Forum Discussion
FemoTheDon
Dec 02, 2021Brass Contributor
Windows 11 - Different Icons in different Virtual Desktops
Hi,
I don't know if the developers at windows will read this but thank you for the work you've done on virtual desktops in Windows 11.
However, it would also be great if Microsoft can work towards having different icons in different virtual desktops.
While i can change the backgrounds and rename them, it means I constantly need to open apps just to have them sitting in a specific desktop which in turn becomes memory heavy.
It would be great if i could demacate apps for separate use (e.g music production, video production, programming) into different desktops via the icons I've installed or created shortcuts for on the corresponding desktops.
That way when i switch desktops, the icons i see reflect the use or function of that desktop without me clicking on the start button to find apps needed or even seeing all apps for all functions pinned to the task bar or worse case scenario, all app icons for all functions in specific function desktops.
Thanks.
PS - another great improvement would be the ability to turn off recommendations on the start button or an option to show all apps (not just pinned ones) by default. It's hard getting used to this new way.
I don't know if the developers at windows will read this but thank you for the work you've done on virtual desktops in Windows 11.
However, it would also be great if Microsoft can work towards having different icons in different virtual desktops.
While i can change the backgrounds and rename them, it means I constantly need to open apps just to have them sitting in a specific desktop which in turn becomes memory heavy.
It would be great if i could demacate apps for separate use (e.g music production, video production, programming) into different desktops via the icons I've installed or created shortcuts for on the corresponding desktops.
That way when i switch desktops, the icons i see reflect the use or function of that desktop without me clicking on the start button to find apps needed or even seeing all apps for all functions pinned to the task bar or worse case scenario, all app icons for all functions in specific function desktops.
Thanks.
PS - another great improvement would be the ability to turn off recommendations on the start button or an option to show all apps (not just pinned ones) by default. It's hard getting used to this new way.
- jaystevensonBrass Contributor
I commented earlier on this thread too as I completely agree with everything said. Given that people are recently commenting (I have notifications on) I would also like to reiterate how useful this feature would be, in the hope that Microsoft listens and does something about it. It would literally change my whole experience of Windows!
- TSTL2023Copper ContributorWould like to revive this. The only major benefit to another desktop would be to create custom loadouts to change hats throughout the day, or have a desktop dedicated to education and labs without cluttering up primary workspace.
- FemoTheDonBrass ContributorHi All.
I can't believe it's been almost 3 years since i made this post.
I cannot remember if i copied this to the Feedback hub but it's equally clear that Windows has no plans to do this. It's rather somesort of a shame as it's not enhanced the user experience all this while.
I hope someday, it becomes a reality but till then, we can only wish and dream these things.- ddecourseyCopper Contributor
Gates still wants to run the planet.
He is still out there slithering around planting the seeds of ruination
- cosmemdCopper ContributorFully agree. It should be a different workspace per desktop
- meriarasvuoriCopper Contributor_Exactly_ what I'm looking for. They could add that functionality to the "Task View". To actually be able to make multiple desktops. No more moving everything around when you get a few more shortcuts on your DT.
- johannaroCopper ContributorUnfortunately, the issue is still there and no time frame to get it fix. really a bad experience for insider.
- Joepost11Copper Contributor
Years later, nothing.
- hsawiresCopper ContributorPersuading the Microsoft team to recognize that the wheel has already been invented can be a challenge. Despite this, Microsoft's perspective is that any product failures they may have are overshadowed by what their competitors offer, focusing on new products and the sheer scale of Microsoft's endeavors. I have been using Virtual Desktop in conjunction with various other tools and applications for a while now.
My recommendation is for Microsoft to consider acquiring a virtual desktop software company and integrating their solution into Windows, rather than trying to start from scratch, which often leads to initial setbacks. Is this suggestion potentially misleading? Personally, I make use of "Stardock Fences" and "Start11", which provide a virtual desktop experience with a customizable menu and essential features. Noteworthy is the fact that each desktop comes with unique icons and a distinct Start menu, creating the sensation of operating a completely separate computer. - jay7575Copper ContributorIt's funny, I was just looking for the functions to do just that. I see some dates that are not too old. So here's to hoping. I'll keep looking for it, I guess.
- Amster365Copper ContributorCome on Microsoft - time to implement this. Different backgrounds, persistent icons when I drag them to the relevant desktop etc.
- LegendarySennaCopper Contributormy guess is they are saveing custom icons and short cuts to virtual desk tops for windows 12 wich i hear is on the horizon so they can throw it as a selling point
- ddecourseyCopper Contributor
The fact that you can research this and see so many "how to" videos of people doing this, showing how to groom multiple independent desktops...and I guess this is all FANTASY? Is really disturbing.
- attiko961Copper Contributor
A great take on this!
My experience is that I CANNOT virtual desktop feature as long as it misses the below features:
- Different pinned icon for each task bar
- Automatically share windows that don't create multiple instances across desktops, instead of moving to the original desktop the window was open on. which is very frustrating.
Please note that I am Diagnosed with ADHD and this feature will be a life changer for me. But I'm not able to benefit from it due to the very bad experience I'm having.
When I accidently click on a taskbar icon (that sometimes should not be in my current taskbar), I get moved to another desktop (the original desktop that the window was open in).
Sometimes this happens without me noticing which makes it worse.
- alperensayCopper Contributor
task view is useless currently. I suggest you to create seperate accounts for work & fun 🙂 this way you will have different desktop icons per account too and switch wont happen on its own.
- oneway7Copper Contributor
This has been capable on the android operating system for a long time now. The main purpose of creating different desktops is to, well...have different "desktops" with different icons for different purposes, like Work vs Home, vs Gaming vs Web Development vs Programming vs Whatever! I don't understand??? What were the team of developers ,the idea people ,and the executives thinking...or smoking? Hmmmm.