Windows 10: Can virtual Desktops in Windows 11 be used maliciously? Can I disable this feature?

Long story short, I’m worried about the security of it. If my computer was compromised, could a new virtual desktop on Windows 11 be opened and used in the background to run things and do anything on my PC without my knowledge as I use it? I would rather not run that risk of that’s possible. I know if I create a new desktop, I can flip back and forward between them with shortcuts and/or with the task view button in the taskbar; but can two virtual desktops be running at the same time?Sorry if this is paranoid, I have had a dangerous stalker in the past. Any information and tips would be apprec

:)

 

Disabling Windows 11 Animations breaks virtual desktops

Hi, BroManDudeGuyPhD

Welcome to the MicroSoft Community.



I apologize for any inconvenience you're experiencing with the virtual desktop animations in Windows 11. Disabling animations might affect certain functionalities, including the smooth transition between virtual desktops. However, there are a few things you can try to improve the performance while keeping animations turned off:

1. Update your graphics drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause performance issues. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer and download the latest drivers for your specific model.
   
2. Adjust virtual desktop settings: You can try adjusting the virtual desktop settings to optimize performance. Right-click on the Taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." Under the "Multiple displays" section, toggle off "Show taskbar on all displays" if it's enabled. This might help improve the responsiveness when switching between desktops.
   
3. Disable unnecessary startup programs: Some programs might start automatically with Windows and run in the background, consuming system resources. To disable these startup programs, right-click on the Taskbar, select "Task Manager," go to the "Startup" tab, and disable any programs that aren't essential.
   
4. Enable "High Performance" power plan: Windows power plans can affect system performance. To ensure maximum performance, go to Settings > System > Power & sleep, and under the "Related settings" section, click on "Additional power settings." Select the "High performance" power plan if it's available.
   

If these steps don't resolve the issue, you may consider re-enabling the animations temporarily to restore the smooth transition between virtual desktops. Remember to restart your computer after making any changes for them to take effect.



Best Regards

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Disable virtual desktops Windows 10

Is it possible to disable the virtual desktop feature? It's super annoying. I'll be working on a file and then move my mouse (touch pad) to the right and the virtual desktops pop up (multiple receded windows to then select from to make the active screen).
I don't ever use the feature and just want to shut it off so it stops interfering with my work. I've seen some hit or miss suggestions with altering registry keys, but this seems like a basic user feature that should simply have an on/off switch. Help! I've
been looking at forums to shut this off since my computer upgraded to Windows 10 and it started interrupting my work.

 

Keyboard shortcut for changing virtual desktops does not work on Windows 11

I have the same question as Redirecting but the answer was not complete, so I am posting my own version with more information for you.

I use virtual desktops a lot.

• Expected result:
  
  • According to documentation, Windows Key + Ctrl + Left Arrow and Windows Key + Ctrl + Right should cycle (edit switch between virtual desktops left and right until it reaches the end.
    
• Actual result:
  
  • When I press that key combination, the active window moves from the left monitor to the right monitor on the same virtual desktop. Similar to Windows-left arrow, although without the window scaling and tiling.
    
• Other information:
  
  • I am using Windows 11 version 2H22 (os build 22621.1702)
    
  • I have 3 monitors with "extend desktop," so each virtual desktop has three screens (two Samsung monitors and a Wacom One)
    
  • Per the other post's answer from Mosken-L MSFT, I have used the onscreen keyboard (osk) to confirm the keypresses are correctly being heard.
    
  • If I press Windows-Tab, I do Task View with my multiple desktops, which are named. And if I press Windows-Tab and THEN Windows-Control-Left, the highlight moves left on the list of virtual desktops. I thought maybe "Enter" would then switch to the new virtual desktop, but it doesn't, it just closes Task View. However, I I can press Windows-Tab again to switch. But on Windows 10, windows-control-left/right arrow was an actual shortcut that switched directly from one virtual desktop to another without opening Task View first. A series of three shortcuts is not a "shortcut," it's actually more time consuming than using the mouse.
    
  • In addition, according to documentation (Multiple desktops in Windows - Microsoft Support) photo backgrounds should be specific to each desktop although solid color desktops are not, it clearly states. However, when I follow the steps on that page for Windows 11, the photo background is applied to all desktops.
    

It seems like the virtual desktop feature just does not work as documented. Or has a ton of bugs. Is there a patch or update that I do not have? Is there another keyboard shortcut? Is there a keyboard shortcut manager built-in to Windows 11 where I can see if the shortcut has been assigned to some other behavior?