Can I run multiple desktop environments at once (via CTRL+ALT+F1/F2/etc.) and if so, how?

Solution 1:

I think that this guy has you covered, https://journalxtra.com/linux/desktop/multiple-desktops-on-one-linux-pc-now-thats-greedy/.

Solution 2:

There are two ways of running two DE (Desktop Environment) at once:

1. Use available Virtual Terminal

   This is looks more reliable but not easy if you does't learned about Linux Command.

   • Switch to CLI Interface by press Ctrl+Alt+F1-F7, then run startx (the preferred DE, for example startx xfce4-session).

2. Use Xtest (A good place if you want to develop DE or want to use separated X Server instead of XWayland.) But it's kind of slow

   • Type sudo apt install xorg-server-xnest (If it fails type sudo apt search xnest and look for xnest package)
   • Run Xnest -ac :10.0 in your terminal emulator
   • Switch to your terminal emulator and type export DISPLAY=:10.0
   • Run secondary DE by typing xfce4-session (Replace xfce4-session with another DE installed on your system)
   • See if the magic happens (I posted this via Firefox running in Xnest on Manjaro)