Way to open multiple instances of desktop application?

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jimjimmy1995

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I was wondering if it was possible to open multiple instances of the desktop app or if there are any third party applications which could add such functionality. I would like to use the built in side by side app feature but for programs running in the desktop so I can have something like notepad++ or visual studio open on the left side of the screen and have a steam or twitch chat open on the right so I can free up my second monitor for full screen viewing of videos/games/websites. I know I can do this by resizing the windows manually but it is very clunky and harder to manage when I want to close a program or open new applications.
 
If you hold the shift key down and click the shortcut for your desktop program that is already running, it will open a second instance of that program. Works for IE and file explorer etc.
To split screen easily press the Windows Logo key and the left or right arrow key. That will open that programs window to fill half the screen. Press the Windows logo key + shift + an Arrow key and it will move from monitor to monitor. Windows Logo key and the up arrow key will put it full screen again.
 
jimjimmy1995 said:
I was wondering if it was possible to open multiple instances of the desktop app
alphanumeric said:
If you hold the shift key down and click the shortcut for your desktop program that is already running, it will open a second instance of that program.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Or use mouse wheel (= "middle mouse" click) and click the shortcut for your desktop program that is already running.
 
I already know about these features and applications. I'm specifically asking if it possible to open multiple instances of windows 8 applications as you can with desktop applications.
 
I was wondering if it was possible to open multiple instances of the desktop app/ I would like to use the built in side by side app feature but for programs running in the desktop so I can have something like notepad++ or visual studio open on the left
Click to expand...

I'm specifically asking if it possible to open multiple instances of windows 8 applications as you can with desktop applications.
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... So... what is it, desktop applications or 'Modern' apps?
 
My guess is it's about Metro APPs because with desktop programs you can have many instances of programs running side by side. When working on a computer without Total Commander, I open 2 or more instances of Windows Explorer to make it easier to transfer files between disks or partitions.
 
Yeah, okay... but the applications the OP is suggesting are not 'Metro' apps, I find it confusing as to what the OP is after.
Pretty much all the replies suggest any possible alternatives, so what's he want?
 
Edwin said:
Yeah, okay... but the applications the OP is suggesting are not 'Metro' apps, I find it confusing as to what the OP is after.
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I just tried it with 2 Metro APPs (that's all I have) and it did not work even after minimizing them to task bar or running on 2 monitors.
 
I personally think it would be better to refer to them as "Desktop Programs" and "Metro Apps". When somebody says "Apps" I immediately think "Metro". If you say Program I think Desktop.
 
I want to open multiple instances of the same metro app at once. That includes the 'desktop' metro app so I can effectively open desktop programs as metro apps. I do not want to open metro apps as desktop programs.
 
alphanumeric said:
I personally think it would be better to refer to them as "Desktop Programs" and "Metro Apps". When somebody says "Apps" I immediately think "Metro". If you say Program I think Desktop.
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Me too. or at least "Applications" for desktop or "Apps" for modern as Apps is more associated with smart phones.
 
jimjimmy1995 said:
I want to open multiple instances of the same metro app at once. That includes the 'desktop' metro app so I can effectively open desktop programs as metro apps. I do not want to open metro apps as desktop programs.
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Okay! Now we're getting somewhere, thanks for clarifying.
Ummm...... I don't think it's possible! :think:
but I'll try!
 
This is certainly a good question. jimjimmy1995. Very rarely I've had to use multiple instances other than with NotePad. My searching only brings up a Registry hack for Windows 8. I'm sure you know to be extra careful with these types of hacks. Launch Multiple Instances of App from Start Screen in Windows 8 | Team Windows 8 Perhaps someone has a better solution. I can't find anything in the tutes here.

BTW, they are called Store apps officially by MS. That's what they decided to call them after the BS threat over the word "Metro". What a crock that was! :rolleyes:
 
HippsieGypsie said:
This is certainly a good question. jimjimmy1995. Very rarely I've had to use multiple instances other than with NotePad. My searching only brings up a Registry hack for Windows 8. I'm sure you know to be extra careful with these types of hacks. Launch Multiple Instances of App from Start Screen in Windows 8 | Team Windows 8 Perhaps someone has a better solution. I can't find anything in the tutes here.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately not what I am looking for. It seems the only thing that would work is if someone created a modification like the ones stardock makes that allows multiple instances of metro (or store) apps to be opened at the same time. Ideally I would simply like to open desktop apps in a metro style format rather than in a window. Essentially it would perform like a maximized program does on the desktop but in a metro frame so it could be re-sized and snapped together etc. Pretty much the opposite of ModernMix. Eventually I intend to design a custom OS built on top of Linux but until then I'm stuck with this...
 
I hope I can explain this correctly. There’s a new desktop, but it isn’t “the desktop” portal which is actually now the “Desktop app”. The desktop as we knew it is treated just like a Store app in all ways, even the way it closes. It can be pulled down, but not X’d out to close for there is no App Bar on it. Holding the WinKey, then tapping the period key, then the down arrow key, and then finally releasing the WinKey also closes it.

Here’s what the new desktop is > an example to try to explain: http://www.eightforums.com/customization/43655-post-your-desktop-2.html#post373089 The desktop is blank until it is filled with any Store app including the "Desktop app".

The best one can do is a mixture of Desktop and Modern/Metro Store app combo such as this:

Screenshot (75).png
 
I basically want to be able to do something like this:

8eltBJv.png

I'd like desktop programs (the old style windowed applications) to open in separate apps (the new style metro apps) rather than on one desktop. That is the exact opposite functionality of Stardock's ModernMix program unfortunately. This would massively increase productivity for me.

I feel that the way they currently have it implemented has basically caused the entire OS to split into 2 separate sections meaning most people hate it. I don't see why they didn't do away with the desktop altogether in favor of the metro style programs which would at least keep things consistent. They could have simply designed a sandbox type app for desktop applications to run in that maximizes the desktop window essentially making it a metro app without requiring any UI changes.
 
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