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To split your screen in Windows 11, hover over a window’s maximize or restore button, or press Windows key + Z. Choose a layout and a position for the first window; then select another open app in Snap Assist to fill the remaining space. For a simple left-and-right split, press Windows key + Left Arrow or Windows key + Right Arrow.
Choose a way to snap your windows
Windows 11’s built-in Snap feature arranges open windows using a mouse, touch, or keyboard. The best starting point depends on whether you want to choose a visual layout or quickly place one window on one side.
| Method | How to start | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Layouts flyout | Hover over the maximize or restore button, or press Windows key + Z. | You want to pick from the layouts available on your display. |
| Snap bar | Drag a window toward the top edge of the screen. | You are arranging windows with a mouse or touch. |
| Arrow-key snapping | Press Windows key + Left Arrow or Windows key + Right Arrow. | You want a quick two-column split. |
Use the Snap Layouts flyout
- Open the apps you want to use, then bring the first window to the foreground.
- Hover over that window’s maximize or restore button. Alternatively, press Windows key + Z.
- Choose a layout, then select the region where you want the first window.
- When Snap Assist shows other open windows, select one to fill another region. Repeat for additional spaces if the layout has them.
Choosing a layout places the first window; it does not automatically fill every space. Snap Assist helps you complete the arrangement with your other open apps.
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Use the Snap bar
- Drag a window toward the top edge of the screen.
- When the Snap bar appears, choose a layout and position for the window.
- Select another open window from Snap Assist to fill a remaining space, and repeat if needed.
The layouts shown can depend on your display size. Microsoft’s support guidance does not specify exact size or resolution cutoffs for each layout.
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Split windows with keyboard shortcuts
For a straightforward left-and-right arrangement, make the window you want to place active and press Windows key + Left Arrow or Windows key + Right Arrow. Windows snaps it to the corresponding side. To move it to another available position, keep holding the Windows key and press an arrow key again; release the Windows key when the window is where you want it. You can then select another open app to occupy the remaining space.
Adjust the size of snapped windows
Drag the divider between snapped windows to change their relative widths. When you resize one of two adjacent snapped windows, the neighboring area adjusts to fit.
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Turn Snap on or adjust its behavior
- Open Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Make sure Snap windows is turned on.
- Expand the Snap windows options to review settings for the maximize-button layout flyout, Snap bar, Snap Assist suggestions, and Snap groups.
Available options and their exact labels can vary by Windows release.
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- The layout picker does not appear: Press Windows key + Z to open it, then check that Snap windows is enabled under Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Fewer layouts appear than expected: Available layouts can depend on display size. Microsoft does not publish exact size thresholds in its support guidance.
- Snap Assist does not suggest other windows: Check the Snap windows options in Multitasking settings and make sure Snap Assist suggestions are enabled if that option appears in your Windows release.
Microsoft’s instructions for using Snap are available in its Snap your windows guide and Windows keyboard shortcuts guide.
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