In Ubuntu’s default GNOME desktop environment, virtual workspaces are a powerful way to organize your open windows. However, if you use a multi-monitor setup, you will notice a very specific behavior: when you press Super + Page Down to switch to a new workspace, only your primary monitor actually changes.
By default, Ubuntu locks all secondary displays to the current workspace. The secondary monitors remain completely static, while only the primary monitor cycles through the virtual desktops. For many power users, this is exactly the opposite of what they want. If you switch from a “Coding” workspace to a “Communications” workspace, you likely want the windows on both of your monitors to change simultaneously.
You can configure Ubuntu to automatically tie your workspaces across all connected displays.
How to Enable Workspaces on All Displays
This multi-monitor behavior can be easily changed in the GNOME Settings.
- Open the Settings app in Ubuntu.
- In the left-hand navigation sidebar, scroll down and click on Multitasking.
- Look for the section labeled “Multi-Monitor.”
- You will see two radio button options:
- Workspaces on primary display only
- Workspaces on all displays
- Select the radio button next to Workspaces on all displays.
The change takes effect immediately. Now, when you trigger a workspace switch via your keyboard shortcuts or the Activities overview, your entire multi-monitor setup will slide over to the new virtual desktop in unison, giving you a completely fresh, dual-screen canvas for your next task.