How to Use PowerToys Workspaces to Instantly Restore Your Desktop Setup

Are you tired of manually opening the same set of apps and rearranging their windows every time you start a new task? Whether you're switching from your "Work" mode to "Weekend" gaming or setting up a specific research environment, Microsoft PowerToys now offers a powerful solution: Workspaces. In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to create custom workspaces that launch specific applications in their exact saved positions on your screen. We’ll show you how to use command-line arguments to open specific documents automatically, how to create desktop shortcuts for one-click launches, and how to troubleshoot common issues with apps like Outlook or multiple File Explorer windows. 0:00 - Introduction: What is the PowerToys Workspaces feature? 0:45 - Saving app positions and using FancyZones for snapping 1:10 - Opening the Workspaces Editor in PowerToys 1:45 - Demonstrating a "Weekday" workspace launch 2:20 - Troubleshooting app states and window positions 4:15 - Using CLI arguments to open specific files (e.g., Word documents) 5:00 - Handling multiple workspaces and layering apps 6:00 - Editing an existing workspace and capturing new states 6:45 - Creating a brand new workspace from scratch 8:05 - Generating desktop shortcuts for your workspaces 9:15 - Final tips for organizing your desktop environments Here is a link where you can download PowerToys. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/win... Step-By-Step Instructions 1 - Install PowerToys: Download and install Microsoft PowerToys from GitHub or the Microsoft Store. Ensure the Workspaces module is enabled in the settings. 2 - Arrange Your Desktop: Open all the applications you want in your workspace and move them to their desired positions and sizes. If you use FancyZones, snap your windows into your preferred layout first. 3 - Create a Workspace: Open the Workspaces Editor and click Create workspace. The utility will detect all currently open windows. 4 - Capture the Layout: Give your workspace a name (like "Project A" or "Morning Routine") and click Capture. PowerToys will save the position and state of every open application. 5 - Add Custom Arguments (Optional): If you want an app to open a specific file, click the Edit icon on that app within the workspace. In the CLI Arguments box, enter the file path in quotes. 6 - Create a Shortcut: To launch your workspace faster, click the three dots on your saved workspace and select Create desktop shortcut. 7 - Launch and Restore: To use your setup, simply double-click the desktop shortcut or launch it from the PowerToys editor. If your windows are already open but in the wrong spots, make sure the Move existing windows box is checked in the workspace settings so they snap back into place. 🎓 Step up your skills with our online training courses: http://madeeasytraining.com 📚 Explore our full library of tech and computer books: https://www.madeeasybookseries.com/home 📘 Get our book "Windows 11 Made Easy" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HFXWXRY 🚀 Master your software and hardware with our latest tech tips: https://onlinecomputertips.com #Windows #PowerToys #Productivity #DesktopSetup #Windows11 #TechSupport #Workspaces #PCMaintenance #SoftwareTips #OnlineComputerTips