VirtuaWin review (2026): is it any good?
Free, open-source virtual desktop manager for Windows
VirtuaWin report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for free virtual desktops on Windows
VirtuaWin is a free, open-source virtual desktop manager for Windows with up to nine desktops, hotkeys and add-on modules. It has no company behind it, its newest release is from January 2021, and some applications need a window rule before they behave.
Who VirtuaWin is for
- 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
Who VirtuaWin is not for
- 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
Why VirtuaWin gets a 2.6
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyThe whole program is free under the GNU General Public License, with the source published.
- AFree plan and trialNothing is held back: no paid plan, no cap, no trial clock.
- CFeaturesUp 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.
- CEase of useNo store rating on record. It installs easily, but hotkeys and window rules take editing, and there is a guide for editing hotkeys by hand.
- DPlatforms and integrationsWindows only, with no mobile or web side.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from VirtuaWin's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/virtuawin#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/virtuawin.svg" alt="VirtuaWin: 2.6 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where VirtuaWin stands among window managers and launchers
VirtuaWin's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 23 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade, and level with 11.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 23 of 48) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
VirtuaWin has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 49 window managers and launchers we grade, cut by the letter each got. VirtuaWin’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 17 of 48, level with 31
- AFree plan and trialAbove 23 of 48, level with 25
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 48, level with 33
- CEase of useAbove 8 of 48, level with 23
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 48, level with 34
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 29 window managers and launchers. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep VirtuaWin, or make your own?
Keep it
VirtuaWin is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could not
- Control over other apps' windows.
- A real app for Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. VirtuaWin’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is VirtuaWin?
VirtuaWin is a free virtual desktop manager for Windows that spreads applications across up to nine desktops. It is configurable through hotkeys, window rules and add-on modules, and it is distributed under the GNU General Public License. The newest release listed is version 4.5 from January 2021.
Worth knowing
- 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
- 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.
VirtuaWin pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, VirtuaWin is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The whole program is free, distributed under the GNU General Public License.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | The full program, with the source code published. |
Read from virtuawin.sourceforge.io on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with VirtuaWin before you buy.
VirtuaWin alternatives
- VirtuaWin vs Dexpot
Free plan
- VirtuaWin vs Actual Window Manager
Free trial · from $59.95 one-time
- VirtuaWin vs WindowTop
Free plan · from $19 one-time
- VirtuaWin vs AquaSnap
Free plan · from $29
Common questions
Does VirtuaWin have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. VirtuaWin is listed for Windows.
Does VirtuaWin have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. VirtuaWin is listed for Windows.
Is VirtuaWin open source?
Yes. VirtuaWin is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.