Snapping windows in Windows 10 is a breeze and can boost your productivity by letting you view multiple apps side by side. Just click and drag a window to either side or corner of your screen to snap it into place. You can also use keyboard shortcuts like Win + Left Arrow or Win + Right Arrow to snap windows. This quick guide will walk you through each step so you can master window snapping in no time.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Snap Windows in Windows 10
Snapping windows allows you to organize your desktop and work more efficiently. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Drag the Window
Click on the title bar of the window you want to snap and drag it to the left or right edge of your screen.
When you drag the window, you’ll see an outline indicating where the window will snap. Release the mouse button to snap the window into place.
Step 2: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Press and hold the Windows key and then press the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key to snap the window to the respective side.
Keyboard shortcuts are a quick way to snap windows without using the mouse. This is especially handy for laptop users.
Step 3: Snap to Corners
Drag a window to any corner of your screen to snap it to that quarter of the screen.
Corner snapping allows you to have up to four windows visible at once, making multitasking even easier.
Step 4: Adjust Snapped Windows
Click and drag the divider between snapped windows to resize them.
You can adjust the size of each window to suit your needs, giving you more control over your workspace.
Step 5: Use Snap Assist
After snapping a window, Snap Assist will show thumbnails of your other open windows. Click on one to snap it to the other side.
Snap Assist helps you quickly select another window to fill the remaining space on your screen, making the process even more efficient.
After completing these steps, you’ll see your windows neatly arranged side by side, making it easier to multitask and switch between apps.
Tips for Snapping Windows in Windows 10
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with Windows key + Arrow keys for faster snapping.
- Try Snap Assist: Use Snap Assist to quickly select another window to fill the remaining space.
- Snap to corners: Take advantage of the option to snap windows to corners for a four-window layout.
- Adjust window sizes: Resize snapped windows by dragging the divider between them.
- Practice: The more you use these features, the quicker and more efficient you’ll become.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I disable window snapping in Windows 10?
Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and turn off the “Snap windows” toggle.
Can I snap more than two windows?
Yes, you can snap up to four windows by dragging them to the corners of your screen.
What if Snap Assist doesn’t appear?
Make sure Snap Assist is enabled in Settings > System > Multitasking.
Can I customize snapping behavior?
Yes, you can adjust settings in Settings > System > Multitasking, such as turning off Snap Assist or changing how windows snap.
Does window snapping work with all apps?
Most modern apps support window snapping, but some older or specialized software might not.
Summary of Steps
- Drag the window to the side.
- Use keyboard shortcuts.
- Snap to corners.
- Adjust snapped windows.
- Use Snap Assist.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered how to snap windows in Windows 10, you’ll find managing your desktop and multitasking a whole lot easier. Whether you’re juggling multiple projects, comparing documents, or simply trying to keep your workspace organized, snapping windows can make your life simpler.
If you want to get even more out of Windows 10, consider exploring other productivity features like virtual desktops or the Task View.
Keep practicing, and soon enough, window snapping will become second nature. Happy snapping!
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.