My Favorite Productivity Apps for Windows10 - Ultrawide, Tiling & Tabs Tools

These are my recommended productivity apps, tools and features on Windows 10 to keep organized and work more effectively on my ultrawide monitor.
PowerToys FancyZones:
github.com/mic...
Groupy:
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www.stardock.c...
Windows 10 Virtual Desktops:
community.wind...
Or curious how I used to use DisplayFusion to manage my windows check out my previous video here:
• Ultrawide Monitor Tips...
Monitor: Dell Ultrasharp U4919DW Monitor
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amzn.to/31QTUGN (Amazon CA)
bit.ly/2Ewr5GZ (Dell Canada)
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[@HelloDavid]

These are my favorite tools to help with multi-tasking. What are yours?

[@SkyreeXScalabar]

Aquasnap

[@jayskulls]

I use MaxTo for window management

[@skafskafskaf]

I highly recommand disabling Windows 10 Minimize and Maximize Animation . Especially when using multiple desktops. I switch with a macro button on my mouse, switching between desktops is now instant. Way better that way!

[@Yesica1993]

YEGADS! What size is that monitor?! I've never seen a thing like that!

[@rancor1223]

WinDock. 1:1:1 layout zones along the bottom, 1:1 zones along the edges, 40:60 along the top and then one in the middle of the top for windows roughly the size of 1080p screen for general web browsing. Requires more initial setup, but then it's a breeze to use.

[@abdoumenouer7762]

The best app is that screen

[@0oAmeyukurugurio0]

Lmfao true

[@dirtyharry1881]

Me: Yeah, man! Increased productivity! And what do you produce? David: Productivity videos

[@javig9346]

Lol

[@MT-qt9mw]

“Bro what’s the time?” *Gets up, takes a walk to the other side of the screen to check time*

[@darrenruan08]

What a call

[@nandinikhurpa3476]

Lmao🤣🤣🤣

[@zubairm7419]

HAHAHAHA

[@refiktufoo1621]

Hahahahaha

[@Renato11381]

12:29 am bro

[@charlieshin9868]

I swear by 2030 this guys monitor is just going to be a 360 all encompassing curved screen

[@HelloDavid]

I'm going to need a bigger desk...

[@andreijuangmail]

@@HelloDavid -> L desk -> U desk -> O desk 😀

[@user-rt1et3zw1d]

@@HelloDavid did you watched parks and recreations? There was an episode where Ron was put at the middle of the room in the ring reception desk. You'll need that one. Ok?

[@TheJaniable]

I suppose by that time we won't have monitors. Using a sufficiently hi-res VR headset, you can simulate any amount of screen real estate.

[@thatspiritualhumane]

@@HelloDavid David will be surrounded by a 360-degree monitor, and he'll use an overhead camera to shoot this video :-)

[@FREDSTECHHUB]

How am I just seeing your channel for the first time 😠😠 youtube should have recommended this channel for long, your voice is so soothing, crisp and clear. Now, I stay glued.

[@MysticNessly]

I love how you demo'd different use cases. I REALLY like that wide screen monitor vs 2/3 monitors side by side. I thought they were pretty silly looking, but now that I see that software can really help users take advantage of them, II may consider getting one of those! thx for the awsesome video!

[@skafskafskaf]

I highly recommand disabling Windows 10 Minimize and Maximize Animation . Especially when using multiple desktops. I switch with a macro button on my mouse, switching between desktops is now instant. Way better that way!

[@hectorgomez401]

That's what I do, I removed my secondary monitor because for me is faster and more comfortable just press a button in my mouse to switch desktops instead of looking to the side monitor

[@callmehanu3799]

How I can disabling Windows 10 minimize and maximize animation?

[@iuliu_]

@@callmehanu3799 Search type Advanced System Settings. In Advanced Tab, click on Settings under Performance. Uncheck second option (Animate windows when minimizing or maximizing)

[@tdreamgmail]

I thought the thumbnail was a joke .... no it’s real...

[@sudheer7595]

I thought it logo 🤷🤷😂😂

[@romans8024]

Yeah, click bait, which turns out to be real... meat :)

[@karinax4745]

Same!

[@NanaLaEnana]

Same. Clicked on the video thinking it couldn’t be real...but here we are.

[@forbiddenraptor6555]

This is the single most helpful video for organizing an ultrawide screen out there. Win + Ctrl + Left/Right i'll never forget that. Thank you!

