Abstract: Window-invoking functionality is described herein for leveraging context information to present a graphical control element (e.g., a window) of an application in a manner that most likely corresponds to the underlying intent of a user. By doing so, the window-invoking functionality improves the efficiency of the user in interacting with the application, and also reduces consumption of computing resources. In one implementation, the window-invoking functionality includes an information gathering component for collecting the context information, and an invocation component for selecting a particular virtual desktop on which to present the graphical control element, based on the context information.

Abstract: Desktop environment differentiation in virtual desktop techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a user is logged into a corresponding single user account of an operating system of a computing device. Functionality accessible via the single user account is exposed to implement a plurality of virtual desktops associated with the single user account. Each of the plurality of virtual desktops including a user interface that is configured to have an associated collection of windows corresponding to applications and desktop environments that are differentiated, one from another.

Abstract: Operating system virtual desktop techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a plurality of virtual desktops are implemented by a single operating system of a computing device. Each of the virtual desktops includes a user interface that is configured to have an associated collection of windows that correspond to applications. Access to the plurality of virtual desktops is managed by the operating system that is navigable by a user to interact with associated collection of representations of application and windows corresponding to the applications by switching between the plurality of virtual desktops.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling region-based sizing and positioning of application windows. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable sizing and positioning of application windows to provide an optimized layout of application windows.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling thumbnail-image selection of applications. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable a user interface having selectable thumbnail images for applications not currently exposed on a display. The techniques and apparatuses may enable selection of this user interface through a simple gesture that is both easy-to-use and remember. Further, selection of applications not currently exposed on the display may be selected through thumbnail images representing each application's application interface as it will appear on selection.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses enabling thumbnail-image selection of applications. In some embodiments, these techniques and apparatuses enable a user interface having selectable thumbnail images for applications not currently exposed on a display. The techniques and apparatuses may enable selection of this user interface through a simple gesture that is both easy-to-use and remember. Further, selection of applications not currently exposed on the display may be selected through thumbnail images representing each application's application interface as it will appear on selection.