Virtual desktops as context separation, not just window management
The real value of virtual desktops isn't just having more space for open windows β it's mental separation. Switching to a dedicated "focus" desktop with only your current task's windows open removes the visual reminder of everything else waiting for your attention, which is a small but genuinely effective way to reduce task-switching fatigue during deep work.
A practical setup for daily use
A common and effective pattern is one desktop for communication apps (email, chat) that you check periodically, one for your primary focused task, and one for background reference material like documentation or a browser with research tabs. Assigning specific desktops to specific categories of work, rather than letting windows pile up wherever they happen to open, is what actually makes the feature useful day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do virtual desktops share the same set of open apps or files?
No β each virtual desktop keeps track of its own open windows independently, though the underlying files and apps are the same system, so you can still open the same document from a different desktop if needed.
What happens to my desktops after restarting the computer?
By default, virtual desktops are not preserved across a restart or sign-out β they reset to a single default desktop, so any custom desktop layout needs to be recreated after rebooting.