Virtual desktops are a powerful feature in Windows 11 that allows users to organize their workspace more efficiently. By creating multiple virtual desktops, users can separate different tasks, such as work, entertainment, and personal browsing, into different spaces without cluttering a single desktop with too many open windows. This is especially useful for multitasking, as it helps maintain focus and improve productivity.
Windows 11 makes managing virtual desktops simple. Users can create and switch between virtual desktops using either the Task View button on the taskbar or the keyboard shortcut Win+Tab.
While this feature is incredibly useful, Windows does not provide a built-in way to indicate which virtual desktop is currently in use. This is where Windicator comes in.
What is Windicator?
Windicator is a lightweight, portable utility designed to display the current virtual desktop number in the Windows 11 notification area. Since Windows does not offer a native way to show which virtual desktop is active, Windicator provides a simple solution for users who need a quick visual indicator.
How Windicator Works
The tool is completely portable, meaning it does not require installation. The downloaded file is Windicator.exe. Simply double-clicking on it starts the program in the background. If no virtual desktops are in use, Windicator remains invisible – no system tray icon or window is displayed. When a virtual desktop is created, an icon appears in the notification area, showing the number of the currently active virtual desktop.
Command-line Parameters
Windicator does not have a settings window, but users can modify its appearance using command-line parameters:
- Default: Windicator.exe (black numbers on a white background)
- Dark Mode: Windicator.exe –dark (white numbers on a black background)
- Blue Mode: Windicator.exe –blue (white numbers on a light blue background)
Limitations
Windicator supports a maximum of 10 virtual desktops. The 10th virtual desktop is displayed as “0”. It is only compatible with Windows 11 and does not work on Windows 10. Besides it does not come with any options that can be set through its user interface. If you want to use it frequently, you might have to set it to auto-start yourself manually.
Making Windicator Run at Startup
Users who find Windicator useful can make it start automatically when Windows starts by placing it in the Startup folder:
- Press Win+R, type shell:startup, and press Enter. This will open your startup folder.
- Copy Windicator.exe or a shortcut to this program into this folder. If you use shortcut, then you can also change its parameters mentioned above.
This ensures that Windicator runs at every system startup without requiring manual execution.
Conclusion
Windicator is a handy tool for Windows 11 users who frequently use virtual desktops. With its lightweight design and simple functionality, it provides a quick and effective way to keep track of active virtual desktops.
You can download Windicator from https://github.com/Wielding/Windicator.