- It allows you to capture and save the exact layout of multiple windows and applications to launch them with a single click.
- It supports the use of CLI arguments to open specific files or URLs automatically when starting the workspace.
- It offers the ability to create shortcuts on the desktop or pin them to the taskbar for quick access.
- It is complemented by FancyZones to manage the anchoring and organization of windows in custom designs.
If you've ever felt like you waste a ridiculous amount of time every morning arranging your computer windows before you can start working, you're not alone. That endless dance of dragging the browser to one side, opening the code editor in the middle, and shoving the Teams chat into a corner is, frankly, a productivity drain that Microsoft has decided to fix.
To remedy this , PowerToys Workspaces arrives , a hidden gem within the suite of tools for advanced Windows users. Essentially, it's a utility that lets you save the exact layout of your applications and launch them all at once with a single click, leaving your desktop ready for action without having to manually rearrange it every single time.
How to set up your first workspace
Before you begin, make sure you have PowerToys installed (you can download it from the Microsoft Store or via WinGet). Once installed, the first thing to do is go to the general settings and enable the Workspaces module , as it's not always enabled by default.
To create your own setup, you have two options: you can go into settings and click "Start editor," or, if you prefer a faster method, use the keyboard shortcut Win + Ctrl + ` . Once in the editor, select the "Create workspace" option , and you'll enter capture mode. At this point, the desktop is fully functional, so open the programs you need, move them around, and resize them until the layout looks perfect. When everything is arranged just right, click "Capture . "
After the capture, you'll return to the editor where you can give your space a custom name , adjust window sizes more precisely, add command-line arguments, or even decide whether to create a desktop shortcut so you don't have to open the editor every time.
Launching and managing applications
To run your configuration, simply click "Start" from the editor list or use the desktop shortcut you created. These shortcuts are very convenient because they can also be pinned to the taskbar , allowing you to switch between work environments in an instant.
An important thing to note is that while the apps are opening, you'll see a status dialog box . This tells you if the application has launched successfully, is still loading, or if there has been an error. It's normal to see the windows "jump" around ; this happens because PowerToys first opens the program and then tells it to move to the saved location, since Windows doesn't allow you to define the startup position natively.
Advanced tricks: CLI and administrator permissions
If you want to take this to the next level, you can use CLI (Command Line Interface) arguments in each application's dropdown menu. For example, in Visual Studio Code you can have it open directly to a specific project folder , or in Edge you can pass it a comma-separated list of URLs to open all the necessary tabs at once.
Regarding security, if you need a program to run with elevated privileges , you can check the "Run as administrator" box. Keep in mind that Windows will prompt you for the usual User Account Control (UAC) confirmation. If the file is an .exe and the digital signature is not verifiable , PowerToys will ask if you want to run it anyway or ignore that specific application.
Considerations regarding existing windows and web apps
A critical point is what happens if you already have the program open. If you have the option enabled "Move existing windows"PowerToys will simply reposition the window that's already on screen instead of opening a new copy. If you prefer different behavior, it's best to manage it through the... CLI arguments, like the command --reuse-window in VS Code.
For those who work extensively with web applications , there's a detail to note: in early versions, PowerToys could detect all Edge windows as a single application. This means it could open multiple instances of the browser in the correct location, but not necessarily with the specific tabs, unless you use the URL arguments mentioned earlier.
Differences with FancyZones
It's common to confuse Workspaces with FancyZones, but they do different things. While Workspaces handles launching and positioning your set of apps , FancyZones is a window manager that creates fixed zones on your desktop. You can use Win + Shift + ` to open the FancyZones editor and create custom grids or canvases where windows automatically snap into place when you drag them.
FancyZones is ideal for organizing your workflow once apps are open, even allowing you to rotate windows between monitors with Alt + X or move them using the keyboard with the Windows key and arrow keys, as long as you have configured the Replace Windows Dock option.
Having total control over the digital environment through desktop state capture, the use of advanced commands, and the precise organization of windows eliminates any operational friction, transforming a tedious manual process into an automated deployment of tools ready to produce in an instant.