Are you struggling to manage multiple apps at once? Whether you’re working, gaming, streaming, or learning how to split screen on Windows is a total game-changer! Here at Nimble Nerds, we know how important it is to use your screen space effectively so you can boost your productivity and simplify your digital life. With this guide crafted for you by Nimble Nerds, you can split your screen into two or more windows, so you can multitask like a pro.

To begin with, call our friendly receptionist today at 02 8091 0815. Within 30 minutes, one of our tech experts will contact you for a no-obligation consultation about your tech concerns. After that, ready to unlock your multitasking potential? Then, let’s dive into the details!

What is the Split Screen Feature in Windows?

The Split Screen is a feature in Windows made to improve your multitasking by letting you view and work in multiple windows side-by-side. So, whether you’re comparing documents, taking notes while watching a video, or dragging data between one app and another on your computer or laptop, the split screen tool makes it easier to stay productive without constantly switching.

For Windows users, there are two key tools that enable this feature called Snap Assist and Snap Layouts. Snap Assist helps you quickly organise your open windows by snapping them into place. Meanwhile, Snap Layouts gives you predefined screen arrangements to position your multiple windows efficiently.

Using Windows? Don’t worry! This split-screen feature is available on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Moreover, if you’re using Windows 11 operating system, this tool has more advanced layout options and smoother functionality.

How to Split Screen on Windows: Step-by-Step Instructions

Using Snap Assist:

1. First, you need to open two windows or two apps for you to view side-by-side.
2. Secondly, click and drag one window by its title bar to the left side, right side or opposite side of the screen, then release your hold.
3. Then, once it snaps into place, it will suggest other open windows to fill the remaining screen space.
4. Click on a suggested window to snap it to the other side.

Here are other ways to split screen on your monitor:

Using Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Press Windows key + Left Arrow to snap a window to the left.
• Press Windows key + Right Arrow to snap a window to the right.
• Use Windows key + Up/Down Arrows to further position windows in a corner or quadrant.

Using Snap Layouts (Windows 11):

1. Firstly, hover your mouse pointer over the maximise button of any window, but do not click on it.
2. Next, a layout grid will appear. It will show you different layouts for your split screen. You can choose your desired section from these.
3. Now, repeat this for your second app (or other ones if you have multiple) until you fill the selected layout slots.

Want a quick overview straight from Microsoft? In that case, check out this official guide on Snap Layouts and Snap Assist to see these multitasking tools in action.

Advanced Splitting Techniques: Splitting into More Than Two Windows

For more complex workflows, Windows lets you split your screen into three or four windows.

Using Snap Layouts (Windows 11):

1. First, hover over the open app’s maximise icon.
2. Next, choose a layout that divides the screen into thirds or quarters.
3. Finally, place each window in the designated areas.

Customising Window Sizes:

• Now, after snapping, you can drag the vertical or horizontal divider between windows so you can resize them.
• In addition, you can use keyboard shortcuts with your arrows to move and resize the snapped windows.

Managing Open Windows:

• If you want to switch between applications smoothly, press Alt + Tab.
• Now, for a four-way split, drag the windows to the corners of your screen.

Optimising Your Work with Multiple Apps and Screens

At Nimble Nerds, we know how using multiple monitors can improve your workspace and boost your productivity. So here are a few ways to do this:

Setting Up Multiple Monitors:

1. First, connect your extra monitor(s) using an HDMI cable, DisplayPort, or USB-C.
2. Secondly, right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
3. Next, click Detect if your new monitor isn’t recognised.
4. Finally, choose Extend desktop to use the new monitor as your extra workspace.

Benefits:

• Splitting your screen on your computer monitor is perfect if you’re coding, graphic designing, or gaming.
• In addition, split screen allows you to have one of your screens for communication apps, such as email or chat, and another for primary work. This type of setup boosts your productivity.

