Chrome OS could be getting virtual desktops

Image credit: TechRadar

A video has emerged that demonstrates virtual desktops being used on Chrome OS, which suggests that Google is looking to incorporate the feature into its operating system for Chromebooks.

The feature, which will apparently be called ‘virtual desks’ was found in a video spotted by Android Police, and was included in the Chromium Gerrit commit, which suggests that developers are actively working on implementing the feature.

The video, which you can view below, gives us a brief glimpse of how the virtual desks feature would work when creating new virtual desktops. The commit also explains that the feature will have thumbnail snapshots of all your desktops, making it easy to switch between desktops.

Hot virtual desking

Virtual desktops are a very useful feature found in Windows 10 and macOS, so adding the feature to Chrome OS will allow Google’s lightweight operating system to better compete with its more established competitors.

Virtual desktops allow you to create and manage multiple desktops on a single machine, which can make it easier for you to organise windows, applications and more.

The inclusion of this productivity-boosting feature will be welcome for anyone who finds working on a Chromebook (or a Chrome OS-powered Chromebox PC) a bit cramped, and will help make Chrome OS an even more feature-rich operating system. Let’s hope this feature makes it into Chrome OS soon.

Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.

Latest in Chromebooks
HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch on table with pink wall and plant in background
I spent several days with the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, and it surprised me with just how well it performs
Asus Chromebook CM14 open on desk
I used the Asus Chromebook CM14 for everything from productivity to gaming and found its performance as light as its weight
Two women using a Samsung Chromebook
Shopping last minute for a Chromebook? Here are 5 things to avoid
Two Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook laptops on a blue background with the text 'techradar cyber monday deals'
Black Friday might be over, but you can still pick up a super-cheap laptop thanks to these Cyber Monday Chromebook deals
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook with touchscreen
Google might have a radical plan to beat Apple’s iPad – turn ChromeOS into Android and take over the tablet world
Close up of the Pixelbook Go logo below the screen.
Google might resurrect Pixel laptop as a high-end Chromebook to take on MacBook Pro and Surface Laptop
Latest in News
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock
Man using iMessage on an iPhone
Apple will finally enable encrypted RCS messages between iOS and Android, and it's about time
Google Messages update
Google Messages could soon follow WhatsApp with an upgrade that makes it much easier to join group chats