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Use PureDesk as a calmer Windows desktop workspace
This guide is organized by product module. Start with the basics, or jump straight to files, plugins, agenda, store, or settings.
Understand these 5 basics first
PureDesk does not replace your desktop with a closed system. It adds a clearer entry layer on top of real Windows desktop content.
Contents
Main Panel
The main panel is the center of PureDesk
The panel brings files, app launch, and daily context into a low-interruption workspace. Think of it as a desktop entry layer, not a separate file manager.
Orb and panel
The orb opens PureDesk. You can click it, hover it, or use the global shortcut. In fullscreen apps, PureDesk can temporarily hide the orb.
Left context rail
The left side is for news, weather, notes, and agenda. It helps you see the day before diving into files.
Right file panel
The right side shows real desktop files. You can search, open, rename, reveal in Explorer, delete to Recycle Bin, and switch grouping modes.
Bottom dock
The dock keeps common apps close to your workspace without filling the desktop with shortcuts.
File Panel
The file panel organizes real desktop content
PureDesk reads the user desktop, public desktop, and custom scan paths. It does not import files into a private library.
File sources
User desktop and public desktop are included by default. Custom scan paths can be added in settings. Removing a path only stops syncing it.
Categories
Files are classified as folders, documents, archives, images, other files, and app entries. Documents can be further grouped by Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, and text.
Sorting and collapse
Time sorting is useful for cleanup. Name sorting uses letters and Chinese pinyin initials. Document type sorting is available in the document tab.
Custom groups
Custom groups store file path references and extension rules. They do not copy or move the original files.
Search and open
Search matches name, path, source, and category. Double-click to open files, or press Enter in search to open the first result.
Quick create
You can create folders, text files, Word documents, Excel workbooks, and PowerPoint files directly on the real desktop.
Apps and Dock
Keep app launchers in one place
PureDesk organizes desktop shortcuts, Start pinned items, taskbar pinned items, and app entries into a scannable app panel.
App launcher
Click an app to launch it. The context menu can open as administrator or reveal the shortcut in Explorer when available.
App folders
Create app folders for related programs, or let PureDesk organize applications by category.
Dock
The dock is for apps you open every day. It complements the Windows taskbar instead of replacing it.
Desktop icons
If you want a cleaner desktop, hide Windows desktop icons from settings or the tray menu. Restore them whenever needed.
Plugins
Plugins bring useful daily tools into the desktop entry
Plugins are rendered as cards with supported sizes and drag layout. They can be enabled from the store and adjusted in plugin settings.
Notes
Notes are for temporary thoughts, links, and short todos. They are stored locally, with sync available when the account permits it.
News brief
News supports different sources and followed categories. You can refresh and switch categories inside the card.
Weather
Weather shows location, current temperature, feels-like temperature, wind, rain probability, hourly forecast, and daily range.
Plugin layout
Plugins support sizes such as 1x1, 1x2, 1x4, and 2x4. Drag cards to reorder them or remove unused plugins from the area.
Cloud sync
Some plugins support cloud sync. Availability depends on sign-in state and plan access, and the app explains the current reason.
Agenda
Agenda manages dated todos and timed tasks
Agenda supports date, time, completion, expired state, notes, tags, day view, and month view.
Create a todo
Use the plus button to create an item. Add a title and date, then optionally add time, tag, notes, and completed state.
All-day and timed items
Without time, an item is shown as all-day and expires by date. With time, expiration is accurate to the minute.
Day and month views
The 1x2 size uses day view. The 1x4 size can switch between day view and month view.
Week label
The agenda header shows the month and week number so weekly and monthly planning stay connected.
Completed and expired
Completed items move behind active items. Unfinished items whose time has passed are marked as expired.
Edit and delete
Click the item body to edit it. Use the completion circle to toggle done. Delete is available inside the edit dialog.
Agenda does not parse dates from note text. Enter date and time explicitly in the fields.
Store and Themes
The store manages official plugins and gallery themes
The store contains Gallery, Plugins, and Downloaded tabs. Downloading, switching, redownloading, and deleting local theme resources happen in the app.
Gallery themes
Gallery themes can include wallpaper, panel colors, transparency, and time-based visual settings.