[@chaosordeal294]

I LOVE Stardock's Start10 app. I bought Groupy while the video was still playing. I use an "RTS" mouse with twelve thumb buttons. One button runs the macro Shift+WIN+right arrow, which flips an application from one monitor to the other -- I use that all the time.

[@GamertechFr]

G-Shift on a Logitech G502 for example is also very useful when you want to switch virtual desktops. You can use it with the vertical scroll wheel to browse through your desktops in a breeze.

[@TADemuace]

My favorite built-in Windows shortcuts are Win + [Digit], e.g. Win + 3 will switch to the third app in your taskbar. If the app has multiple windows, the same shortcut will allow you to switch between those windows (this depends on Task Bar's settings but I believe this is the default). Sadly, there is no native, dedicated shortcut for switching between same-app windows like there is on Mac.

[@kichaa13]

oh awesome. Lack of same-app switching has been annoying me for years since switching to windows. There are 3rd party apps butunreliable

[@velo836]

Tfw thumbnail isnt clickbait

[@cha7363]

for multi-windows on a small device like a laptop I recommend the "windowTOP", I set one of the windows always on the top and make it half-transparent. While I'm working on other things under it I activate click-through and disable the click through when I wanna work on the top window, which worked rly well for me/

[@menash3328]

This is indeed a great app

[@reformedheart]

This is really a video showing how to do works with a wide monitor. Most of the other videos are about either playing games or watching videos.

[@adolfoartigas3249]

I just purchased a samsung 49" ultrawide screen and I've been wondering how to maximize my productivity with this large screen. This video was very helpful, thanks!

[@vedantlalit7018]

that monitor takes the meaning of wide to a whole new level

[@MrMovieMan941]

So how wide you want your monitor to be? David: Yes

[@stealthzi7465]

Finally a KZbinr who doesn't have stupid loud music at start anf doesn't shout at you or talk so fast is stressful

[@DonnyStanley]

Just got a 34" ultrawide and found this video when looking for ways to get the most out of it. Really great stuff! You earned yourself a subscriber, my friend. Thanks!

[@cicciogrecia]

Thank you for this valuable info. You didn't mention the very important "Taskbars on the side" tweak. Most users don't know that this is waaay better than having it at the bottom.

[@DonJawier]

Many thanks for your help. I've bought Groupy. Now, my desktop looks tidier.

[@napse716]

QTTabBar is great for getting the functionality of Groupy, built exclusively for Windows Explorer. It's very customizable and it saves space on my screen!

[@filipfrycak4577]

Excellent! More of productivity Apps please

[@diandtaylor]

I came here to see the giant screen.

[@moardub]

Same...I didnt even know these things existed honestly though it was photoshopped click bait until I watched it XD.

[@wgilford1]

Excellent demonstration and explanations, David. Among the very best I have seen. Congrats and keep up the good work.

[@Clytax]

The virtual windows desktop thing is the best thing that has happened to me in a while its amazing

[@rpopecpa]

David, thanks for recommending Groupy. Looks like a great productivity app. Thanks!!

[@807800]

You really are missing out on AutoHotKey. For example, to change between different Virtual Desktop you could use this simple script: ~RButton & WheelDown::^#Right ~RButton & WheelUp::^#Left Holding the right mouse button and scroll up or down, you could instantly switch to another VIrtual Desktop. Very simple and intuitive rather than using the keyboard combo.

[@YoavRheims]

Powertools is a blessing on my ultrawide! The Dell app overlaps like crazy :/

[@Pedro5antos_]

"Groupy" is what I've been looking for in a long time. Really appreciated the recommendation And also, just installed PowerToys last month haha

[@3dduff]

Great tips. What I am frantically searching for is a command or app that will bring ALL the windows explorer window to the front. In Mac OS all you need to do is bring the 'Finder' as the active app and all the file windows come to the foreground.

[@CTBell-uy7ri]

I love Groupy. Been using it for a year or so now. Wish they'd just build it into windows. I've been trying to find info on windows multi desktop. This was great

[@Saeglopur89]

I was so angry that Microsoft gave up on this but now I see that there is a way! Will check it in the morning! :D Oh just tabs in explorer would be so great, how hard can it be?!

