On a fresh install, login and you get 2x2 workspaces. Logout and login again and you have only have one workspace. Also, the 2x2 are four seperate workspaces. I think you want one work space with 2 rows and 2 columns.
This doesn't happen for me in new releases. We did intentionally use 4 workspaces not 1 workspace + viewports. I don't remember why, I do remember discussing it, but I don't think it matters too much either way, so changing it seems to introduce pointless churn.