Where Does Windows Store Virtual Desktop Settings?
Where Windows keeps Virtual Desktop layout and pinned apps, in the registry plus local app data files.
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Virtual Desktops have no single documents folder. Layout lives in the registry under Explorer VirtualDesktops, with per user session data under LocalAppData. Pinned apps, wallpaper per desktop, and desktop order resolve from those keys at sign in.
That split explains why file backup misses them. Copying Documents does nothing for desktop order. Export the registry key before major edits. On managed PCs the keys may reset by policy at logoff, so a layout that never sticks is usually group policy rather than corruption.
Where Windows Virtual Desktops stores this, by platform
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VirtualDesktops
Desktop order and pinned apps live here. Session cache sits under %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\VirtualDesktops. Back up the key with reg export before editing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I back up my virtual desktop layout?
Mostly yes. Pinned apps per desktop live in the VirtualDesktops key, so exporting it preserves the mapping. Window positions themselves are session state and rebuild on login. Third party pagers may need their own export step beside the registry copy.
How do I reset virtual desktops when one gets stuck?
Delete the VirtualDesktops key while signed out, or remove the desktops in Task View first. Stuck desktops that will not close usually clear after a restart once the session store under LocalAppData is rebuilt. Back up the key before editing the registry.
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