Windows 11 no longer normally offers the classic Cascade windows command in the taskbar menu. To create an overlapping cascade, run the documented Shell command in PowerShell; for a built-in graphical alternative, use Snap layouts, which tile windows instead of overlapping them.
Use Snap layouts instead
Snap is Windows 11’s built-in way to arrange windows in fixed screen regions. It is not a true cascade: windows sit side by side or in a grid rather than overlapping with title bars exposed.
- Hover over a window’s Maximize or Restore Down button.
- Choose a layout from the Snap flyout.
- Select other open windows to fill the remaining spaces.
You can also press Windows key + Z to open the Snap layout selector. Available layouts can vary with display size.
Use Snap keyboard shortcuts
With a window active, use these shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|
| Windows key + Left Arrow | Snaps the active window left. |
| Windows key + Right Arrow | Snaps the active window right. |
| Windows key + Up Arrow | Snaps the active window upward. |
| Windows key + Down Arrow | Snaps the active window downward. |
Windows may show Snap Assist so you can choose another open window for the remaining space.
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Turn Snap on or configure it
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Multitasking.
- Expand or configure Snap windows.
Snap settings include whether Windows suggests other open windows after you snap one.
Run the Cascade command with PowerShell
Windows still exposes the Shell method CascadeWindows(), which Microsoft documents as having the same effect as choosing the old taskbar command.
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- Open Windows Terminal or Windows PowerShell.
- Run this command:
PowerShell command: $Shell = New-Object -ComObject Shell.Application; $Shell.CascadeWindows()
The method takes no parameters and returns no result. It should arrange eligible desktop windows in a staggered cascade.
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Optional: Use a VBScript file
You can also run the Shell method from VBScript:
- Save the following code in a file with a
.vbsextension. - Run the file.
VBScript: Set Shell = CreateObject("Shell.Application")Shell.CascadeWindows
Why the usual menus do not cascade windows
The taskbar menu does not normally include Cascade windows
Right-clicking an empty area of the Windows 11 taskbar opens Taskbar settings, not the old window-arrangement menu found in earlier Windows versions. The standard Windows 11 taskbar menu does not normally include Cascade windows.
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The desktop context menu is not the usual location
The standard Windows 11 desktop context menu does not provide the old Cascade windows command. Use the PowerShell method for an overlapping cascade, or Snap layouts for tiled arrangements.
Snap is different from Cascade
Snap arranges windows in fixed side-by-side, corner, or grid layouts. Cascade arranges them in an overlapping, staggered layout so title bars remain visible.
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Which method should you use?
| What you want | Option |
|---|---|
| Overlapping windows with visible, offset title bars | Run the PowerShell Shell.CascadeWindows() method. |
| Windows arranged in fixed screen regions | Use Snap layouts with Windows key + Z. |
| A quick left, right, up, or down arrangement | Use the Windows key with an arrow key. |
FAQ
Does Windows 11 have a Cascade windows option?
The standard Windows 11 taskbar menu does not normally include the old Cascade windows command. You can run the Shell method from PowerShell instead.
How do I cascade windows in Windows 11 with PowerShell?
Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell and run $Shell = New-Object -ComObject Shell.Application; $Shell.CascadeWindows().
Is Snap the same as Cascade?
No. Snap places windows into fixed screen regions, while Cascade arranges them in an overlapping, staggered layout.
Can I run CascadeWindows from a VBScript file?
Yes. Save Set Shell = CreateObject("Shell.Application") and Shell.CascadeWindows in a file ending in .vbs, then run it.
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