Introduction: How to Use Multiple Desktops on a Windows Computer

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You know this: You sit in a cafe using your windows laptop. And the cool guys around you using their MacBooks to flick around their desktops like they got nothing else to do. This instructable will teach you, how to use multiple desktops on a Windows computer.

Step 1: Download Mdesktop

mDesktop is a lightweight application that allows the user to utilize multiple virtual desktops, you can download it here: https://github.com/octalmage/mDesktop (Maybe you want to know: its based on AutoHotkey, check out my other instructables to learn more!)

Once you installed the software, a new icon should appear in your tray bar!

Step 2: Using MDesktop

mDesktop is small but very powerful tool. It implements virtual desktops by using the windows api to hide and show application windows like a boss. Techincally you still have only one desktop, but this tool works like a charm!

Just right click on the tray icon and hit "settings". Here you can choose the number of desktops you need. Also you can give your desktops a name and you can force the tool to start automatically, when windows starts.

To switch the desktops, just hit the alt key and the left or right arrow. Windows should appear and disappear automatically. Press the alt key and the numbers from 1 to 0 to address a desktop directly.

You want to move a window from one desktop to another? Nothing is easier than that: Just press the control and the alt key and of course the number of the desktop you are targeting.

Pro tip: Use your Logitech G510s to map those key combinations on one of the G-Keys. I use 3 desktops. To address them, I use G1, G2 and G3. To move a window to the specific desktops, I use G4, G5 and G6. Bam!

Step 3: Multidesktop Windows

You may want to keep some applications visible on every desktop, like a statusbar or something you docked somewere on your screen. To do this, just re-enter the settings and go to the third tab called "Windows". All windows containing the text you entered willl appear on every desktop.