We know you want to make perfect use of multiple desktops in Windows 10. The objectives are to ensure concentration, organize activities, or manage multitasking among various projects. The task view, which Windows 10 provides for virtual desktops, offers very basic options, but customization and control are what most users really want. This guide therefore presents the best multiple desktop software for Windows 10-Dexpot, Virtual Dimension, and VirtuaWin- and offers tips on using multiple desktops in Windows 10 while working with WPS Office to maximize your workflow.
Part 1: Dexpot — Premier Windows 10 Multiple Desktops Tool for Advanced Customization
Since 2004, Dexpot has been a top-tier multiple desktop software for Windows, allowing up to 20 virtual workspaces with extensive customization. It’s tailored for power users handling intricate tasks like coding, research, or multimedia editing, surpassing Task View’s basic capabilities.
Features
Unique backgrounds and resolutions: Customize each desktop with distinct wallpapers and display settings.
Hotkey navigation and previews: Switch desktops via keyboard shortcuts or view all workspaces in a full-screen preview.
Window rules and plugins: Automate app placement (e.g., pin Excel to Desktop 3) and add plugins like Dexcube for 3D effects.
Tray-based manager: Rename, reorder, or monitor desktops from the system tray.
Step-by-Step: Using Dexpot
Step 1: Download and install Dexpot from dexpot.en.softonic.com on your Windows 10 system.
Step 2: Open Dexpot and access Settings to configure the number of desktops (up to 20).
Step 3: Set hotkeys (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+1 for Desktop 1) and assign wallpapers in the Desktop Manager.
Step 4: Add plugins like Dexcube for transitions or define window rules in Settings.
Step 5: Navigate desktops using hotkeys or the tray icon’s preview mode for quick access.
Pros
Extensive customization for layouts, shortcuts, and automation.
Ideal for complex workflows with multiple applications.
Plugin support adds dynamic features like animations.
Cons
Setup can intimidate first-time users.
UI feels retro, echoing early Windows aesthetics.
Dexpot organized my scattered workflow effortlessly. Hotkeys made switching desktops instant, and unique wallpapers clarified my project spaces. The Dexcube plugin’s 3D transitions were a delightful touch, though window rules required some tweaking.
Part 2: Virtual Dimension — Minimalist Windows 10 Multiple Desktops Solutio
Virtual Dimension, introduced in 2005, is a lightweight Windows 10 multiple desktops tool emphasizing simplicity and efficiency. Perfect for users seeking basic virtual desktops without overhead, its portable option suits those working across devices.
Features
Flexible desktop count: Add as many desktops as your system can handle.
Low resource usage: Minimal impact on CPU and RAM, ideal for older PCs.
Mouse-driven navigation: Preview desktops via tray hover or switch by dragging to screen edges.
Keyboard shortcuts: Simple key combos for desktop switching.
Step-by-Step: Using Virtual Dimension
Step 1: Download Virtual Dimension from virt-dimension.sourceforge.net and install or run its portable version.
Step 2: Launch the app and set the number of desktops in the Configuration menu.
Step 3: Activate edge switching or assign shortcuts (e.g., Alt+Shift+1 for Desktop 1) in Settings.
Step 4: Hover over the tray icon to preview desktops or switch using mouse/keyboard.
Step 5: Keep the app minimized for unobtrusive background operation.
Pros
Virtually no system performance hit.
Easy setup for beginners.
Portable version enhances flexibility.
Cons
No advanced automation or plugin support.
Inactive development limits future updates.
Virtual Dimension’s lightweight design was perfect for my aging laptop. Edge switching outshone Task View’s navigation, and setup was a breeze. It lacks Dexpot’s flair but delivers for simple needs.
Part 3: VirtuaWin — Leading Open-Source Windows 10 Multiple Desktops Softwar
VirtuaWin, launched in 2002, is an open-source multiple desktop software for Windows with a modular plugin system. Backed by an active community, it offers customizable workspaces without bloat, appealing to users who value free, adaptable tools.
