If you've ever found yourself needing a second monitor while handling multiple tasks on your PC, Windows 11's split-screen feature is an effective solution. This feature allows you to easily organize your windows, enabling side-by-side comparisons and multitasking without the need for additional hardware. In this article, we'll delve into how to effectively utilize the split-screen functionality in Windows 11, exploring various methods and shortcuts to enhance productivity.
Introduction to Split Screen in Windows
The concept of split screens isn't entirely new to Windows users. It was first introduced with the 'Snap' feature in Windows 7, released in 2009. However, Windows 11 takes this feature to new heights by providing intuitive layout options and enhanced usability. With a single monitor, you can maximize your screen real estate and manage different applications seamlessly. Let's walk through a step-by-step guide on how to use split screen in Windows 11 effectively.1. Selecting an Application
To begin, you need to select the application you want to work with. You can do this by clicking on the application window from the taskbar and holding down the mouse button for a few moments. Once selected, you can drag the application to your desired position on the screen.2. Snapping to Side or Corner
There are a couple of ways to activate split screen. The first method involves manually moving the application to either side or a corner of the screen. When you do this, a gray box will appear to indicate where the window will be positioned. Release the mouse button to snap the application into place.3. Choosing from Layout Options
For a more guided approach, Windows 11 allows you to select a layout from the available options. Simply drag your cursor to the top of the screen, and a menu will display different visual representations of layout options—such as half-screen or quarter-screen views. To choose a layout, hover over a thumbnail until it highlights in blue, and then click to select it.4. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
If you're a fan of keyboard shortcuts, Windows 11 has got you covered. Here are some useful keyboard shortcuts for managing split screen:- Snap window to left or right half: Win + Left or Right Arrow
- Snap window to corner/quarter of the screen: Win + Left or Right Arrow, then Up or Down Arrow
- Make the window full screen: Win + Up Arrow until full screen
- Expand a quarter window to half window: Win + Up or Down Arrow These shortcuts not only save time but also enhance your multitasking ability.
5. Selecting Thumbnails
Once a window is snapped into its designated position, Windows 11 will display your three most recently used applications in the other half of the screen. Click on a thumbnail to fill that space with your chosen application. You can navigate through these thumbnails using the keyboard by pressing the Tab key and then hitting Enter once the desired thumbnail is highlighted.
6. Selecting More Thumbnails
If you've chosen a layout that supports three or four applications, the remaining thumbnails will show up on the other side of your snapped window. You can continue the process until all desired windows have been placed, or you can skip directly to using an application without filling all spaces.
7. Using Part of the Screen Only
If you're focused on a task, you don't need to fill every available space with a separate application. Instead, you can simply start working on your current application, and the thumbnails will disappear from the view, giving you a clearer workspace.
8. Adjusting Size
To modify the size of the snapped windows, hover your cursor over the edge or corner of the window until a double-headed arrow appears. Drag this to resize the window to your liking. The other windows will automatically adjust to accommodate the new sizes.
9. Changing Split-Screen Defaults in Settings
Windows 11 allows you to customize your split-screen settings. To access these options, go to Settings > System > Multitasking. Here, you can enable or disable various features, such as: - Suggesting applications to snap next to open windows
- Show snap layouts when hovering over a window's maximize button
- Displaying snapped windows when hovering over taskbar apps or using Task View By managing these settings, you can tailor the split-screen experience to fit your preferences.
10. Using PowerToys FancyZones for More Options
If you're looking to further customize your split-screen layouts, installing PowerToys can open up additional features. PowerToys offers the FancyZones tool, which allows users to create custom layouts for their application windows, enabling a more personalized workflow. This can be particularly useful in maximizing productivity if you regularly work with a particular setup.
Conclusion
Using split screen in Windows 11 not only enhances your multitasking capabilities but also allows you to maximize the potential of your single monitor. From manually snapping applications to utilizing keyboard shortcuts and customizing through settings, Windows 11 provides a flexible and user-friendly approach to managing your workspace. Whether you're juggling spreadsheets, following a cooking tutorial, or keeping up with social media, mastering split screen can significantly improve your efficiency and workflow. For more in-depth insights and visual guides on using features in Windows 11, you can check out the original article on TechRadar . Now that you know how to effectively use split screen on Windows 11, dive in and experience the improved productivity it offers!
