Split screen on Windows 11 is a function that allows a user to Snap Layouts, which is a tool that is used for the user to visualize and manage several windows at the same time. This works via the so-called multitasking feature which can divide your applications on your computer whereby the usage of them is the most effective. In this way, we are going to show you how to Split the screen on Windows 11.
What is Snap Layout?
Snap Layout is a Windows 11 feature that allows you to split your screen into two, and you can work on two applications at the same time. It has many preset screens which are perfect for separating the applications according to your work needs. E.g. it might be interesting to split the screen evenly or adding different windows to them.
Available Layouts
- 50%-50%: Equal window split between two windows.
- 75%-25%: It gives more space in one window than in the other as the case may be.
- 50%-25%-25%: In this configuration, three windows are half-size, one from the top, center, and bottom.
- 25%-50%-25%: The central one is twice the size of the others, just as with the other pattern.
- 33%-33%-33%: Three windows are divided equally and the remaining two windows are divided acordingly.
- 25%-25%-25%-25%: Divide the screen into four equal windows.
So, let’s narrow down to all the methods of activating and using Snap Layouts right now.
Method 1: Use Add to Maximize Button for Snap Layouts Now
To create Snap Layouts, you have to be enabled Snap Windows in your system settings:
- Select Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Toggle the Snap Windows switch to ON.
- Open a window.
- Hover your mouse over the maximize button (the square button at the top right).
- A set of layouts will appear. You can select one of the layouts by clicking on it.
- The window will be in the languished space of the screen. There will also be a bunch of suggestions to fill the other open windows which you can use to maximize them to the edge of the remaining space.
Method 2: Drag and Drop to Split the Screen
You can manually drag windows to snap them into position on the screen. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the window you want to snap.
- Drag it to the left or right edge of the screen until you see a highlighted outline.
- Release the window, and it will snap to that section of the screen.
- Now, choose another window to snap into the remaining space.
This method is especially useful when you want a quick 50%-50% split or when you need to manually arrange windows to your liking.
Method 3: Using the Snap Bar for Precise Layouts
Sometimes you may be interested in acquiring more command of your layout like making open windows appear in 25-50-25 split or a 33-33-33 layout. The Snap Bar is the best tool for this:
- Click and drag a window.
- An at-a-glance bar will come up at the top of the screen which will eventually develop into a shadow bar.
- First, maneuver the window on the Snap Bar to display all the possible layout options.
- Choose one of the options from there and let all the other open windows fill the remaining spaces.
With this method, you can get the most freedom to adjust your workspace in any way you desire.
Method 4: Use the Keyboard Shortcuts to Achieve Speed
In case you are keyboard shortcuts kind of person, the following step will allow you to invoke Snap Layouts faster:
- Hold the Windows + Z keys to bring the Snap Layout menu.
- The numbers designating the layouts will be displayed, and you can press the relevant number to activate the layout of your choice.
- After that, using a different number you can assign that window to any specific section.
The other way is to hold down the Window + Left/Right Arrow keys to attach a window to the side of the screen and then push Up/Down Arrow to move it to the needed position.
Customizing and Resizing Windows After Snapping
After your windows are snapped, you can resize them based on your wish. For this:
- Bring your mouse over the line between two windows.
- An adaptable will turnout, which lets you make the windows smaller or larger by scrolling it leftright.
This capability rather narrows the long triangle between your layout and maximum productivity.
Common Issues and Fixes
Misaligned Windows
When you move a window on your screen it can sometimes happen that it does not fit the other windows as you want. In this case, the Snap Layout option from the maximize button is better for accuracy.
Non-Snap-Compatible Apps
Some apps that were designed before the concept of snap layout are not compatible with Snap Layout. You can move and resize the windows by hand to fit them in any configuration you like, but they will not snap to the selected size automatically.
By using these methods, you can efficiently occupy several windows at the same time with Windows 11. Besides helping you with the multitasking, Snap Layouts saves time and keeps all your windows in a systematic format thereby, you stay organized too. Whether you like shortcut keys or prefer to click and drag, practicing on Snap Layouts will increase your productivity.