This article explains how to use a split screen in Windows so you can watch two windows at once. Instructions apply to Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7.
Split Your Screen in Windows 11 and 10 with Snap Windows
There are several ways to split a screen in Windows 11 and 10, but the easiest is to use Snap Windows (known as Snap Assist in Windows 10). Snap Windows allows you to drag a window to a corner or side of the screen to “click” it there, which in turn leaves room for other windows to snap into the space. resulting blank screen.
This feature must be enabled in to start up > Settings > System > multi-tasking. Select the toggle next to Snap Windows to enable it, even though it should be enabled by default. To select Snap Windows to see additional options.
To split your screen in Windows with Snap Windows using the mouse:
1. Open two or more windows or applications.
2. Place your mouse over an empty area at the top of one of the windows. Long press the left mouse button and drag the window to the right of the screen. Move it all the way, as far as you can, until your mouse stops moving.
3. Release the mouse to align this window to the right side of the screen. It should now fill half the screen, or the corner if you dragged it there.
4. Select one of the other open windows on the left side to align them to the left side of the screen.
5. Now that the two screens are side by side, drag the dividing line between them to resize both windows simultaneously. This is useful if you need to see more than one and can manage a smaller view for the other.
In Windows 11, you can hover your mouse over theExpand icon in the upper right corner to choose between several different snap window layouts.
In Windows 10, you can stack all windows side by side by right-clicking on the taskbar and choosing Show windows side by side. If there are multiple windows open, they will all be resized appropriately to fit the screen.
You can also use the windows key + right arrow and the windows key + right arrow to align the windows.
Windows Split Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1
Microsoft assumed with Windows 8 and 8.1 that most people would be using a touchscreen device. If you have a touch screen, use the snap function to simultaneously position two windows on the screen using your finger. Otherwise, use a mouse.
Notes: Stack all windows side by side by right-clicking on the taskbar and choosing Show windows side by side. If there are multiple windows open, they will all be resized appropriately to fit the screen.
To use split screen with Windows 8.1:
1. Open two or more windows and/or applications.
Place your mouse in an empty area at the top of one of the windows. Long press the left mouse button and drag the window to the left of the screen. Move it completely, as far as possible.
Notes: On a touch screen, swipe in from the left and hold your finger on the screen until the second window is docked on the left side of the screen.
3. Release the mouse to align this window to the left side of the screen.
4. Select one of the other windows to align to the right side of the screen.
5. Drag the dividing line to resize the windows. When you move the line between windows or apps, only one screen is resized at a time, not both like in Windows 11 and 10.
Note: If your screen resolution is high enough and your video card supports it, you can position three windows on the screen.
How to Split Screen in Windows 7
Windows 7 was the first version of Windows to support Snap functionality. It is enabled by default.
Note: You can stack all windows side by side by right-clicking on the taskbar and choosing Show windows side by side. If there are multiple windows open, they will all be resized to fit the screen.
To use the Windows 7 Snap feature to position two windows side by side:
1. Open two windows.
2. Place your mouse in an empty area at the top of any open window. Long press the left mouse button and drag the window to the left half of the screen.
3. Release the mouse. The window will occupy half of the screen.
4. Repeat step 2 for the second window, this time dragging it to the right of the screen before releasing the mouse. The window will occupy the right half of the screen.
Note: In Windows 7, you can also use the Windows key and left or right arrow keys to move windows.
Use Alt + Tab to switch between windows
You can use one of the standard ways to switch between windows and apps, like Alt+Tab, but there’s another option that might suit your needs better: Split Screen in Windows.
If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know in the comments. Also consult this guide if you want to learn how to change screen resolution in windows 11.
