Windows 10: Windows 11 taskbar should not be unique to each virtual desktop.

The task bar should be global, or atleast maybe there should be an option to enable this behavior.For example If i have Explorer open in Desktop 1 and Task manager open in Desktop 2. I should be able to see all open apps in the Taskbar from both desktop contexts. If i try to navigate to an app that is in a different context, the UI should navigate to it for me.I've seen a previous question specifically asking for it to function the way it is now, for the reason that a global taskbar is too cluttered- however the difficulty is that you have to remember what context your application is in to nav

:)

 

virtual desktops

Click the Task View button beside the search box/icon in the taskbar.

Click +Desktop to add Virtual Desktop

Hover your mouse to Desktop1 to show list of open Windows

Drag and drop each Windows to target virtual desktop

 

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 Update your graphics drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause performance issues.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

 

Major Taskbar/Virtual Desktop Bug

I have given up on Microsoft fixing this issue, clearly a major problem for anyone who uses the virtual desktop feature (obviously the folks at MS don't).

Fortunately, there is a fix for this. Look for "taskbar tweaker". It's free. Once installed, right click on the tray icon and select advanced options. Scroll down the list and look for "virtual desktop order fix" and change that to 1.

This fixes the issues of taskbar icons moving when switching between desktops!