Windows 11 makes multitasking a breeze by letting you use split screen. This feature allows you to view multiple apps side by side, which can boost your productivity and efficiency. In just a few easy steps, you can drag and drop windows into different sections of your screen.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Use Split Screen on Windows 11
Split screen on Windows 11 is a fantastic feature that helps you manage multiple tasks without having to switch between different windows. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the apps you want to use
First, make sure you have all the apps you want to use in split screen open and running.
Having multiple apps open ensures you can quickly arrange them on your screen without having to search for each one later.
Step 2: Drag the first app to one side of the screen
Click and hold the title bar of the first app. Drag it to the edge of your screen until you see an outline.
This outline will show you where the app will be placed. Once you release the mouse button, the app will snap into place.
Step 3: Select the other app for the remaining space
After snapping the first app, Windows 11 will show thumbnails of your other open apps. Click on the one you want to use for the remaining space.
This step allows you to choose which app to fill the other half of your screen, making it easy to set up your workspace.
Step 4: Adjust the size of each app window
Click and drag the divider between the two apps to adjust their sizes to your preference.
This flexibility lets you allocate more space to the app you need to focus on while still keeping the other one visible.
Step 5: Add more apps if needed
If you want to use more than two apps, drag additional apps to the corners or sides of the screen to create a grid layout.
Windows 11 supports splitting the screen into up to four sections, which can be particularly useful for complex tasks.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a split-screen layout that allows you to view and interact with multiple apps simultaneously. This setup can greatly enhance your productivity, especially when working on tasks that require comparing information from different sources.
Tips for Using Split Screen on Windows 11
- Use Snap Assist: Windows 11’s Snap Assist feature helps you quickly snap apps into place without manually dragging them.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Pressing Win + Left Arrow or Win + Right Arrow can instantly snap an app to one side of the screen.
- Check Display Settings: Ensure your display settings are optimized for split screen by adjusting scale and layout under Settings > Display.
- Experiment with Layouts: Try different split screen layouts to see which one works best for your workflow.
- Use Virtual Desktops: Combine split screen with virtual desktops for an even more organized and efficient workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Split Screen on Windows 11
How do I disable split screen on Windows 11?
Simply drag the app windows away from the edges of the screen to disable split screen. The windows will return to their normal, unsnapped state.
Can I split the screen into more than two sections?
Yes, Windows 11 allows you to split the screen into up to four sections. Drag additional apps to the corners or sides to create a grid layout.
What if Snap Assist is not working?
Make sure Snap Assist is enabled in Settings > System > Multitasking. If it’s already enabled, try restarting your computer.
Is there a way to save my split screen layout?
Currently, Windows 11 does not offer a built-in way to save split screen layouts. However, you can use third-party apps like FancyZones in the PowerToys suite for more advanced layout management.
Can I use split screen on multiple monitors?
Yes, you can use split screen on each monitor separately when using a multi-monitor setup. This allows for even greater multitasking capabilities.
Summary of How to Use Split Screen on Windows 11
- Open the apps you want to use.
- Drag the first app to one side of the screen.
- Select the other app for the remaining space.
- Adjust the size of each app window.
- Add more apps if needed.
Conclusion
Using split screen on Windows 11 is a game-changer for multitaskers. It allows you to effortlessly manage multiple applications, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re a student juggling between notes and research or a professional handling various tasks, mastering this feature will undoubtedly enhance your productivity.
For further reading, you might want to explore additional Windows 11 features like virtual desktops and Snap Groups. These tools, combined with split screen, can transform the way you work. Ready to become a multitasking pro? Dive in and start using split screen on Windows 11 today!
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.