How to Split your Screen in Windows

Multiple windows and applications can be viewed on your screen

What to Know

• To enable Snap Windows, go to Start > Settings > Systems > Multitasking. This should be turned on by default.
• Drag a window from one side to the other, release the mouse and then choose a window that you want to snap to the opposite side.
• To choose from different snap window layouts, hover your mouse over the Maximize icon in Windows 11.

This article will show you how to use Windows’ split screen feature. It allows you to view two windows simultaneously. These instructions are applicable to Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and Windows 10.

Snap Windows 11 and 10 allows you to split your screen

There are many ways to split a Windows 11 or 10 screen, but Snap Windows is the most popular (also known as Snap Assist in Windows 10). Snap Windows allows you to drag a window onto a corner of the screen and “snap it there”. This makes space for other windows to be placed in the empty screen space.

This feature must be enabled in Start > Settings> System > Multitasking. To enable Snap Windows, click the toggle next Snap Windows. However, it should always be enabled by default. To see more options, select Snap Windows.

Use the mouse to split your screen in Windows using Snap Windows

1. You can open multiple windows or applications.
   
2. Place your mouse over an area that is not filled with windows. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the window to its right. You can move it as far as possible until the mouse stops moving.
   
   
3. To snap the window to the right, release the mouse. If you drag it there, it should fill half of the screen.
   To snap any other windows on the left, select them.
4. Drag the line that divides the screens to resize them simultaneously. This can be useful if you need more detail on one screen and a smaller view on the other.
   
   

To select from several snap window layouts, hover your mouse over the Maximize icon.

Windows 10 allows you to stack all windows side-by-side by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Show windows side-by. If you have multiple windows open, they will all resize to fit the screen.

To snap windows, you can also use the Windows Key left Arrow and Windows Key+ right Arrow

Windows Split Screen in Windows 8 & 8.1

Microsoft assumed that touchscreen devices would be the most popular device in Windows 8 and 8.1. You can snap two windows onto a touchscreen by using the snap feature. You can also use a mouse.

Right-click the taskbar to stack all windows side-by side and choose Show windows side-by. If you have multiple windows open, they will all resize to fit the screen.

Split screen is possible with Windows 8.1

1. You can open two or more windows, and/or apps.
   
2. Place your mouse in the empty space at the top of each window. Drag the window to the right side of the screen by long-pressing the left mouse button. You can move it as far as you want.
   Touchscreens can be used to swipe in from the left. Once the second window has been docked, hold the finger down on the screen.
3. To snap the window to the left, release the mouse.
   
4. Click on any other window to move to the right.
   
5. To resize windows, drag the dividing line. You can only resize one of the screens or apps at a given time when you move the line between them. This is not the case in Windows 11 and 10.
   

Three windows can be placed on a screen if the resolution of your monitor is sufficient and your video card supports it.

Split Screen in Windows 7

Windows 7 was the first Windows version to include the Snap feature. It is turned on by default.

By right-clicking on the taskbar, choose Show all windows side-by. If you have multiple windows open, they will all resize to fit the screen.

To position two windows side by side using Windows 7’s Snap feature:

1. Two windows are open.
   
2. Place your mouse in the empty space at the top or bottom of any window. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the window to its left side.
   
3. Then, release the mouse. The window will take up half of the screen.
   
4. You can repeat Step 2, but this time drag the window to the right side of your screen before you release the mouse. The right-hand side of the screen will be taken up by the window.
   

Windows 7 allows you to move windows around by using the Windows key and the left/right arrow keys.

Alt+Tab is a way to switch between Windows.

One of the most common methods to switch between apps and windows is Alt+Tab. But there is another way: Windows Split Screen.