Virtual desktops switches desktop automatically and unwantedly when opening/closing applications

Question

_{Friday, August 17, 2018 3:33 PM}

Hi!

It's great that virtual desktops are a native feature in Windows 10. I have a problem with the desktops with certain applications which I describe in the following. I open e.g. a Microsoft Excel document in desktop 1 and then move focus to desktop 2 (which is empty). If I then open another Excel document in desktop 2, it switches automatically to desktop 1 where the other excel document is open and opens the document there.

This behavior is infuriating. I work on many different projects during the day and may have to switch between them quickly. I would like to keep the documents of project A on desktop 1 and the documents of project B on desktop 2 and so on. Of course I can move the windows between the desktops to organize them, but this automatic switching is very annoying and sometimes causes confusion of which document belongs to which project.

At least Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat behave this way. (Also File explorer behaves this way if I open the same folder in another desktop.) Is this automatic switching caused by the applications or is it a feature in the virtual desktops itself?

All replies (9)

_{Monday, August 20, 2018 7:00 AM | 1 vote}

Hi,

This is a quick note to let you know that I am currently performing research on this issue and will get back to you as soon as possible. I appreciate your patience.

If you have any updates during this process, please feel free to let me know.

Best Regards,

Otto Wang

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].

_{Tuesday, August 21, 2018 7:23 AM | 1 vote}

Hi,

Thanks for posting in our forum.

From your description, I understand that the application switches issue between virtual desktops.

Based on the information you shared, I tested on my side and found same symptom with you, if we open excel file in one desktop with an excel file opened in another desktop, it will automatically switch to that desktop. I have tested on different Windows 10 machines and different application, same symptom occurs.

I have performed a lot of research about this symptom and consulted other senior support resource, however, the official article is limited. At such situation, we will try the best to deliver the information to the product team to see if anyone can confirm this, but not guaranteed. Meanwhile, I would recommend you to feedback it to Microsoft through “Feedback Hub”.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

Best Regards,

Otto Wang

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].

_{Monday, August 27, 2018 5:29 AM}

Hi,

Just checking in to see if the information provided was helpful. Please let us know if you would like further assistance.

Best Regards,

Otto Wang

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].

_{Wednesday, August 29, 2018 2:59 PM}

Sorry for the delayed response. Thanks for looking into this! It would be nice to get it confirmed if the problem is caused by the mentioned programs or by the virtual desktops itself. So you would guess it is the programs that cause this?

It seems that the use of Feedback Hub is disabled by my organization. Is there some other way to send the feedback?

_{Thursday, August 30, 2018 3:16 AM}

Hi,

I have performed a lot of research and discussed with my colleagues for this symptom, but could not get the root cause for it. The possible cause for this may be the different structure and security policy cooperated with virtual desktops. If we want to find out the root cause, we suggest you contact Premier support so that a dedicated support professional can further assist you with this request.

As I know, the most way to submit the feedback is to submit via Feedback Hub. Is it available to download it from Microsoft Store on your machine?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-sg/help/27932/windows-10-send-us-feedback

https://insider.windows.com/en-us/how-to-feedback/

Hope the information can help. Thanks for your understanding.

Best Regards,

Otto Wang

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].

_{Saturday, October 6, 2018 7:37 AM}

I am experiencing the same symptoms.  Has this issue been resolved?  If so could you point me to the solution? Thank you.

Michael J. Rubillo

_{Thursday, January 3, 2019 4:52 AM}

Hi,

Has there been any more development with this question? I have experienced this with Windows' operating system for awhile now -- still waiting on a feature to be developed that allows us to turn off the automatic switching. If anyone knows if this already exists, whether it be within Windows settings or the app itself, please shed some light.

Thanks,

Reilly J

_{Thursday, January 3, 2019 3:59 PM}

No development that I know of. This is very frustrating

_{Monday, December 9, 2019 1:58 PM}

Almost 2020. No sign of improvement.

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