How to Configure Windows 11 to Move Apps to Active Desktop Instead of Switching Users

In Windows 11, the standard virtual desktop function switches users to the application’s desktop when opening a document in an already running application from another desktop. This behavior can be changed through system settings, Task View context menu, and some third-party utilities, though there’s no complete solution in native Windows settings.

Table of Contents

• Basic Solutions
• Application Behavior Settings through System Settings
• Using Task View to Manage Windows
• Solutions for Specific Applications
• Third-Party Tools for Focus Management
• Limitations and Alternative Approaches
• Conclusion on Behavior Configuration

Basic Solutions

Windows 11 doesn’t have a direct toggle for changing the behavior of opening documents in already running applications, but there are several working approaches to manage window behavior between virtual desktops:

1. Moving applications to the current desktop - allows manually moving existing application windows to the active desktop
2. Showing windows on all desktops - makes the application available on all desktops simultaneously
3. Using third-party utilities - provides more control over window behavior and focus

For your Sublime Text issue, methods #1 and #2 will be most effective to avoid automatic desktop switching when opening new documents.

Application Behavior Settings through System Settings

Windows 11 provides basic settings for managing application behavior between virtual desktops:

1. Open Settings > System > Multitasking > Desktops
2. Find the option “Show open windows on the taskbar”
3. Select “Across all desktops” to display application windows on all desktops

Important: This setting affects taskbar behavior but doesn’t completely solve the problem of automatic desktop switching when opening documents.

According to Microsoft documentation, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Win + Ctrl + D to quickly create a new desktop and Win + Tab to access Task View.

Using Task View to Manage Windows

Task View provides several ways to manage window behavior between desktops:

Moving Windows Between Desktops

1. Open Task View using Win + Tab
2. Hover over the desired application window
3. Right-click on the window thumbnail
4. Select “Move to” and choose the target desktop

Showing a Window on All Desktops

1. In Task View, right-click on the window thumbnail
2. Select “Show this window on all desktops”

Showing Application Windows on All Desktops

1. In Task View, right-click on the window thumbnail
2. Select “Show windows from this app on all desktops”

As noted on WindowsForum, these options allow you to manage window visibility between desktops, but they don’t prevent automatic switching when opening new documents.

Solutions for Specific Applications

Some applications have their own settings that can be modified for better interaction with virtual desktops:

For Sublime Text

1. Open Sublime Text
2. Go to Preferences > Settings
3. Add or modify the setting:
   json

   {
       "show_full_path": true,
       "remember_open_files": false
   }
   

Running Multiple Application Instances

For applications that support multiple instances:

1. Close the application on all desktops except one
2. Launch the application again from the desktop where you want to open a new document
3. Some applications allow launching a second instance via command line with the --new-instance flag

As mentioned in IronOrbit, applications like Adobe Premiere have single-session behavior that ignores desktop boundaries, requiring a separate approach.

Third-Party Tools for Focus Management

If native Windows 11 settings don’t solve your problem, there are third-party utilities for managing window behavior:

DeskPins

A free program that allows you to “pin” any window on top of others, regardless of actions:

1. Download DeskPins from the official website
2. Run the program and click on the tray icon
3. Click on the window you want to pin
4. Pinned windows are marked with a red pin and stay on top of other windows

Window On Top

A similar program with similar functionality:

1. Download and install Window On Top
2. Activate the function for the desired window
3. The window will remain on top even when switching between desktops

As mentioned in Super User, these tools can help prevent “focus stealing” by applications when switching between virtual desktops.

Limitations and Alternative Approaches

Windows 11 Technical Limitations

Windows 11 has built-in limitations in working with virtual desktops:

• Applications with single-session behavior (like Sublime Text) automatically switch focus
• There’s no direct registry parameter to disable this behavior
• The IVirtualDesktopManager interface allows applications to interact with virtual workspaces but doesn’t provide a simple toggle for users

Alternative Approaches

1. Use different application profiles - create separate profiles for different desktops
2. Launch applications with different parameters - use command line flags to launch separate instances
3. Use virtual machines - for completely isolated work environments

As noted in Microsoft Q&A, completely preventing automatic desktop switching without changing the application’s code is difficult.

Conclusion on Behavior Configuration

To solve the problem of automatic desktop switching when opening documents in already running applications in Windows 11, we recommend:

1. Use Task View to manually move application windows to desired desktops
2. Configure windows to show on all desktops via Task View context menu
3. Pin important windows using DeskPins or Window On Top to prevent focus stealing
4. Check specific application settings - some programs have parameters for managing behavior between desktops
5. Consider launching separate instances of applications for completely isolated work

Although Windows 11 doesn’t provide a direct toggle for changing document opening behavior, a combination of these methods allows effective management of virtual desktops and avoids unnecessary switching between them. For professional document work, we recommend creating a template configuration of virtual desktops and applications for your needs.

Sources

1. How do I enable Windows 11’s Virtual Desktop feature and manage multiple desktops? - Microsoft Q&A
2. On Windows 11, how can I prevent multiple instances of an app opening up across each virtual desktop - Microsoft Q&A
3. How to Manage Virtual Desktops in Windows 11 | PCMag
4. How to Set Up Windows 11 Virtual Desktops | TeQ I.Q. Computer Repair
5. How to Setup and Manage Virtual Desktops in Windows 11 - WinTips.org
6. Master Windows 11 Virtual Desktops: Quick Setup and the Missing Toggle | Windows Forum
7. Virtual Desktop Windows 11: Setup Tips & Time-Saving Hacks - IronOrbit
8. How to Use Virtual Desktops on Windows 11 | How-To Geek
9. Stop automatic switching of virtual desktops in Windows 10 - Super User
10. How to Prevent Programs From Stealing Focus in Windows | Lifewire