Windows 10: On Windows 11, how can I prevent multiple instances of an app opening up across each...

When you have virtual desktops setup on Windows 11, and have a chat app like Slack, Guilded, or Discord on one virtual desktop, clicking on links that require a web browser will open up a new browser window instance local to that desktop. This is extremely annoying as my browser is setup on another virtual desktop and I'd like to keep it that way. How can I adjust it so that my web browser is "stuck" in one desktop no matter what instead of allowing all these separate browser windows across desktops to pop up?There is a similar but different problem occurring in this older thread here: https:/

:)

 

How to prevent multiple instances of an application

the only time that works is when the program itself is written to prohibit multiple instances

if the programmer didn't do that with this program

then there really isn't any method to preventing multiple instances

 

How can I prevent launching multiple instances of apps and programs?

Is there a way in Windows 10 to prevent apps and programs from opening more than one instance? I am aware of a very few that have an internal setting to prevent this (eg Irfanview), but most do not.
I am finding that I am being asked for help because older friends' computers have slowed, to find that they have 2 or 3 browser windows open (as well as tabs in them), and sometimes a couple of instances of other apps.

This is particularly a problem on older slower PCs - which they are likely to have.
The issue seems to be that if an app does not immediately start up or show an egg timer, the expectation is that the click to open did not register, so a second or third click is made. Then when I log in using TeamViewer, I find all of those instances open, and the computer almost at standstill. In some cases it is the user pressing the windows key and typing the app name - which instead of opening the existing instance, creates a new one.

I've searched, and there are no threads I can find that cover this issue. Some cover problems with corrupted apps when many multiple instances are launched, or by a system error. There is one website that is shown in search results with a summary recommending an app called 'single instance', but I cannot find any reviews of that site, nor of the app, nor other mentions. I am not inclined to risk either visiting that site or that of the app, let alone installing it.

Does anyone please have any solutions to restrict apps to a single instance?

Windows 10 v1909. Build 18363.959.
Most of the people I help out have v 1909, one still has 1903 because their hardware is inadequate.

 

Multiple instances of Windows Explorer

So in the Processes tab, under Apps, however many Windows Explorers I actually have open is however many it will list, and expanding will list the specific folder that is open, there is no problem there. The problem is when you scroll down to Windows processes, that's where all the multiple instances are. Right now it's only showing 7 but that is because I restarted my computer a couple hours ago, I've counted as many as 40+ before.