BetterDesktopTool

A cluttered desktop is not something unusual, especially if you are working on a large project and you need to constantly switch from one window to another. Fortunately, the operating system provides various methods of switching between windows. Even if these methods have been improved over time, BetterDesktopTool makes it easier and more comfortable to locate and select different windows. It displays all the windows or just the minimized or non-minimized ones, in separate overviews, without overlapping them. What's more, the application comes with a virtual desktops feature, which allows you to extend your work space.

You can use a free and fully functional trial version for 30 days, after which you need to buy a license, if you are satisfied with the program. The installation file is only 449 KB and it takes only a few clicks to set up BetterDesktopTool on your computer. There are no prerequisite tools or services to install, so you can run the application right away.

The window and desktop overviews, the virtual desktops and other features can be activated with keyboard shortcuts, the mouse wheel or its extra buttons, or by moving the mouse cursor to one of the screen's corners. The application allows you to select a keyboard combination, mouse button or a corner of the screen, for each feature. Once selected, you can start using the shortcuts right away, without clicking a Save or an Apply button.

The window overview displays all the windows on your desktop, without overlapping them, regardless if they are minimized or maximized. Activating BetterDesktopTool's features feels a bit similar to using the Windows + Tab combination, in Windows 7 or Vista. Instead of holding down the Alt or Windows key and pressing Tab until you select your desired window, you can just hit a key combination, the mouse wheel or move the cursor to one of the corners of the screen and click a window's preview.

It is also possible to assign shortcuts for switching to your foreground app window, move all windows out of the way so you can see your desktop, or show an overview of minimized or non-minimized windows. Another useful feature, which you will definitely appreciate, is the possibility of activating up to 64 virtual desktops. You may assign the same type of shortcuts and use them to display all the desktops in a grid. When you activate this view mode, you just need to click a desktop to zoom in on it. Alternatively, you may hold down a certain button and press an arrow key to switch to another desktop instantly.

You can find the same icons layout on each virtual desktop. The only difference is that you will not find any active windows. In other words, if you are working with too many windows and you can not organize them properly, you may activate and use a series of fresh desktops. The best part is that BetterDesktopTool enables you to move any window, from one desktop to another, while the grid view is active. Furthermore, the virtual desktop feature will not drain your computer's resources, like other similar programs.