[@luchvk]

The PowerToys application is something that I know will be very useful for me. I am using a multi-monitor setup but I can use the basic Windows tiling features for my secondary monitor. It's a lower resolution than my main anyway. Thanks for making this video!

[@Tranquil789]

Just installed Groupy and Fancy Zones for use with my samsung g9 ultrawide. So useful! I can never go back now =)

[@nikaeking]

finally, not a clickbait video

[@donquixoterosinante7899]

Ive just tried groupy and immediately fell in love!!

[@getledinyourhead]

Gonna ask this here because I think I might get an answer. I've been looking for something that I guess is kind of silly but nevertheless would be helpful, yet I can't find it anywhere. I organize my work with a tickler file system in my computer. Basically, I have one folder per day of the year and when I plan my work, I schedule it by adding a note to that day's folder. What I want is for my text documents to be visible/readable from the file browser because right now my workflow is to screenshot my sticky notes app and save the text note as a png so the file browser renders it as a thumbnail when I open that folder. In my system, PDF's, .txt, word, excel, etc would be visible in a way that recreates what you get from opening a folder with documents in real life. Similar to google keep or another note taking app that just has the text visible instead of the file icon. This makes skimming files very easy, and also gives you a good mental model of what you have going on. If anybody has a suggestion to do this I'd appreciate it.

[@yamirortiz7445]

Thank you for this. I've just recently switched from two monitors to a super ultra wide like yourself and i keep manually adjusting windows to size. Subbed too.

[@cyanophage4351]

Thinking of getting a super ultrawide and this helped. Thanks!

[@haseebkahn4811]

Wow! Groupy is just like Sets for Windows 10 that have not been announced yet and something that i am eagerly waiting for! Thanks for this alternative Bro! Glad that i subscribed!

[@isaacyoung1868]

I knew about fancy zones but groupy looks AMAZING! Thanks!

[@davidhaldane4747]

CTRL + Win + D was something I never knew about. Thanks!

[@lstsai]

whoa the other Spacedock tool fences is also insanely awesome

[@DimaX]

Absolutely great tools! Exactly what I needed. Thanks David.

[@felipesignorellireis7839]

Thanks for the apps. I downloaded two from your tips. Fancy zones and Groupy.

[@carlgoranheintz3914]

Nice video. I used a similar software for the slots and it was quite nice in the way it allowed the slots to be align with various softwares. IE, you can set the slots to only apply to software xxx and you can even make it reshuffle should you close one window. For example, I could set so that the notepad would be a small window in the left corner while I can make excel and chrome be in the large slot. Another useful feature I guess that is quite simple are hotkeys. Starting wordpad, excel and chrome for example using windows + W/X/C for example.

[@MIBLD]

Can you kindly share what software you are using, I did not see a reference in your post, it would be nice to know what that software is so that I could possibly use it and/or test it to see if it will help my workflow. Thanks.

[@rafaellsaraujo]

if its your working computer Groupy is a must!

[@hksduhksdu]

It's amazing that you didn't affiliate your monitor!

[@conraddiaz2274]

Awesome, thank you! Thanks to you, I now combine (1) Window's built-in 'Aero snap', with (2) FancyZones, and (3) Windows' multi-desktop feature. I also use Google's newish tab grouping feature when browsing (Chrome browser). Not ready for Groupy yet, but maybe one day! Thanks again. I feel powerful! Ha ha!

[@Chanchi006]

The tech GOAT is back, keep posting please !!

[@kimakhiangte]

It's so sad that Microsoft discontinued their Sets project. They need to give us at least multi tabs in Explorer.

[@tehseensajjad1003]

its not discontinued, more like postponed

[@moladiver6817]

Microsoft should rewrite the way their OS does window management before anything else. It's a pain in the butt on large screens when 3rd party apps can't be installed. Other operating systems are just so much better at it. Microsoft and design don't seem to be in a happy marriage.

[@shaunaymos7673]

nice. . also for more nice Windows features and enhancement, google for Folderchanger

[@lavernapearl5917]

g ood

[@bevyofbabes]

Also running DisplayFusion and PowerToys but had previously run UltraMon. It's hard to find one "go to" app as they all have their little quirks as you have mentioned. I am running separate monitors but I think multi-window set-ups still have a long way to go before I would declare any one app the winner. I guess it's still not mainstream enough for someone to step up and tackle all the issues as there are so many difficulties to overcome.The biggest issue I believe is everyone battling for control of the final output(OS, Video card, software).

