VirtuaWin: Free Virtual Desktop Manager for Windows

A comprehensive range of actions is available, extending beyond the visible window area. This exemplifies the minimalistic design philosophy of VirtuaWin. While a vast number of actions are possible, the application initially provides only six pre-defined hotkey configurations.

Further customization is left to the user. The software allows for actions such as making windows always-on-top, temporarily moving a window to the current desktop before returning it to its original location, and executing a variety of other operations.

Performance Evaluation

During testing on a standard-configuration machine, transitions between virtual desktops were consistently rapid. However, a slight delay was observed when managing desktops with a higher window count. Specifically, a desktop containing nine open windows and corresponding taskbar icons exhibited a temporary lag.

The windows themselves vanished and reappeared promptly during desktop switching. It was the re-population of the taskbar icons that introduced the delay, taking approximately four seconds to fully complete after returning to the desktop.

Given that VirtuaWin prioritizes efficiency over visual embellishments, a direct comparison to the animated transitions found in applications like Dexpot isn't applicable. Nevertheless, the expectation is for highly responsive performance, which is largely delivered.

The application’s “Expect” configuration panel offers several potential solutions, including settings specifically addressing taskbar behavior.

Configuration Options

Experimentation with these settings, however, did not resolve the observed taskbar icon lag. An intriguing option located within the “Expert” tab allows for the concealment of the system tray icon.

This feature could prove useful in specific workplace scenarios where discreet operation is desired.

Usability and Expandability

A visually-based feature currently absent is a graphical representation of all active desktops and their respective windows. This functionality likely presents a significant processing demand, potentially conflicting with VirtuaWin’s core design principle of minimalism.

However, the functionality of VirtuaWin can be broadened and tailored to individual needs through the utilization of Modules, which function as plug-in extensions.

VWPreview Module

A specific module, known as VWPreview, introduces a fundamental graphical preview capability. It also incorporates a selection of similarly basic graphical transition effects.

While the transition effects themselves weren't particularly noteworthy, the preview feature appeared as follows on my configuration:

This image illustrates a single panel; my setup included two 24-inch monitors, resulting in a desktop width exceeding standard screenshot dimensions. Nevertheless, it conveys the overall concept.

VirtuaWin: A Concise Evaluation

For users prioritizing simplicity, VirtuaWin presents a viable option. While its performance is solid, a noticeable lag in the taskbar responsiveness prevents a definitive recommendation as a superior alternative to Dexpot. Both VirtuaWin and Dexpot represent robust solutions, each possessing distinct strengths.

We are interested in hearing your perspectives on VirtuaWin. Do you find it preferable to other virtual desktop applications currently available?

Further Exploration & Feedback

Are there any other essential virtual desktop programs you believe deserve a review?

Alternatively, if you have discovered methods to optimize VirtuaWin's speed and responsiveness, please share your insights in the comments section below.

Your feedback is valuable and will help us provide a more comprehensive assessment of virtual desktop software.