Features
Grid-based navigation: View desktops in a visual grid for easy access.
Hotkey controls: Shortcuts for switching, moving windows, or cycling desktops.
Plugin ecosystem: Add VMPreview for thumbnails or KvasdoPager for taskbar enhancements.
System tray management: Control, rename, or organize desktops from the tray.
Step-by-Step: Using VirtuaWin
Step 1: Download and install VirtuaWin from sourceforge.net/projects/virtuawin.
Step 2: Open VirtuaWin and configure the number of desktops in the Setup menu.
Step 3: Set hotkeys (e.g., Win+Ctrl+Arrow for navigation) and enable the grid layout in Settings.
Step 4: Add plugins like VMPreview from VirtuaWin’s website for extra functionality.
Step 5: Switch desktops via hotkeys, grid, or tray icon for efficient workflow.
Pros
Lightweight with customizable plugins.
Community-driven updates ensure reliability.
Free with no commercial restrictions.
Cons
Plugin configuration can be labor-intensive.
UI lacks modern polish, feeling dated.
VirtuaWin’s grid layout simplified desktop navigation, and hotkeys were spot-on. VMPreview’s thumbnails were worth the setup effort, though the process was manual. It’s a fantastic free alternative to Dexpot.
Part 4: WPS Office — Optimize Your Multi-Desktop Workflow
WPS Office: Perfect Productivity Suite for Multiple Windows Desktops
With your Windows 10 multiple desktops set up, you need apps that match your multitasking prowess. WPS Office, a free all-in-one suite with a 4.8 Trustpilot rating from 880 reviews, is my top choice for its efficiency and versatility. Used by over 500 million people, it’s built for multi-desktop productivity.
Why It’s Ideal for Multitasking
Multi-app functionality: Run Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation on separate desktops for tasks like drafting, analyzing data, or designing slides.
Low system impact: At 200 MB, WPS Office operates smoothly across desktops without lag.
WPS AI capabilities: Summarize documents, enhance text, or generate ideas, speeding up work on each desktop.
Cloud integration: Sync files across desktops for instant access via WPS Cloud.
PDF tools: Edit, annotate, or merge PDFs within the suite, streamlining document tasks.
Step-by-Step: Using WPS Office with Multiple Desktops
Step 1: Download and install WPS Office from wps.com on your Windows 10 system.
Step 2: Launch Writer on one desktop, Spreadsheets on another, and Presentation on a third.
Step 3: Use WPS AI in Writer to summarize documents or refine drafts.
Step 4: Save files to WPS Cloud for seamless access across all desktops.
Step 5: Switch desktops using your tool of choice (e.g., Dexpot hotkeys) to manage tasks.
WPS Office handled four desktops without a hitch, staying responsive. WPS AI’s summarization slashed my editing time, and cloud sync ensured file access. It’s essential for multi-desktop setups.
FAQs
Q1: How many desktops can Windows 10 support natively?
There’s no set limit, but system specs dictate performance. Users typically run 3–5 desktops comfortably, with 8GB+ RAM supporting more.
Q2: Can I have different apps open on each desktop?
Yes, each desktop supports unique app instances, though the taskbar and system tray remain shared across all.
Q3: Do third-party desktop tools replace Task View?
They enhance Task View with advanced features like hotkeys, grids, and automation, offering superior control.
Q4: Will multiple desktops slow down my system?
Lightweight tools like VirtuaWin and Virtual Dimension have minimal impact. Performance depends on RAM and CPU—8GB+ is optimal.
Summary
Discover the best Windows 10 multiple desktop tools—Dexpot, VirtuaWin, and Virtual Dimension—to elevate multitasking and organization. Dexpot delivers advanced customization, VirtuaWin offers open-source flexibility, and Virtual Dimension shines for simplicity. Follow step-by-step guides to master how to use multiple desktops in Windows 10. Enhance your setup with WPS Office, a free suite featuring Writer, Spreadsheets, AI tools, and cloud sync. Download it at wps.com for a seamless multi-desktop experience!
