Splitting the screen on Windows 11 is a handy feature that boosts productivity by allowing you to view and interact with multiple windows simultaneously. To split your screen, simply drag a window to one side of the screen until it snaps into place, then select another window to fill the other half.
How to Split Screen on Windows 11
In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps to split your screen on Windows 11. By the end of these steps, you’ll be able to multitask like a pro.
Step 1: Drag a Window
First, open any window you wish to use and click on its title bar.
Then, drag the window to the left or right edge of your screen. You’ll notice an outline indicating where the window will snap. Release the mouse button to snap the window into place.
Step 2: Select Another Window
After the first window snaps into place, you’ll see thumbnails of your open windows on the other half of the screen.
Click on one of these thumbnails to snap it into the other half of the screen. This fills the empty space with the selected window.
Step 3: Adjust Window Sizes
To adjust the size of the snapped windows, hover your mouse over the dividing line between the two windows.
Click and drag the dividing line to resize the windows as needed, giving more space to the window you need the most.
Step 4: Use Snap Layouts
Windows 11 offers Snap Layouts for more multitasking options. Hover over the maximize button of any window.
You’ll see a grid showing different layout options. Click on the desired layout, and your windows will automatically resize and reposition accordingly.
Step 5: Add More Windows
You can add more than two windows using Snap Layouts.
Just follow the same steps, and choose a layout that supports more windows, then select the additional windows you want to snap.
After completing these steps, your screen will be split according to your preferences. You can now work more efficiently with multiple windows open side-by-side.
Tips for Splitting Screen on Windows 11
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Windows Key + Arrow keys to quickly snap windows.
- Customize Snap Assist settings in the Settings menu for a more personalized experience.
- If using multiple monitors, you can snap windows across different screens.
- Remember you can also use virtual desktops for different projects or tasks.
- Explore Snap Layouts to discover the best configuration for your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off Snap Assist?
You can turn off Snap Assist by going to Settings > System > Multitasking and toggling off the “Snap windows” option.
Can I split the screen into more than two sections?
Yes, using Snap Layouts, you can split your screen into three or four sections, depending on your needs.
How do I use keyboard shortcuts to snap windows?
Use Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow to snap a window to the side. Use Windows Key + Up/Down Arrow to snap it to a corner.
Will snapping windows affect my open applications?
No, snapping windows only rearranges how they are displayed on your screen. All your applications will remain open and functional.
Can I snap windows on a touch screen?
Yes, you can snap windows on a touch screen by dragging the window with your finger to the edge of the screen.
Summary
- Drag a Window
- Select Another Window
- Adjust Window Sizes
- Use Snap Layouts
- Add More Windows
Conclusion
Splitting your screen on Windows 11 can significantly enhance your productivity by allowing you to manage multiple tasks at once. Whether you’re a student juggling research and assignments, a professional balancing emails and reports, or just someone who likes to keep things organized, this feature is a game-changer.
For further reading, you might explore more advanced Windows 11 features like virtual desktops and task view, which can further streamline your workflow.
Remember, mastering the art of multitasking is all about finding what works best for you. So, go ahead, experiment with these steps, and watch your efficiency soar.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.