alt + number as hotkey for virtual desktops

[kraoli]

This is an idea to enhance virtual desktops in Windows.

Problem:
Windows virtual desktops can't be targeted via hotkey. It's only possible to switch via win + arrows (I need two hands for this) or via mouse (needs many clicks and mouse movement). To use virtual desktops effectively, I need to quickly switch between them.

Suggestion:
Switching to a specific virtual desktop works great in other OS by e.g. alt+number. In Windows it's not possible to switch really quickly between them.

Example:
For virtual desktop1 you need to press alt+1, for the second alt+2. This way you can instantly change to the right one. The shortcut works also one handed, so you can keep the other hand on the mouse.

[aimoehi]

great idea!

maybe also considering alt + ^ (left of 1) to switch to the next or last virtual desktop (configurable/custom keybinding?)

while alt + numkey might interfere with some app specific shortcuts, maybe winkey + alt + numkey might be an option, as both win and alt keys can be pressed be a "bad aligned" thumb...

[oucil]

This is the one feature that I really miss from the other desktop managers in the past.

Might I suggest though, since the current keyboard shortcut for switching desktops is WIN+CTRL+left|right that the shortcut for moving directly to a desktop be WIN+CTRL+1..9 , for example WIN+CTRL+3 for Desktop 3.

I understand it's an extra key, but it keeps things consistent with current key mappings.

[kraoli]

Good point about consistency and it's good to think about the modifier key. Unfortunately, WIN+CTRL+1,2,3,4 is very difficult to press with one hand.

Since I can remap keys I could use it this way, but I would strongly suggest something that can be pressed by one hand, while the other hand can be on the mouse.

For me, one handed and easy to press is a key for this feature. When it's to difficult, I would not use it. When easy to reach, it can speed up the workflow very much.

[oucil]

To be honest, my pref would actually be ALT+1..9 to switch to that desktop, and CTRL+ALT+1..9 for moving an app directly to that desktop. Until recently trying out these features of windows, I'd been using "VirtuaWin" for the last 5yrs+, and I was using this setup very happily. The left hand only 3-key shortcut was totally natural and didn't take long to get used to.

I only suggest the WIN+CTRL for consistency, but now that the power toys shortcut remapper is coming out, it really doesn't matter what they set it as I can use whatever I want now :)

[kraoli]

:)

[Gorvaine]

I'd we happy if I were able to remap control + win + left/right to any other keys like, Alt+1/2 or something like that, but Keyboard Manager fails when you try to remap any Win+ function. :(

Usually my shortcuts are something like:

alt + a: maximize
alt + d: minimize
alt + w: close
alt + 1,2,3: desktop 1,2,3

With something like that, navigating trough your desktop turns in something fast. Windows shortcuts are... well... they are there.

[enricogior]

Let's use #19 as tracker for the general idea of shortcuts for VDs.

[GawainProdigy]

Issue here similar but with nuance; I assign alt + (a number). It works fine; BUT, I touched the win key and it automatically switched to desk 1.

So, I go to configure, the win key tickbox is unticked but when I tick it to see if I can switch from my selected "alt key" to "win key" (which seems hardwired in) a message appears saying the "One or more of the selected keys is already in use). In other words, I cannot unselect the "win key" -even though it is not selected. Nor can I add it as my preferential key (win + 'a number').

So, maybe there is a registry key to toggle? Be nice to fix because otherwise, it is an awesome little tool. If I set it thinking my desktop will be private while I am away, anyone can just easily push the "windows key" and reveal my private desktop, so... functionality has been neutralized a bit. Thank you for creating this gem. Let me know if there is a workaround or when you catch the bug!