktops

Because Windows 11 Virtual Desktops are about visual independence, you can tailor each “room” to your specific job. Whether you are coding, closing deals, or writing reports, the goal is to keep your “high-focus” apps away from your “high-distraction” apps.

Level Up with PowerToys Workspaces

If you want to take this independence even further, I recommend Microsoft PowerToys Workspaces. While Windows Virtual Desktops provide the “rooms,” PowerToys allows you to “save” exactly where your apps sit.

With one click, you can launch a specific workspace that opens your IDE to a specific folder and snaps your browser to the exact side of the screen you prefer. It eliminates the 10-minute “startup” time we all face when beginning a new task.

Essential Shortcuts to Get Started

To move between these worlds efficiently, you’ll want to memorize these keys:

The Reboot Challenge: Does Windows Remember Your Setup?

A common concern for anyone running 3 or 4 desktops is: “What happens when I have to restart for an update?” By default, Windows 11 is “forgetful.” While it will remember the names and wallpapers of your virtual desktops after a reboot, it won’t automatically reopen your apps and put them back where they belong. You usually log back in to find all your “rooms” empty.

How to “Reboot-Proof” Your Workspace

To ensure your flow isn’t ruined by a restart, I use a two-pronged strategy:

1. Enable “Restartable Apps” First, make sure Windows is at least trying to help. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and toggle on “Automatically save my restartable apps.” This allows modern apps (like your browser or Spotify) to attempt to reopen themselves when you log back in.

2. The PowerToys “Master Switch” (The Real Solution) Because most developer tools and automation software don’t “restart” automatically, PowerToys Workspaces is the essential fix.

• Instead of manually dragging windows back to Desktop 3 or Desktop 4 every morning, you create a Workspace Template.
• After a reboot, you simply launch your “Daily Setup” workspace.
• PowerToys will then act as your digital assistant—opening your IDE on Desktop 1, your browser on Desktop 2, and your terminal on Desktop 3, snapping them into their exact pixel-perfect positions.

A reboot shouldn’t cost you 20 minutes of reorganization. With the right tools, you can restore your entire 4-desktop ecosystem in seconds.

Final Thoughts

Stop fighting tab clutter and window chaos. By embracing the independence of local virtual desktops, you can create a high-performance environment that adapts to the way you actually work.

A version of this post is also on my JorgeTechBits Substack here

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