microsoft / microsoft/PowerToys
Add Workspace flag to set an app/window as “Show on all virtual desktops”
- Dominant language
- C
- Stars
- 139k
- Forks
- 8.6k
- PR merge metrics
- PR metrics pending
Description
### Description of the new feature / enhancement
Add an option in PowerToys Workspaces to automatically mark an app or window as visible on all virtual desktops when the workspace is launched.
### Scenario when this would be used?
Adding a “Show on all virtual desktops” flag to PowerToys Workspaces would significantly improve workflow consistency for users who rely on multiple virtual desktops. Some applications — such as browsers, note‑taking tools, communication apps, or monitoring dashboards — need to stay visible regardless of which desktop the user switches to.
Today this must be enabled manually for each window every time it opens, which breaks the repeatability that Workspaces is designed to provide.
By allowing Workspaces to automatically pin selected apps across all virtual desktops, users gain:
A predictable and fully reproducible workspace setup
Faster context switching without losing access to key tools
Better integration between Workspaces and Windows Virtual Desktops
Reduced manual steps and a smoother, more efficient workflow
This small addition would provide a large usability boost for power users who depend on structured, multi‑desktop environments.
### Supporting information
_No response_
Contributor guide
Research direction
Start in PowerToys Workspaces and trace how workspace app or window settings are stored and applied when a workspace launches. Read the existing Windows Virtual Desktops integration first; done means a selected app or window can be configured to show on all virtual desktops and that setting is applied during launch.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- c
- Domain
- desktop, operating-systems
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Quiet
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 48/100