The VirtuaWin Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about VirtuaWin in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
VirtuaWin
The Insider’s Guide
Free, open-source virtual desktop manager for Windows
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among window managers and launchers, read from VirtuaWin’s own pages.
Made by VirtuaWin · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from VirtuaWin’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on VirtuaWin’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.6
GPA, above 23 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about VirtuaWin, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It installs easily, but hotkeys and window rules take editing, and there is a guide for editing hotkeys by hand.
- 1
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.
- 2
It is free
VirtuaWin has no paid plan at all. The whole program is free, distributed under the GNU General Public License.
- 3
It runs on Windows
Windows.
- 4
Up to nine desktops
Organizes applications across as many as 9 virtual desktops, in the way many Linux desktops do.
- 5
Hotkeys
Desktop switching and window actions can be assigned to keys, with a manual hotkey editing guide for combinations the setup dialog rejects.
- 6
Window rules
Rules tell VirtuaWin how to treat applications that use unusual window types and would not otherwise follow desktop changes.
- 7
A 2.6 GPA, above 23 of 48
That is against the other window managers and launchers we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
VirtuaWin is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
VirtuaWin at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Windows
- Made by
- VirtuaWin
- Category
- Window Managers & Launchers
- Our grade
- 2.6 GPA, good
The report card
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.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | The whole program is free under the GNU General Public License, with the source published. |
| Free plan and trial | A | Nothing is held back: no paid plan, no cap, no trial clock. |
| Features | C | Up 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 | C | No 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 | D | Windows only, with no mobile or web side. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
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 it 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
Good to know
Good for
- Anyone who wants virtual desktops on Windows at no cost
- Users who want to read or change the source code
- Machines where a small, configurable tool is preferred
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
VirtuaWin is free to use.
The whole program is free under the GNU General Public License, with the source published.
Free
$0
The full program, with the source code published.
The free plan
The whole program is free, distributed under the GNU General Public License.
Read from virtuawin.sourceforge.io on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Windows
Free, open-source virtual desktop manager for Windows. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, keyboard-first, window management.
Up to nine desktops, hotkeys, window rules, modules and mouse-wheel switching.
- 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.
Where it runs
- Windows
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
VirtuaWin is made by VirtuaWin.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
23/48
Other window managers and launchers it is graded above
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
- AFree plan and trialAbove 23 of 48
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 48
- CEase of useAbove 8 of 48
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 48
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 29 window managers and launchers. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. VirtuaWin is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
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.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Dexpot, Actual Window Manager, WindowTop and AquaSnap
The 4 tools VirtuaWin is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.2GPA
Dexpot
Free plan
Virtual desktops for Windows with previews and per-window rules.
- VirtuaWin is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.0GPA
Actual Window Manager
Free trial · from $59.95 one-time
Windows toolset for multi-monitor setups and virtual desktops.
- VirtuaWin has a free plan. Actual Window Manager does not, though it has a free trial.
- VirtuaWin is open source, according to its own site.
- Actual Window Manager can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.4GPA
WindowTop
Free plan · from $19 one-time
Windows utility for always-on-top, opacity and picture-in-picture.
- VirtuaWin is open source, according to its own site.
- WindowTop can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.4GPA
AquaSnap
Free plan · from $29
Windows tool that docks, snaps and tiles windows by dragging.
- VirtuaWin is open source, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is VirtuaWin free?
Yes. VirtuaWin is free to use.
How much does VirtuaWin cost?
VirtuaWin lists one plan. Free: $0.
What platforms does VirtuaWin work on?
VirtuaWin is available on Windows.
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.
Who makes VirtuaWin?
VirtuaWin is made by a company of the same name.
What are the alternatives to VirtuaWin?
The closest alternatives to VirtuaWin in our directory are Dexpot, Actual Window Manager, WindowTop and AquaSnap.
How does VirtuaWin compare with other 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.
Is VirtuaWin good value for money?
ToolGPA grades VirtuaWin A for value for money. VirtuaWin has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of VirtuaWin?
VirtuaWin is free, so making your own would save you nothing. And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from VirtuaWin’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. 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.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by VirtuaWin. Prices change, so check virtuawin.sourceforge.io before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- VirtuaWin, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/virtuawin
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "VirtuaWin: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/virtuawin
Know someone choosing between window managers and launchers?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/virtuawin/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded window managers and launchers after VirtuaWin, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Window Managers & Launchers Insider's GuideEvery one of the 49 window managers and launchers we grade, compared
- Flow Launcher Insider's GuideFree, open-source app launcher and file search for Windows3.0 GPA
- Launchy Insider's GuideOpen-source keystroke launcher with plugins and skins3.0 GPA
- Cerebro Insider's GuideFree open-source Electron launcher for Windows, Mac and Linux2.8 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what VirtuaWin’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. VirtuaWin is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by VirtuaWin. Prices and plans change: check virtuawin.sourceforge.io before you buy.