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How to Use Linux Style Virtual Workspaces in Windows 10
Virtual workspaces aren't just for Linux
By Gary Newell Gary Newell Writer Famborough College of Technology Gary Newell was a freelance contributor, application developer, and software tester with 20+ years in IT, working on Linux, UNIX, and Windows. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 15, 2022 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section What Are Virtual Workspaces Viewing Workspaces Create a Workspace Close a Workspace Switch Between Workspaces Summary Windows 10 is incorporating many features that have been purely used by Linux over the years. Recently, Windows 10 added a feature that allows users to use a bash shell to navigate around the file system by implementing a core version of Ubuntu. Windows also introduced the concept of the Windows Store and more recently there has been the concept of package management. This was a new direction for Microsoft to be taking and an admission that some of the features of Linux are well worth implementing as part of the Windows ecosystem. Another new feature to Windows 10 was the ability to use virtual workspaces. Linux users have had this feature for a number of years as most desktop environments used by Linux distributions implement them in one way or another. In this guide, we are going to show you how to use the Windows 10 version of workspaces so that when you find yourself away from your Linux desktop and stuck on a Windows 10 computer you can feel at home. You will find out how to bring up the task view window, create new virtual desktops, move between desktops, delete desktops and move applications between desktops. What Are Virtual Workspaces
A workspace lets you run different applications on different versions of the desktop. Imagine you are running 10 applications on your machine, for example, Word, Excel, Outlook, SQL Server, Notepad, Windows Media Player, Microsoft Edge, Windows Explorer, Notepad, and the Windows store. Having all of those programs open on one desktop makes it hard to switch between them and requires lots of alt-tabbing. By using virtual desktops you can move Word and Excel to one desktop, Outlook to another, SQL Server to a third, and so on with the other applications. You can now easily switch between the applications on one desktop and there is more space on the desktop. You can also easily switch between workspaces to view the other applications. Viewing Workspaces
There is an icon on the taskbar next to the search bar which looks like a horizontal box going behind a vertical box. You can bring up the same view by pressing the Windows and Tab keys at the same time. When you first select this icon you will see all of your applications lined up on the screen. This screen is used for showing workspaces. You may also refer to workspaces as desktops or virtual desktops. They all mean the same thing. In Windows 10 this screen is known as the Task View screen. Create a Workspace
In the upper-left corner, you'll see an option called New Desktop. Select this to add a new virtual desktop. You can also add a new virtual desktop at any point by pressing the Windows key+Ctrl+D at the same time. Close a Workspace
To close a virtual desktop, bring up the workspace view (Select the workspace icon or press Windows+Tab) and select the X next to the virtual desktop you wish to delete. You can also press the Windows key+Ctrl+F4 while on a virtual desktop to delete it. If you delete a virtual desktop that has open applications, then those applications will be moved to the nearest workspace to the left. Switch Between Workspaces
You can move between virtual desktops or workspaces by selecting the desktop you wish to move to in the bottom bar when the workspace view is displayed. You can also press the Windows key+Ctrl+ either the left or right arrow at any point. Move Applications Between Workspaces
You can move an application from one workspace to another. Press Windows key+Tab to bring up the workspaces and drag the application you wish to move to the virtual desktop you wish to move it to. There doesn't appear to be a default keyboard shortcut for this yet. Summary
For a number of years, Linux distributions have often emulated the Windows desktop. Distributions such as Zorin OS, Q4OS and the brazenly named Lindows designed to look and feel like Microsoft's premier operating system. The tables appear to have turned somewhat and Microsoft is now borrowing features from the Linux desktop. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Multiple Desktops in Windows 10 How to Record Your Screen on Windows 10 How To Run the Bash Command Line in Windows 10 How to Move a Window That Is Off-Screen How to Install and Setup BASH on Windows 10 How to Add Shortcuts to Windows 10 Desktops How to Make Screencasts With Windows 10 Xbox Game DVR How to Set up Parental Controls in Windows 10 How to Use the Windows Shortcut Alt + Underline How to Use OneDrive in Windows 10 Switch Command Prompt and PowerShell on the Win+X Menu How to Organize Windows 10 Start Menu Windows 10: Release Date, Editions, Features, and More How to Create a Virtual Machine in Windows 10 Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro How to Minimize Your Screen in Windows 10 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies