Open Apps in New Virtual Desktops on Windows 10
Windows 10 Virtual Desktops and Vdesk
Microsoft has integrated virtual desktops directly into Windows 10. These are particularly beneficial for users who frequently work with numerous applications simultaneously, allowing for organized separation of tasks – such as work, browsing, or gaming.
Opening Files in New Virtual Desktops
Typically, to launch a file or program within a new virtual desktop, one would utilize the Task View to create a new desktop, switch to it, and then open the desired item. However, a more efficient method exists through the use of a complimentary tool.
The utility, Vdesk, can be downloaded and stored in any directory on your computer. Unlike conventional software, it doesn’t require a formal installation process. Instead, it’s activated via a command-line argument to integrate an option into the context menu.
Navigate to the folder containing the downloaded Vdesk.exe file using File Explorer. Then, right-click on the executable and select “Open command window here” from the displayed options.
To incorporate an option into the context menu for opening files or folders in a new virtual desktop, input the following command at the prompt and press “Enter”.
vdesk -install
Close the command prompt window by clicking the “X” button in the upper-right corner.
Now, to open a file or application in a new virtual desktop, simply right-click on the file, the program’s .exe file, or a program shortcut and choose “Open in new virtual desktop” from the context menu.
A new virtual desktop will be created, and the selected file or program will launch within it.
Removing the Context Menu Option
To remove the “Open in new virtual desktop” option from the context menu, open a command prompt window as previously described. Then, type the following command and press “Enter”.
vdesk -uninstall
Automating Virtual Desktop Setup
Vdesk can also be utilized with batch files to automatically launch specific files and programs in new virtual desktops upon Windows startup. For instance, if you routinely open a log file in Notepad, a batch file can automate this process.
The command within the batch file might resemble the following:
vdesk "C:\Users\Lori\Documents\My Work\MyLog.txt"
Ensure the path to the file is accurate. Avoid including "notepad" after "vdesk"; specifying only the file path will open it with its default editor. If you omit the full path to vdesk.exe, you may need to add its location to the system’s Path variable.
Furthermore, Vdesk allows for the creation of a specified number of virtual desktops without opening any particular files. The following command, for example, will create three virtual desktops, with all currently open programs residing in the first.
vdesk 3
Desktop Number Indicator
When managing multiple virtual desktops, identifying the currently active one can be helpful. A free tool is available that adds an indicator to the system tray, displaying the number of the current virtual desktop.
