Splitting your screen on Windows 11 is a breeze and can seriously boost your productivity. In just a few steps, you can have multiple apps open side-by-side, making multitasking easier than ever. Whether you’re working on a project, attending a virtual meeting, or just keeping an eye on your social media, splitting your screen can help you keep everything in view without having to constantly switch between windows.
How to Split Screen on Windows 11
This guide will walk you through the steps needed to split your screen on Windows 11. Follow these simple instructions to get your desktop organized in no time.
Step 1: Open the Apps You Want to Use
First, open the applications or windows that you want to use in split screen mode. This can be anything from your web browser to a word processor or a messaging app.
Make sure the apps are running because you’ll need to select them when arranging your split screen. Having them open and ready will save you time.
Step 2: Hover Over the Maximize Button
Next, hover your mouse pointer over the maximize button located at the top right corner of the window. Don’t click it, just let your pointer rest on it.
When you hover over the maximize button, a small box will appear showing different layout options. These options allow you to quickly snap the window to a part of your screen.
Step 3: Choose Your Layout
After hovering, click on your desired layout option from the box that appears. For instance, you can choose to split the screen into two, three, or even four sections.
Select the layout that fits your needs best. This will instantly snap the current window to the chosen section of your screen.
Step 4: Select Other Apps for Remaining Sections
Next, click on the empty sections of the screen to select other apps or windows to fill those spaces. You’ll see thumbnails of your open apps, making it easy to pick.
This step will complete the split screen setup, allowing you to see all your chosen apps in one view. It’s like creating a custom dashboard tailored to your workflow.
Step 5: Adjust the Size of Each Section
Finally, adjust the size of each section by dragging the dividers between them. Click and hold the divider, then drag it to resize the windows as needed.
This allows you to customize the view even further, ensuring each section is the perfect size for your tasks. You have full control over how your screen is divided.
Once you follow these steps, your screen will be split according to the layout you selected. You can interact with each window independently, making multitasking a breeze.
Tips for Splitting Screen on Windows 11
- Experiment with Different Layouts: Try different screen layouts to find which one works best for your workflow.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Win + Left Arrow and Win + Right Arrow keys can quickly snap windows to either side of the screen.
- Resize Flexibly: Don’t hesitate to adjust the size of each window section to better fit the content you’re viewing.
- Combine with Virtual Desktops: Use virtual desktops to create more workspaces if splitting screens isn’t enough.
- Check for Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date to ensure you have access to the latest features and improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I exit split screen mode?
Simply click the maximize button on any window to return it to full screen, or close any of the windows if you no longer need them.
Can I split the screen more than two ways?
Yes, Windows 11 offers layouts that can split your screen into three or even four sections.
Are there keyboard shortcuts for split screen?
Yes, you can use the Win + Left Arrow and Win + Right Arrow keys to quickly snap windows to the sides of your screen.
Do all apps support split screen?
Most modern apps support split screen, but some older or less common apps might not work as well.
Is split screen available on all Windows 11 editions?
Yes, this feature is available on all editions of Windows 11, including Home and Pro versions.
Summary
- Open the Apps You Want to Use
- Hover Over the Maximize Button
- Choose Your Layout
- Select Other Apps for Remaining Sections
- Adjust the Size of Each Section
Conclusion
Splitting your screen on Windows 11 is a game-changer for productivity. With just a few clicks, you can organize your workspace like a pro. Whether you’re juggling work, school, or personal projects, knowing how to split screen lets you keep everything in view without the hassle of constantly switching between windows.
Plus, with the flexibility to resize sections and select various layouts, you can tailor your screen setup to match whatever task is at hand. And don’t forget, practicing these steps and using the keyboard shortcuts can make the process even quicker.
If you found this guide helpful, take a moment to explore other Windows 11 features that can further streamline your daily tasks. Happy multitasking!
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.