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Using Split Screen on a Laptop: What You Need to Know

Compared to other computer monitors, laptops have smaller screens. That is why, for you to use its split screen feature effectively, you need to make a few adjustments.

Maximizing Screen Real Estate:

• Reduce you Reduce scaling in Display settings to fit more on-screen.
• Adjust resolution to match your laptop’s native display for best clarity.

Snap Assist on Laptops:

• All snap features work similarly to desktops.
• Consider snapping only two windows side-by-side for better visibility.

Useful Hotkeys and Gestures:

• Windows key + Arrow keys remain essential.
• On touch-enabled laptops, swipe from the left to access open apps and drag to snap.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Split Screen in Windows

Snap Assist Not Working:

• Go to Settings > System > Multitasking.
• Ensure Snap Assist is toggled ON.

Dragging Doesn’t Snap Windows:

• Check your Display settings to ensure scaling isn’t interfering.
• Restart your PC to reset the window manager.

Display Detection Issues:

• If monitors aren’t displaying correctly, click Identify in Display settings.
• Update your graphics drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer software.

How Snap Assist and Snap Layouts Improve Workflow

Snap Assist:

• Automatically suggests windows to fill remaining space.
• Saves time when multitasking with multiple open apps.

Snap Layouts:

• Especially powerful in Windows 11.
• Offers 2-, 3-, and 4-window layouts with proportional sizing.
• Hover over the maximize icon to activate.

Customizing Layouts:

• Resize individual windows manually even after snapping.
• Combine with multiple desktops (Windows key + Tab > New desktop) for greater control.

Using PowerToys for Advanced Split Screen Control with FancyZones

For advanced window management, Microsoft offers PowerToys, a free utility that includes FancyZones, a powerful tiling window manager.

Installing PowerToys:

1. Visit the official Microsoft PowerToys GitHub or Microsoft Store.
2. Download and install the latest version.

What is FancyZones?

FancyZones lets you define custom layouts—beyond the defaults in Snap Layouts. Moreover, you can create grids, rows, or any shape you like to organize windows exactly how you want.

Setting Up FancyZones:

1. Launch PowerToys and go to the FancyZones module.
2. Click Launch layout editor.
3. Choose a template or create your own zones by dragging the interface.
4. Assign windows to zones by holding Shift while dragging.

Benefits Over Built-in Features:

• Full customization of zones.
• Supports complex multi-monitor setups.
• Great for power users, coders, and analysts.

Troubleshooting FancyZones:

• If zones aren’t showing, restart PowerToys or check for updates.
• Ensure FancyZones is enabled in the PowerToys settings.

With tools like Snap Windows, Snap Layouts, and FancyZones, Windows users have powerful options to manage workspace effectively—whether working on a single laptop screen or across multiple monitors. Mastering these split screen features can dramatically improve your efficiency and comfort while multitasking.

Conclusion:

Mastering the split screen feature in Windows unlocks endless possibilities for multitasking! Whether you’re working across different apps or gaming with an additional screen, these tools make it all possible. Try out Snap Assist and Snap Layouts to split your screen like a pro.

If you need further assistance, our experienced Nimble Nerds technicians are here to help! Call us at 02 8091 0815 today, and one of our experts will be in touch shortly to assist with your tech needs.

FAQ: How to Split Screen on Windows

How do I split my Windows into two screens?

Splitting your Windows screen is easy! For instance, use Snap Assist by dragging an open window to one side of the screen. The other open windows will automatically adjust for a split view.

What is the shortcut for split screen on Windows?

The keyboard shortcut for splitting screens is pressing the Windows key + Arrow keys. Use the left or right arrows to snap windows to each side of the screen.

How do I open two Windows side by side?

To begin with, to open two windows side by side, simply drag one window to the left or right of the screen, and Snap Assist will help position the second window for a side-by-side view.

How to divide a laptop screen into two?

On a laptop, you can split the screen by dragging one window to the left or right edge or using the Windows key + Arrow key combination for fast snapping.