[@burnzy3210]

that monitor is awesome

[@Badokhon]

You are amazing thank you for this. Btw I am building a similar setup with my Philip 49 in monitor and dell laptop what was mssing is this video :) in order to manage the wide screen . Thank you again

[@kentheschxlr]

Thank you so much for this video! Always coming through with the quality tips and videos. Appreciate you fam

[@fedesafiante8410]

Thanks, man. Very clean presentation

[@parthkusingh]

which wallpaper do you use send me the link please!!!!

[@wannabedal-adx458]

After seeing your Display Fusion video and now this (FancyZones), I must compare!! Btw, I don't mind paying for an application if it is worth it!! If Display Fusion works better and continues to be supported, I am ok paying for it. Not everything that is free is good! Also I like Groupy and know my boss would like it too!! Thanks and great video, David.

[@slimz.]

Map Ctrl+Win+Arrow keys to your mouse side buttons and try Voicemeeter. Both are recommended.

[@markkennedy4233]

Hi David, thanks for sharing your favorite productivity apps for Windows 10. Have you ever tried TidyTabs before? I was just wondering how you thought Groupy compared to TidyTabs for tabs tools.

[@MikeG1111_]

I've used both and ended up preferring TidyTabs because of more powerful grouping features plus the ability to set and instantly snap one or all groups to default positions on the screen which I find indispensable.

[@freemancz1]

Its nice wallpaper can you tell me linknfor download please? :)

[@malobuchino]

Hey, thanks for the video. If you don't mind me asking - what's the keyboard that you are using with the ultrawide monitor? I would love to hear back from you!

[@malobuchino]

Logitech K811, I found it. Thanks anyway!

[@kagedev]

Try also QuickLook app (it's in MS Store) which brings 'quick look' functionality from macs to windows ) I can't live now without this tool =)

[@tams805]

PowerToys has 'Run' which does all that. If you're going to be using PowerToys for anything else, then there's no point in installing something else it does. I feel somewhat bad for some of the developers for whom PowerToys is eating their lunch. Free and Open-Source, but with the limited backing of Microsoft. There are still quite a few niches out there though, such as battery display and window pinning.

[@evgenygalanin]

Thanks you man! I didn't know about multi workspace.

[@xxxjmgxxx]

Love your videos David! Just bought the same Dell Super-UltraWide as yours, thanks to your recommendations and reasons representing my own very closely! Will surely check some of the apps in this video!

[@HelloDavid]

Thanks! How do you like the monitor so far?

[@xxxjmgxxx]

@@HelloDavid I work with a lot of documents, and really like the multitasking abilities! (Easily opening 3-5 docs at once) But I would prefer a more aggressive curve to the panel to allow closer view of the edges which feel a bit too far away. The screen-splitting software works pretty well although its a bit glitchy from time to time. And probably the best feature for me is the built it KVM (I too use a full blown PC + Laptop) and the ability to connect my Thinkpad laptop with a single usb-c cable to get full peripherals access. Although the huge pixel count puts quite a strain on the laptop GPU and video playback gets a bit lagish. Overall though, I'm very happy with this purchase! Your review closely represented my type of workflow, and I like your practical attitude towards tech, so you really helped me to make the right decision here! Next step would be to get the two arms for the screen and laptop, but I'm not sure about the Amazon basic arm you recommended, how is it standing the test of time for you?

[@uoieavillanueva5806]

THANK YOU SO much for the optimization tools!!

[@The8blackwidow8]

Just found your Channel. Love your video style!

[@espreketengteng]

The video fits perfectly on my phone screen! I love it!

[@osmanm331]

Same this is the first video where there are no black bars epic

[@bondbabe]

Thank you for the intro to power toys. I truely needed it.. Liked n Subbed becos of it! Thanks!

[@dylanchadderton1]

How wide do you want your monitor? David: Yes.

[@austinman1234567]

Installed PowerToys. The 38" ultra-wide screen monitor isn't big enough. I need to upgrade. Thanks, David ;-)

[@zuzu04]

your desktop wallpaper looks great! very minimalistic with a calm color tone. can you share with me the wallpaper link? thank you~

[@nikolayaleksandra-uncut]

Hi David, do you consider doing a video on TIPs and Productivity on general file management on your pc. I am using Free Commander but I am sure it is not optimal. Also any TIP on general file management will be great. Thanks for the awesome content!

