How To Use Split Screen On Windows​​ 10 And 11

Do you often switch between multiple windows while working on your laptop? Windows offers a built-in split-screen feature that lets you view multiple applications on one display, making multitasking easier without an additional monitor.

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 support split-screen functionality. While Windows 10 uses Snap Assist, Windows 11 offers Snap Layouts for flexible window arrangements. In this guide, find out how to use split screen on Windows 10 and 11 with keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, and built-in settings. We will also cover four-window layouts, resizing options, and common issues.

What Is Split Screen Mode In Windows?

Split screen mode in windows, also called Snap or Snap Layouts, lets you arrange two, three, or four open application windows side by side or in a grid, making multitasking easier.

For example, you can keep Google Chrome open on the left and Microsoft Word on the right. This lets you research information in Chrome while writing a document in Word.

Similarly, you can use split screen to:

• Attend an online meeting while taking notes.
• Compare two documents side by side.
• Watch a tutorial while following its instructions.
• Check a spreadsheet while writing an email.
• Keep a browser and calculator open together.

The feature is useful for students, working professionals, content creators, and anyone who regularly uses multiple applications.

The best part is that you do not need to download additional software. Windows includes everything you need to arrange application windows.

How To Use Split Screen On Windows 10

Windows 10 comes with a feature called Snap Assist. It helps you position applications on different parts of the display.

You can use your mouse, keyboard shortcuts, or a combination of both to arrange windows.

1. Use Snap Assist To Split The Screen

Snap Assist is the easiest way to divide your Windows 10 screen into two sections.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the two applications you want to use.
2. Click and hold the title bar of the first application.
3. Drag the window towards the left edge of your screen.
4. Release the mouse when you see an outline showing its position.
5. Windows will display thumbnails of your other open applications.
6. Select the second application to fill the remaining space.

Your screen will now show both applications side by side.

You can also drag the first application towards the right edge if you want it on the right side.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

If you do not want to use your mouse, Windows 10 also supports keyboard shortcuts for split-screen multitasking.

Here is how to use them:

1. Open the application you want to position.
2. Press Windows + Left Arrow to move it to the left half.
3. Open another application.
4. Press Windows + Right Arrow to move it to the right half.
5. Adjust the windows if required.

You can also use the Windows key with the up and down arrow keys to move an application into different screen positions.

3. Split Your Screen Into Four Windows

Windows 10 also supports a four-window arrangement. This option is useful when you need to work with multiple applications simultaneously.

Follow these steps:

1. Open all four applications.
2. Select the first window and drag it towards the top-left corner.
3. Release it when it snaps into place.
4. Drag the second window to the top-right corner.
5. Move the third window to the bottom-left corner.
6. Place the fourth window in the bottom-right corner.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to position each window. First, press Windows + Left or Right Arrow. Then press Windows + Up or Down Arrow to move the window into a corner.

This gives you four separate sections on one display.

How To Use Split Screen On Windows 11

Windows 11 makes multitasking easier with its Snap Layouts feature. Unlike Windows 10, it offers a dedicated layout menu that lets you choose how applications should appear.

You can arrange two, three, or four windows depending on your display size and the layouts supported by your device.

1. Enable Snap Layouts In Windows 11

Before using Snap Layouts, make sure the feature is enabled.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select System from the left menu.
3. Click on Multitasking.
4. Find the Snap windows option.
5. Turn on the toggle.
6. Expand the Snap windows settings to customise the available options.

Once enabled, you can use Snap Layouts to arrange your applications.

2. Use Snap Layouts With Your Mouse

Snap Layouts gives you different arrangements for organising your desktop.

Here is how to use it:

1. Open the application you want to arrange.
2. Move your mouse over the Maximise button in the top-right corner.
3. Wait for the Snap Layouts menu to appear.
4. Choose your preferred layout.
5. Select the section where you want to place the application.
6. Choose another open application to fill the remaining section.

Windows will automatically arrange the selected applications.

You can choose a two-window layout for basic multitasking or a three- or four-window arrangement when you need more screen space.

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts To Open Snap Layouts

Windows 11 also provides a shortcut to access Snap Layouts directly.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the application you want to arrange.
2. Press Windows + Z.
3. The Snap Layouts menu will appear.
4. Use the arrow keys to select your preferred arrangement.
5. Press Enter to confirm.
6. Select other applications to fill the remaining spaces.

You can also use Windows + Left Arrow and Windows + Right Arrow to snap applications to either side of the display.

4. Drag And Drop Windows To Split The Screen

You can also use drag-and-drop gestures to arrange applications.

1. Open the application you want to move.
2. Click and hold its title bar.
3. Drag it towards the top of the screen.
4. Wait for the Snap Layouts bar to appear.
5. Move the application towards your preferred layout section.
6. Release the mouse to place it.
7. Select other applications to fill the remaining spaces.

This method is helpful if you prefer using a mouse instead of keyboard shortcuts.

5. Arrange Four Windows Using Snap Layouts

Windows 11 makes it easier to arrange four applications on one display.

You can use a four-section grid to keep different applications visible simultaneously.

For example, you can keep Chrome in the top-left section, Word in the top-right section, Excel in the bottom-left section, and Teams in the bottom-right section.

