DesktopPager

DesktopPager is a lightweight utility that gives you multiple desktops ("Pages") on Windows. Unlike Windows virtual desktops, each page has its own desktop files, icons, and wallpaper — switch contexts instantly with a single click or hotkey.

How It Works

DesktopPager converts your Desktop folder into a directory junction that points to the active page's folder. Switching pages simply retargets the junction — no files are copied or moved, so switching is instant. Icon layouts are saved and restored per page.

Your files live in %USERPROFILE%\DesktopPager\Pages\PageN and are always accessible even when the app is not running.

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRWqS3EL9pA

Features

• Unlimited pages — create as many desktop pages as you need
• Per-page wallpapers — static images or Wallpaper Engine wallpapers (Workshop IDs supported)
• Icon layout memory — each page remembers its icon positions
• CLI support — automate page switching with command-line arguments
• Safe restore — a separate restorer tool returns your Desktop to its original state at any time

Installation

1. Download DesktopPager.exe (and optionally DesktopPager_Restorer.exe) from the Releases page, or build from source (see below).
2. Run DesktopPager.exe and confirm the activation prompt.

Note: Page data, settings, and logs are stored in %USERPROFILE%\DesktopPager.

Warning

1. OneDrive desktop sync must be turned off.
2. If you have important files in your desktop, put them another folder in your disk before the First Launch or before the Uninstallation.

Usage

UI

• Click a page card to switch to that desktop.
• Use the buttons on each card to rename, set wallpaper, or delete a page.
• The wallpaper menu supports static images, Wallpaper Engine Workshop IDs/URLs, applying to all pages, and removal.

Command Line

Command	Description
DesktopPager.exe <number>	Switch to a specific page
DesktopPager.exe next / prev	Switch to the next / previous page
DesktopPager.exe new	Create a new page and switch to it
DesktopPager.exe set-wallpaper <path>	Set a static wallpaper for the current page
DesktopPager.exe set-we <id_or_path>	Set a Wallpaper Engine wallpaper for the current page
DesktopPager.exe refresh	Refresh the desktop

Restoring Your Desktop

Run DesktopPager_Restorer.exe to deactivate DesktopPager. It stops the app, removes the Desktop junction, and restores your Desktop as a normal folder. Your files stay safe in %USERPROFILE%\DesktopPager\Pages and a shortcut to them is placed on your Desktop.

Wallpaper Engine Integration

If Wallpaper Engine is installed (detected via common paths and the Steam registry entry), DesktopPager uses it for all wallpapers:

• Workshop IDs — enter a Steam Workshop ID (e.g. 2581056441) or a workshop URL; the app resolves the matching project.json, scene.pkg, or video file automatically.
• Static images — applied through Wallpaper Engine when available for seamless transitions, otherwise via the standard Windows wallpaper API.

Building from Source

Requires the .NET 8 SDK on Windows.

# Main application
dotnet publish DesktopPager.csproj -c Release -r win-x64 --self-contained true -p:PublishSingleFile=true -o publish

# Restorer / uninstaller
dotnet publish Uninstaller.csproj -c Release -r win-x64 --self-contained true -p:PublishSingleFile=true -o publish

Project Structure

File	Purpose
Program.cs	Entry point, single-instance guard, CLI handling
PageManager.cs	Core page logic: junctions, migration, layouts
WallpaperManager.cs	Per-page wallpapers, Wallpaper Engine integration
DesktopIcons.cs	Saving/restoring desktop icon positions
IconGenerator.cs	Runtime generation of app/page icons
NativeMethods.cs	Win32 interop (shell notifications, wallpaper API)
MainWindow.xaml(.cs)	WPF user interface
Uninstaller.cs	Standalone restorer tool (DesktopPager_Restorer)

Warnings

• DesktopPager replaces your Desktop folder with a junction. This is reversible at any time via the restorer, but close any open Desktop files before activating or restoring.
• OneDrive-redirected Desktops are detected, but syncing a junctioned Desktop may cause unexpected OneDrive behavior. Consider pausing Desktop sync.

Contributing

Issues and pull requests are welcome.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.