[@OfferoC]

Will give these a try, thanks

[@battlerageson]

It would be ideal if FancyZones supported interactive horizontal/vertical resizing of zones, instead of switching to a different zones layout. It makes me wonder if there's a keyboard shortcut that can be pressed where you can preview all your FancyZones layouts and pick one. I tried AquaSnap for this, but it's not doing a good enough job. Windows by default does have this feature when you place two windows next to each other using Windows+Left Arrow and Windows+Right Arrow keys. If you after decide to resize one of the windows from the middle, the other one gets resized as well. Which makes me wonder why Microsoft didn't add this feature in FancyZones.

[@orenkashani7337]

Important question (for me): does it recognized as multiple windows when you choose share screen on zoom/teams/etc? Or there is only #1 screen and application windows share options?

[@uwinvidanage2252]

you can only share monitors, you can't pick virtual desktops. as a alternative you can just share the specific application

[@agentferf]

Groupy seems endlessly useful, thanks!

[@vthunder]

Great vid. Thx for tips. Looking for an app that will slide windows to the edge of the screen and pop out when hovering over there. Be curious if you have ever found anything like that with Windows

[@JW-wt8yu]

Super helpful. Thank you very much!

[@charlienguyen7121]

wow, amazing workspace guy

[@withuniverse8523]

how to custom default key binding on workspace?, I try but don't success

[@Moonwired]

I’m going to try all those.

[@CrashForce]

What kind of mouse/keyboard pad do you use?

[@jean-kevin1264]

yes

[@jaco7813]

yes

[@felixandras4102]

Yes

[@michalthemichal3550]

from the video, it looks like a g305 and a logitech keys keyboard

[@jaco7813]

@@michalthemichal3550 yes

[@begula6763]

My 4GB of RAM cried just by looking at this

[@Chill_Please]

My 64gb of ram yawned :o

[@dcoll988]

@@Chill_Please cool story bro

[@user-jt5cv5hg3n]

that windows+ctrl+d is epic, i never knew that and im on ultrawide monitor so this also helped

[@richburmond6761]

Why did you go away from displayfusion though? Looked perfect and working super smooth

[@davidrtrains]

do you still prefer ultrawide over dual monitor for productivity?

[@GuniBulls]

I'm still using display fusion.. I have multiple monitors both on office and at home.. would be curious to know advantages / disadvantages vs powertoys

[@ricksande2210]

Me 2

[@josephpaton8951]

Can you do a video explaining how you manage Microsoft OneNote?

[@devanshkamdar8244]

His voice is very soothing

[@moladiver6817]

It's just really weird that the namesake windowed OS doesn't do most of this out of the box. I run Kubuntu with KDE desktop and it's just so much better in window management. Even something simple as sticky window borders where one screen attaches to another is something Windows can't do. Plus KDE _remembers_ window sizes and positions. I have to work on a Windows server remotely for work. I can't install any 3rd party software on it so it's a rather frustrating experience on my 4k screen.

[@BenedictTanShanWen]

I've been looking forward to FancyZones for my ultrawide and am enjoying it, especially in conjunction with WindowGrid. Groupy is a little bit of a mixed bag I find. Tabbing up stuff is definitely cool but it doesn't play well with either FancyZones or Windowgrid seeing that it intercepts Shift/Ctrl/Mouse2 completely preventing the other apps from performing their snapping functions.

[@HelloDavid]

That's right I should have highlighted it better in the video. You need to disable the shift key in groupy for this to work. That way only FancyZone responds to the shift key. Haven't used windows grid tho

[@cirmothe9]

Wow thanks for fancyzones. I use display fusion now but I want something that is easier drag and drop.

[@miker7939]

7+ Taskbar Tweaker is the program you never knew you were missing. Allows you to further reduce the width of the Taskbar.

[@xAckarax]

if you do in taskbar settings you can enable lables and move your taskbar to the top to mimick groupy. You don't need to pay money for that.

[@a.yashwanth]

Yeah

[@rebelexplorer]

WinXCorners is also useful for task view ... just enable for left top corner and you'r good to go.

[@JoeCannon1]

I want that monitor!

[@PanickedPixel]

Thanks so much for this video! I’ve been looking for ways to streamline my workflow recently and your videos have always been awesome for that ❤️