Virtual Desktops - apps don't run as single instances

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #1

    Virtual Desktops - apps don't run as single instances


    Hi there

    Not sure if this is a real problem or merely a niggle -- I LIKE the idea of Virtual desktops but IMO shouldn't each desktop run an application unaware that another instance might be running on another desktop. The OS itself can keep track of shared storage areas etc so we aren't talking here about running separate virtual machines.

    What I'm thinking of as an example is say I'm running EXCEL on VD1 and I'm downloading data from the web. On VD2 I should be able to start another instance of EXCEL and download data from another website.

    BOTH applications should still run irrespective of which desktop is the active one. I get the impression that the NON active desktops don't still continue to run processes in the background if they are essentially a "shared process" like EXCEL.

    However the implementation is not too bad -- Linux though does it much better with up to 24 desktops if you really need them. !!!

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,662
    W10 Pro (desktop), W11 (laptop), W11Pro (tablet)
       #2

    I just did a simple experiment where I had 3 desktops open with a command prompt open in 2 of them. From the 2 command prompts, I then pinged different websites in each in a loop. I could switch to the 3rd desktop and when I clicked on the "Task View" icon on the Taskbar, I could see mini live views of each desktop and could see that the 2 running the ping command were updating even though neither was the active desktop. Seems to work like you want there.

    In another test, I created 7 desktops (max I could do) then opened FireFox in 2 of them and played a different YouTube video in each. When I viewed the desktops from the "Task View" icon, I could see the 2 videos were running in their min views. I left the videos running and was able to use FireFox in another desktop to surf the web. I could hear the audio from each of the running videos and they didn't pause or stutter at all.
    Last edited by strollin; 03 Oct 2014 at 09:37.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17,838
    Windows 10
       #3

    In my humble opinion, they're not truly virtual desktops, just a nifty UI for 'Open each folder in it's own window'/'Launch folder windows in separate process' in Folder Options.

    It's actually a bigger pain; when typing this I had to check Explorer for a sec in monitor one so it hid Firefox on monitor two! That ain't right!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #4

    strollin said:
    I just did a simple experiment where I had 3 desktops open with a command prompt open in 2 of them. From the 2 command prompts, I then pinged different websites in each in a loop. I could switch to the 3rd desktop and when I clicked on the "Task View" icon on the Taskbar, I could see mini live views of each desktop and could see that the 2 running the ping command were updating even though neither was the active desktop. Seems to work like you want there.

    In another test, I created 7 desktops (max I could do) then opened FireFox in 2 of them and played a different YouTube video in each. When I viewed the desktops from the "Task View" icon, I could see the 2 videos were running in their min views.
    Hi there

    Thanks -- that sounds really good -- I'm installing a load of stuff at the moment on 4 different machines !!! and have only got one slow laptop spare for internet and general use until the other installs / tests are complete. I'll try EXCEL with dynamic updates with say 3 different stocks on 3 different desktops as soon as I have a machine ready - but if it works like your test then that will suit me just fine !!

    (Still got an "Irate woman" screaming at me begging to clear up all the hardware and cables I've got lying all round the house !!!!!).

    Cheers
    jimbo
    Last edited by jimbo45; 03 Oct 2014 at 09:39.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,838
    Windows 10
       #5

    If they were truly individual desktops, (like 'Desktops' from Sysinternals), then I shouldn't be able to close all Explorer windows from one VD even though they are all open in different VD's.

    Virtual Desktops - apps don't run as single instances-000021.png

    If you open Task Manger while 'VD-ing', there is several processes running but only one instance.
    Some applications won't open more than one instance, it will kick you over to the VD running it.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Hi there

    I agree with you but so long as the different VD's all keep running their apps even if they aren't the active desktop - that will I'm sure suit most users.

    Can somebody try this - until I'm ready I can't test myself - open on VD1 and VD2 one instance of EXCEL. Now closing EXCEL on VD1 should still leave EXCEL running on VD2. You shouldn't be able to CLOSE the application started on VD1 from VD2.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,662
    W10 Pro (desktop), W11 (laptop), W11Pro (tablet)
       #7

    Edwin said:
    If they were truly individual desktops, (like 'Desktops' from Sysinternals), then I shouldn't be able to close all Explorer windows from one VD even though they are all open in different VD's.

    Virtual Desktops - apps don't run as single instances-000021.png

    If you open Task Manger while 'VD-ing', there is several processes running but only one instance.
    Some applications won't open more than one instance, it will kick you over to the VD running it.
    You make some good points, you should submit them as feedback.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,838
    Windows 10
       #8

    jimbo45 said:
    Can somebody try this - until I'm ready I can't test myself - open on VD1 and VD2 one instance of EXCEL. Now closing EXCEL on VD1 should still leave EXCEL running on VD2. You shouldn't be able to CLOSE the application started on VD1 from VD2.
    Now that works!!!

    Virtual Desktops - apps don't run as single instances-000022.png

    (but I can still close them all from one VD!)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17,838
    Windows 10
       #9

    strollin said:
    You make some good points, you should submit them as feedback.
    Arrrgh! I uninstalled the 'Feedback' App!
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2,662
    W10 Pro (desktop), W11 (laptop), W11Pro (tablet)
       #10

    jimbo45 said:
    ... Can somebody try this - until I'm ready I can't test myself - open on VD1 and VD2 one instance of EXCEL. Now closing EXCEL on VD1 should still leave EXCEL running on VD2. You shouldn't be able to CLOSE the application started on VD1 from VD2.

    Cheers
    jimbo
    I did as you described and was able to open and close the Excel workbooks from each VD. However, it's possible to close the Excel workbook in VD2 from VD1 via the Taskbar because everything is grouped on the Taskbar.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:05.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums