22

I know it is not a new problem, but I'm switching from MAC to Win and this issue drastically affected my productivity.

the problem was discussed in multiple forums without any clear answer, but I'm determined to find a workaround for it with your help.

The issue is simple, I want to have an individual Virtual Desktop on each monitor (I'm using two external monitors) and I want them to be independent (e.g. when I change the [Virtual] Desktop on monitor 1 by three-finger sweep to left/right, I want the Desktop on Monitor 2 to remain still and independent from the actions being done on monitor 1, similar to Mac).

I know some people suggested using third-party tools, I tried some of them (e.g. Actual Desktops from ActualTools) but they are very far from being efficient and practical.

Also, I came across some threads from the past that such a feature was implemented on Windows 10 version 21H2 onward: A new toggle switch is now hidden in "Settings>System>Multitasking>Displays Have Separate Virtual Desktops"

I tried to install windows 10 and explore this option, but this feature was not there!

So, Now I'm asking for your help.

if you are using Windows 10 (whatever version) and have this feature enabled or have the above option visible in your settings, then a record of your relevant "registry keys" can be a clue to fix this problem for me (I'm using Win11). Based on my experience and development background, if the feature was there once upon a time, then possibly with some registry changes and tweaks it can be activated again.

Else, if you know a workaround, then let me know.

Ramhound
  • 44,080
reza_679
  • 321

2 Answers2

17

The workaround I found that is somehow satisfying for me is by pressing Win + Tab and then right clicking the window you want to stay on my extended monitor and then select Show this on all desktops

philb
  • 149
user1798032
  • 191
9

The feature of "Displays Have Separate Virtual Desktops" was announced in 2021, when it was detected in the test Insider builds of Windows 10.

However, it apparently was not stable enough, so didn't make it for the Windows 10 22H1 release or even 22H2. Nor was it released with Windows 11 in any of its 2022 releases.

The actual status of this feature is currently unknown. It was demanded in many feature requests and posts in the Microsoft forums, but we do not currently know if Microsoft is still working on it.

You will need to adapt yourself to another mode of work. Perhaps the option of "Show this window on all desktops" will be helpful.

The product Actual Virtual Desktops ($19.95) has its own implementation for this option. If interested, see the article Independent Virtual Desktops on Multiple Monitors.

harrymc
  • 498,455