Time themes
Some themes change between morning, noon, evening, and night. PureDesk adjusts background and panel treatment together.
Official plugins
The plugin tab lists official plugins. Some are included by default; others require download or account access.
Downloaded items
Downloaded items remain available for switching. Non-default gallery themes can also be removed locally.
Download issues
If a download link expires, start the download again. If the network is unavailable, local samples and downloaded items remain visible when possible.
Personalization
Settings are grouped by display, content, behavior, and support
Settings manage more than appearance: scale, theme, transparency, language, news source, shortcuts, desktop behavior, scan paths, and updates all live here.
Display and theme
Adjust UI scale, light or dark mode, system mode, panel transparency, and language. Gallery time themes may lock some appearance choices.
Content and feeds
Manage news source and followed categories. Keep at least one category selected for the news plugin.
Global shortcut
A shortcut must include Ctrl, Alt, or Shift plus a supported key such as a letter, digit, F1-F12, Space, Enter, Tab, Backspace, Delete, or an arrow key.
Desktop behavior
Control desktop icons, autostart, orb visibility, and whether the orb hides during fullscreen apps.
Custom scan paths
Added folders appear together with desktop files in the file panel. Removing a path does not delete local files.
About and updates
Settings include the official website link and update checks. Download progress is shown inside the update card.
Account and Sync
Account access is used for store, profile, Pro, and sync
Basic desktop organization works without signing in. Account access is mainly for downloads, profile, Pro access, and plugin sync.
Sign in
After signing in, you can use account-gated themes, plugins, and profile features. Avatars support PNG, JPEG, and WEBP with a size limit.
Plan labels
Store cards show Free or Pro. If an item requires Pro, PureDesk shows a clear message before download or use.
Plugin sync
Notes and agenda can use sync when access allows it. If sign-in or plan access is missing, plugin settings show the reason.
Redemption codes
If you receive a PureDesk redemption code, redeem it from the account area in the app. The account state shown in the app is the source of truth.
Install and Runtime
After installation, check the basics once
PureDesk targets modern Windows desktop environments. After installing, confirm orb behavior, desktop icons, file sync, and shortcut settings.
Download installer
Download PureDesk from the official website. Avoid copies from unknown file shares or chat attachments.
SmartScreen
If Windows SmartScreen appears, verify the source, click More info, then Run anyway to continue.
First launch
After first launch, let PureDesk scan desktop items. Large desktops may take a moment before all items appear.
Tray menu
The tray menu provides common controls such as opening the panel, toggling desktop icons, and quitting the app.
Troubleshooting
Check these first when something feels wrong
Most issues come from scan paths, permissions, shortcut conflicts, account access, or store network problems.
A file is missing
Check whether the file is under the user desktop, public desktop, or a custom scan path. Clear search, switch category, and wait for the next sync.
Shortcut does not work
Pick another shortcut, include Ctrl, Alt, or Shift, and avoid combinations already used by other apps.
Theme did not change
Confirm the theme is downloaded and active. For time themes, the current time slot decides the visible wallpaper and panel colors.
Store download failed
Check network and sign-in state. If the link expired, return to the store and start the download again.
Desktop icons did not restore
Toggle desktop icons again from settings or the tray menu. If needed, quit and reopen PureDesk so it reads Windows desktop state again.
Plugin content did not update
Check whether the plugin is enabled, network is available, and account access allows sync. News and weather can also depend on network conditions.
FAQ
Common misunderstandings
These points affect file safety and daily workflow. They are worth reading before first use.
Does PureDesk move my desktop files?
No. PureDesk displays real files but does not import them into its own library. Custom groups store references and display rules.
Are files still there after hiding desktop icons?
Yes. Hiding desktop icons only changes Windows desktop visibility. It does not delete files, and you can restore icons from settings or the tray menu.
What happens when I delete a file?
Deleting a desktop file from PureDesk uses the Windows Recycle Bin path. Still check the file name and path before deleting.
Can I use PureDesk without signing in?
Yes. The core panel, local file organization, and local settings work without signing in. Store downloads, Pro plugins, and cloud sync may require an account.