/VD.ahk

Windows Virtual Desktop, AutoHotkey no dependencies, Windows 11 support, switch desktop, move window(wintitle) to current desktop; createDesktop, PinWindow, getCount, getDesktopNumOfWindow -> mute all windows in Virtual Desktop

Primary LanguageAutoHotkeyMIT LicenseMIT

VD.ahk: Virtual Desktop

no dependencies no virtual-desktop-accessor.dll, Windows 11 support

Just run the examples, everything explained inside

the most useful ones:

  • Numpad1 to go to Desktop 1
  • Numpad2 to go to Desktop 2
  • Numpad3 to go to Desktop 3
numpad1::VD.goToDesktopNum(1)
numpad2::VD.goToDesktopNum(2)
numpad3::VD.goToDesktopNum(3)
  • Win + x move VSCode to your current Desktop and WinActivate
  • Win + e move "explorer replacement program" to your current Desktop and WinActivate
#x::VD.MoveWindowToCurrentDesktop("ahk_exe Code.exe ahk_class Chrome_WidgetWin_1")
#e::VD.MoveWindowToCurrentDesktop("ahk_explorer ahk_exe AutoHotkey.exe")

  • Numpad4 to move the active window to Desktop 1
  • Numpad5 to move the active window to Desktop 2
  • Numpad6 to move the active window to Desktop 3
  • here, I choose to follow the window
numpad4::VD.MoveWindowToDesktopNum("A",1), VD.goToDesktopNum(1)
numpad5::VD.MoveWindowToDesktopNum("A",2), VD.goToDesktopNum(2)
numpad6::VD.MoveWindowToDesktopNum("A",3), VD.goToDesktopNum(3)
numpad7::VD.MoveWindowToDesktopNum("A",1)
numpad8::VD.MoveWindowToDesktopNum("A",2)
numpad9::VD.MoveWindowToDesktopNum("A",3)

you can remap everything

also has:

  • createDesktop()
  • PinWindow()
  • getCount() ;how many virtual desktops you now have
  • pretty much everything virtual desktop, or so I think!
    if there's anything missing/something you want: create an issue: I want to know what you're using it for

cool fixes:

Sometimes when I switch desktop, the application that's focused on that desktop becomes highlighted in the task bar.

Example: On desktop A, I have Firefox:
untitled

On desktop B I have Steam (note that Firefox is pinned to my task bar, which is why it's visible on this desktop):
untitled2

When I switch from A to B, Steam becomes highlighted:
untitled3 (It's possible to stop the blinking by explicitly selecting the blinking window with the mouse or alt+tab.)

When I switch back to A, Firefox also becomes highlighted (and Steam stays visible in the taskbar because it is highlighted):
untitled4

This doesn't always happen; I'm not sure if it depends on the programs or where the mouse/keyboard focus is when switching desktops. That said, it happens far too often, to the point where it defeats the point of having multiple desktops at all.

(The problem isn't limited to Firefox and Steam, the same thing also happens with other programs like Explorer.)


how ? WinActivate taskbar before switching and WinMinimize taskbar after arriving

  • Switch VD reliably works in FULLSCREEN thanks to SetTimer, pleaseSwitchDesktop, -50

if you don't use these headers, it will be slow:

#NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey releases.
#SingleInstance force
ListLines Off
SetBatchLines -1
SendMode Input ; Recommended for new scripts due to its superior speed and reliability.
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% ; Ensures a consistent starting directory.
#KeyHistory 0
#WinActivateForce

Process, Priority,, H

SetWinDelay -1
SetControlDelay -1

if you want global functions style instead of a class:
eg: VD_goToDesktopNum() instead of VD.goToDesktopNum()
then visit branch global_functions
but it won't be updated

from https://github.com/MScholtes/VirtualDesktop/blob/812c321e286b82a10f8050755c94d21c4b69812f/VirtualDesktop11.cs#L161-L185
Windows 11 has more functionality,
if you need:

  • MoveDesktop: // move current desktop to desktop in index (-> index = 0..Count-1)
  • SetDesktopName
  • SetDesktopWallpaper
  • GetDesktopIsPerMonitor
  • etc.
  • or anything else that's not On this list

create an issue saying what function(s) you need, what you'll be using it for (I'm curious)