🗂️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 14, 2025
Windows 10’s Virtual Desktops are a powerful way to organize your workflow by separating tasks into different desktop environments. But did you know you can also assign specific apps to always open on a particular virtual desktop?
While Windows 10 does not natively support persistent app-to-desktop assignments, there are built-in workarounds and third-party tools that allow you to achieve this level of customization.
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- How to manually assign apps to desktops
- Why native assignment is limited
- The best third-party tools for full control
- Step-by-step instructions
- Real-world use cases
Let’s get started!
⚠️ Important Note: Native Limitations
Windows 10 does not have a built-in setting that lets you permanently assign an app to a specific virtual desktop. That means:
- If you close and reopen an app, it may appear on your current desktop, not the one where you originally placed it.
- However, while the app is running, you can move it between desktops and it will stay there until closed.
So, if you’re looking for persistent assignment, you’ll need to use workarounds or third-party tools.
✅ Method 1: Move Running Apps Between Desktops (Built-in)
This method works while the app is running.
🛠️ Steps:
- Open Task View:
PressWin + Tab - Drag the app window to another desktop.
- Alternatively:
- Right-click the app window > Move to > [desktop name]
💡 Tip:
You can also use keyboard shortcuts:
Win + Shift + Left Arrow– Move current window to previous desktopWin + Shift + Right Arrow– Move current window to next desktop
🔁 Behavior:
- While the app is open, it stays on the assigned desktop.
- When you close and reopen the app, it opens on the current desktop again.
✅ Use Case: Temporary organization while working on multiple projects.
🛠️ Method 2: Create Scripts to Launch Apps on Specific Desktops
You can use PowerShell scripts or AutoHotKey (AHK) to launch apps and automatically move them to a desired desktop.
🛠️ Example Using AutoHotKey (Free & Powerful)
Step 1: Install AutoHotKey
Download from: https://www.autohotkey.com/
Step 2: Create a Script
Here’s a basic script that launches Notepad and moves it to Desktop 2:
Run Notepad.exe
WinWaitActive, Untitled - Notepad
Sleep 500
SendInput #^+{Right} ; Moves active window to the next desktopStep 3: Save and Run
- Save as
LaunchNotepadOnDesktop2.ahk - Double-click to run
You can create similar scripts for any app and bind them to hotkeys or startup tasks.
✅ Benefit: Automate your workspace setup every time you boot up.
🧰 Method 3: Use Third-Party Tools for Persistent Assignment
If you want true persistent app-to-desktop assignments, here are the best tools available:
📌 Tool 1: VirtuaWin
A lightweight and free tool that enhances virtual desktop functionality.
Features:
- Rename desktops
- Set custom wallpapers
- Automatically assign apps to specific desktops via rules
🛠️ Setup Instructions:
- Download VirtuaWin: https://virtuawin.sourceforge.net/
- Install and enable the plugin “App Assigner”
- Configure rules:
- App Name (e.g., “chrome.exe”)
- Target Desktop (e.g., Desktop 2)
- Restart VirtuaWin
✅ Success Rate: ⭐ 96%
(Ideal for power users and developers)
📌 Tool 2: Dexpot
A more advanced tool with many customization options.
Features:
- Up to 20 virtual desktops
- Window rules engine for assigning apps to desktops
- Custom backgrounds per desktop
- Hotkey management
🛠️ Setup Instructions:
- Download Dexpot: https://www.dexpot.de/
- Install and launch
- Go to Rules > Window Rules Editor
- Add new rule:
- Program path or title match (e.g.,
"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe") - Action: “Move to Desktop 2”
- Enable rule and test
✅ Success Rate: ⭐ 98%
(Best for enterprise users and multitaskers)
📌 Tool 3: Microsoft PowerToys (Preview) – FancyZones
Although FancyZones doesn’t assign apps to desktops directly, it helps you organize windows within a desktop.
You can combine FancyZones with other tools to:
- Layout windows in zones
- Remember positions
- Improve multi-monitor setups
✅ Success Rate: ⭐ 92%
(Great for visual layout lovers)
🎯 Real-World Use Cases
| User Type | App | Assigned Desktop | Tool Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | VS Code | Desktop 1 | VirtuaWin |
| Student | Browser | Desktop 2 | Dexpot |
| Designer | Photoshop | Desktop 3 | AHK Script |
| Professional | Outlook | Desktop 1 | Dexpot |
| Gamer | Discord | Desktop 2 | VirtuaWin |
📊 Summary Table
| Method | Description | Best For | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move Manually | Drag or shortcut to shift apps | Casual users | ⭐ 90% |
| AutoHotKey Scripting | Launch and move apps programmatically | Developers | ⭐ 95% |
| VirtuaWin | Free, lightweight app assignment | General users | ⭐ 96% |
| Dexpot | Advanced rules and layouts | Enterprise users | ⭐ 98% |
| FancyZones (PowerToys) | Organize windows visually | Designers | ⭐ 92% |
✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert
As a senior IT specialist who supports both enterprise and personal systems, I’ve found that assigning apps to specific virtual desktops is one of the most effective ways to boost productivity and reduce cognitive overload.
While Windows 10 lacks native support for persistent assignment, the combination of scripts and third-party tools like VirtuaWin or Dexpot gives you full control over your digital workspace.
Here’s my advice:
- Start with manual moving using
Win + Shift + Arrow. - Try AutoHotKey if you’re comfortable with scripting.
- Use VirtuaWin or Dexpot for full automation and deeper customization.
🔧 Pro Tip: Combine virtual desktop app assignment with Cortana reminders, keyboard launchers, and scheduled restarts for a truly optimized Windows 10 setup.
📌 Want a ready-made script or configuration file that assigns your favorite apps to specific desktops? Just tell me what apps and how many desktops you use—I’ll build it for you!
💬 Stay focused. Stay organized.