Dexpot vs VirtuaWin (2026): which should you pick?
As of Nov 13, 2026, VirtuaWin grades higher than Dexpot: 2.6 against 2.2 out of 4.0.
Checked Nov 13, 2026 · graded Nov 13, 2026 by ToolGPA
VirtuaWin grades higher on value for money and the free plan. They get the same grade on features, ease of use and platforms.
Price, platforms and features side by side. The table says where each price was read and when.
VirtuaWin
Free, open-source virtual desktop manager for Windows
Free
Which one is for you
Pick Dexpot if
- Fits if you run an older Windows version and want several desktops with their own wallpapers
- Works for private users who want a free desktop pager
Look elsewhere if
- Skip it if you are on Windows 10 or 11, because the download page doesn't list them and the vendor's 2016 news says compatibility problems are known
- Not for you if you use it at work, as the free version is for private use only and a license is EUR 24.90 per computer
- Watch out: the latest release is 1.6.14 from September 2014, so don't expect new features or fixes
- Skip it if you use macOS or Linux, since there is only a Windows version
Pick VirtuaWin if
- Fits if you want virtual desktops on Windows and don't want to pay
- Works for people who like to read or change the source
Look elsewhere if
- Skip it if you use macOS or Linux, since it is Windows only
- Watch out: the latest release is 4.5 from January 2021, and a release note says taskbar support should be rechecked on newer Windows
- Tight if you want hand-holding, because help comes from the project's SourceForge page, not a company
- Not for you if you hate fiddling, since some apps need a window rule to follow desktop changes
How we grade them
| 2.2GPADexpotFair | 2.6GPAVirtuaWinGood | |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | BFree for private use, and the one-time business license is EUR 24.90 per computer, about $27.50, which is above the category's $19 middle one-time price. Business use is not free. | AThe whole program is free under the GNU General Public License, with the source published. |
| Free plan and trial | BVersion 1.6 is free for private, non-commercial use with no stated cap, and one person could live on it. Companies have to buy a license. | ANothing is held back: no paid plan, no cap, no trial clock. |
| Features | CPreview of all desktops, a pager, per-desktop icons and wallpapers, window rules and a task switcher. It does the job, but it hasn't been updated since 2014. | CUp to nine desktops, hotkeys, window rules, modules and mouse-wheel switching. The FAQ lists known quirks, such as apps that stay visible after a desktop change. |
| Ease of use | CNo store rating on record. It is a program to install, but the rules, Dexgrid and per-desktop settings take some setting up. | CNo store rating on record. It installs easily, but hotkeys and window rules take editing, and there is a guide for editing hotkeys by hand. |
| Platforms and integrations | DWindows only, and the download page lists XP through 8.1 rather than current versions. | DWindows only, with no mobile or web side. |
| Best for | virtual desktops on older Windows | free virtual desktops on Windows |
The GPA is the average of the five grades: an A is 4 points, an F is none. The full reasons are on each tool's page: Dexpot and VirtuaWin. How we grade
Where they differ
- VirtuaWin is open source, according to its own site.
In commonFree planWindowsKeyboard-firstWindow management
At a glance
| Dexpot | VirtuaWin | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan | Free |
| Starts at | EUR 24.90 per computer, one-time | Free |
| Free plan | Free for private use only, per the download page. | The whole program is free, distributed under the GNU General Public License. |
| Free trial | None listed | None listed |
| Windows | ||
| Made by | Dexpot GbR | VirtuaWin |
| Price read from | dexpot.de | virtuawin.sourceforge.io |
| Checked | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 |
Worth knowing
Dexpot
- The current version is 1.6.14 from September 2014, and the download page lists Windows XP through 8.1; Windows 10 and 11 are not listed.
- The vendor's newest news item, from February 2016, says Windows 10 compatibility problems are known and an update will follow.
- The free edition is for private use only; business use needs a paid license.
- Prices are shown in euros, with an approximate dollar conversion.
VirtuaWin
- Windows only; the site says it supports all recent versions without naming them.
- The latest release is 4.5 from January 2021, and a release note says dynamic taskbar support should be rechecked on newer Windows versions.
- The FAQ lists known quirks, such as applications that stay visible after a desktop change until a window rule is set.
- There is no company support; help comes from the project's SourceForge page.
Key features
Dexpot
- Full-screen preview
- A live overview of all desktops where windows can be dragged between them or copied, tiled and closed.
- Switching tools
- A desktop manager toolbar, a taskbar pager, a Dexgrid row-and-column layout and hotkeys such as Alt+1 to Alt+4.
- Per-desktop backgrounds and icons
- Each desktop can have its own wallpaper, color and set of desktop icons, including different backgrounds per monitor.
- Power rules
- Rules act on newly created windows, with actions such as always on top, minimize to tray or a transparency value.
- Application assignment
- Binds an application to one desktop or to all desktops and can launch programs on a chosen desktop.
- Task switcher
- DexTab replaces Alt+Tab with a list of windows across all desktops.
VirtuaWin
- Up to nine desktops
- Organizes applications across as many as 9 virtual desktops, in the way many Linux desktops do.
- Hotkeys
- Desktop switching and window actions can be assigned to keys, with a manual hotkey editing guide for combinations the setup dialog rejects.
- Window rules
- Rules tell VirtuaWin how to treat applications that use unusual window types and would not otherwise follow desktop changes.
- Modules
- Add-on modules extend the base program, and the project has a module API.
- Mouse-wheel switching
- Can be set up to change desktops with the wheel, as described in the FAQ.
- Portable install
- The FAQ explains how to run it from a memory stick or install without admin rights.
Plans
Dexpot
Private use$0
Dexpot 1.6 is free for private, non-commercial use.
Single licenseEUR 24.90
one-time, per computer (EU price includes VAT)
Pro license for one computer or client, with support and updates for the 1.6.x series. Packages of 5 or more cost less per copy.
VirtuaWin
Free$0
The full program, with the source code published.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, Dexpot or VirtuaWin?
As of Nov 13, 2026, Dexpot starts at EUR 24.90 per computer, one-time, and VirtuaWin is free.
Which has a free plan, Dexpot or VirtuaWin?
As of Nov 13, 2026, both Dexpot and VirtuaWin have a free plan.
More comparisons
How this page was made
- The verdict at the top follows a fixed rule. When both tools are in the same category and either is in our top three for it, the verdict follows that ranking: the higher-placed tool is our pick. The top three weigh who each tool suits as well as its grades, so a pick can go against the GPA. Otherwise the page does not pick one and says which grades higher: the higher GPA first; on a tie, the one with a free plan, then the one that starts cheaper in dollars a month, counted the same way for both; if they are still level, what the choice depends on.
- The grades are our own, from each tool’s review or report card. The GPA is their average.
- Prices, plans and platforms come from each tool’s listing. The table above says where each price was read and when.
- The differences and the answers to the questions are worked out from those listings.