To do this:

1. Open all four applications.
2. Hover over the Maximise button of the first application.
3. Select a four-window layout.
4. Choose the first section.
5. Select the remaining applications for the other sections.

You can also drag individual windows into the four corners of your display.

Tip: Four-window layouts work better on larger displays. On a smaller laptop, two-window split screen may be more comfortable because it keeps text and controls easier to read.

How To Resize Split-Screen Windows

You do not have to keep every application window at the same size. Windows lets you adjust the space occupied by each application.

This is useful when one application needs more room than another. For example, you may want a larger browser window while keeping a smaller calculator window open.

Follow these steps:

1. Open two applications in split-screen mode.
2. Move your mouse to the dividing line between the windows.
3. Wait until the cursor changes into a double-headed arrow.
4. Click and hold the divider.
5. Drag it left or right to adjust the window sizes.
6. Release the mouse when you are happy with the arrangement.

The windows will automatically adjust to the new sizes.

Snap Groups In Windows 11: What Are They?

Snap Groups is another useful multitasking feature in Windows 11. It helps you return to a group of applications that you have arranged using Snap Layouts.

For example, imagine that you have Chrome and Word open side by side. You then open another application and switch between windows.

Windows 11 can remember your snapped application arrangement. You can return to the group by hovering over an application icon on the taskbar and selecting the grouped windows.

This saves time when you regularly work with the same set of applications.

Useful Keyboard Shortcuts For Split Screen

Keyboard shortcuts make multitasking faster. Instead of dragging every window manually, you can use a few key combinations to arrange your desktop.

Here are some useful Windows shortcuts:

You do not need to remember every shortcut. Start with Windows + Left Arrow, Windows + Right Arrow, and Windows + Z. These are enough for most split-screen tasks.

Windows 10 Vs Windows 11: Split-Screen Differences

Both operating systems support split-screen multitasking. However, Windows 11 offers more flexibility through Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.

Here is a quick comparison:

Which one is better?

Windows 10 is suitable for basic multitasking. You can quickly arrange two or four windows using keyboard shortcuts or your mouse.

Windows 11 is better if you regularly work with multiple applications. Its Snap Layouts menu makes it easier to choose an arrangement, while Snap Groups help you return to previously arranged applications.

Does Split Screen Affect Laptop Performance, Battery Or Display?

Split screen is a built-in Windows feature. It does not change your laptop's camera, processor, battery capacity, or display specifications.

However, running multiple applications simultaneously can affect your laptop's performance and power consumption.

For a smoother experience, use a laptop with sufficient RAM and a processor suited to your workload. A larger or higher-resolution display also makes multiple windows easier to manage.

You do not need a special laptop to use split screen. Most Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops support the feature.

Common Split-Screen Problems And How To Fix Them

Sometimes, Windows may not arrange applications as expected. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

1. Snap Layouts Are Not Appearing

If Snap Layouts does not appear when you hover over the Maximise button, check your settings.

Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and make sure Snap windows is enabled. Also, check the options under Snap windows.

2. Windows Are Not Snapping Properly

If an application does not move to the required section, try dragging its title bar towards the screen edge.

You can also use Windows + Left Arrow or Windows + Right Arrow to position it.

3. An Application Does Not Fit The Screen

Some applications have minimum window-size requirements. They may not fit properly into smaller sections.

Try using a two-window layout instead of a four-window arrangement.

4. Split Screen Looks Too Small

If the text or buttons appear too small, adjust the divider between the windows.

You can also check your display resolution and scaling settings under Settings > System > Display.

5. Snap Assist Is Not Showing Other Applications

Check the Snap settings under Settings > System > Multitasking. Enable the option that shows suggested windows when you snap an application.

6. Laptop Becomes Slow During Multitasking

Running several applications can use additional system resources. Close unnecessary background applications and browser tabs.

If your laptop regularly struggles with multitasking, consider whether its RAM and processor are suitable for your workload.

FAQs

1. How do I split my screen into two on Windows?

Open two applications and press Windows + Left Arrow to move the first application to the left. Then press Windows + Right Arrow on the second application to position it on the right.

2. Can I split my laptop screen into four sections?

Yes. Windows 10 and Windows 11 support four-window arrangements. Drag each application into a different corner of your screen or use the available Snap Layouts options in Windows 11.

3. How do I enable split screen on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and turn on Snap windows. You can then hover over the Maximise button to access Snap Layouts.

4. What is the shortcut for split screen on Windows 11?

Press Windows + Z to open the Snap Layouts menu. You can also use Windows + Left Arrow and Windows + Right Arrow to arrange two applications side by side.

5. Why is split screen not working on my laptop?

The Snap windows feature may be disabled. Open Settings > System > Multitasking and enable it. Also, check whether the application supports window resizing.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use split screen on Windows 10 and 11 can make everyday laptop tasks easier. Windows 10 offers simple Snap Assist controls, while Windows 11 provides more flexible Snap Layouts and Snap Groups. Both operating systems let you arrange multiple applications without installing additional software. Choose a layout that suits your screen size and workflow to make multitasking easier.

You can sell your old phone in minutes and get an instant, fair quote with free doorstep pickup, with no haggling and no hassle. And when you are ready to upgrade, Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones get you a newer, faster device at nearly half the price of a new one, with a 6-month warranty, a 15-day refund policy, and free delivery.