Windows 10: How do I set Windows 11 to always start on Virtual Desktop 1?

Hello,I'm having trouble with how Windows 11 starts up using virtual desktops. When I turn off my computer and turn it on again, Windows 11 always puts me back on the last virtual desktop I used. This means I'm not sure which desktop I start at.In Windows 10, it always started on virtual desktop 1, which was handy because all the apps that start with the computer would show up there, making finding them very predictable. But with Windows 11, it remembers the last desktop I used before turning off, so all the starting apps show up on that one. This makes it hard to find them because they end up

:)

 

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 (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...-windows-36f52e38-5b4a-557b-2ff9-e1a60c976434) 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?

 

Start specific applications in a certain virtual desktop

Usually, I have 3 virtual desktops active. The applications I use are as follows.

1. Workspace 1 - IDE, Obsidian
   
2. Workspace 2 - Firefox
   
3. Workspace 3 - Discord, Spotify
   

Every time I turn up my laptop, I start them manually and put them into the correct workspaces. I want them to start automatically when I start them. Also, I am aware of vdesk which enables me to open applications on specific virtual desktops. But I don't want any script to run on startup creating applications. My goal is to when I start the application, for example firefox by clicking on the icon or by searching, it should start in the second virtual desktop.

Hope I made it clear. Thanks!

 

Virtual Desktops and programs set to start on Win startup


Hi,

I'm not sure IF this is the appropriate section to post this thread, I'm going to do it anyway, though.

On Windows 10 build 10162 I have tried for the first time ever the Virtual Desktop feature. It is awesome! I wish to have at least one program, the monitoring utility HWiNFO64, to start on Windows startup. I use this constantly on Windows 7.

So, I have set it to run on my second virtual desktop, Desktop 2, as Win 10 calls it. Each time I reboot though the program opens in Desktop 1, and it pops up in front of me. I also have another program, the Aquasuite, which offers some beautiful Overview pages that can be designed and set to display on the desktop. Again, I have set it to run on Windows start up, and set its Overview page to display, to appear, on Desktop 2. But when I reboot it displays on Desktop 1, as well.

What is your experience with virtual desktops and the programs you set to start with Windows?
Is this a normal thing? Is it something Windows 10 is responsible for, or something these programs themselves are responsible and should take care of?

Finally, one last question: I have observed that if I have a file or a folder on my Desktop 1, I can see them on Desktop 2, as well. Is there a way those, whatever I have on Desktop 1, to not appear on (virtual) Desktop 2?

Thank you.