Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows 11 calls split-screen window management Snap. It lets you place two, three, or more open apps into defined areas of a laptop screen or external monitor. You can use the mouse, a keyboard shortcut, or the Snap layouts menu—there is no command or command-line syntax to enter.
Before arranging windows across a laptop and a separate monitor, set the displays to Extend. Otherwise, Windows may mirror the laptop screen instead of treating the monitor as a separate workspace.
Split two windows on one Windows 11 screen
This works on the laptop display or on an external monitor.
- Open the two apps or File Explorer windows you want to use.
- Click the title bar of the first window and drag it to the left edge or right edge of the screen.
- When the Snap overlay appears, release the mouse button.
- Windows displays thumbnails of other open windows through Snap Assist. Select the second app to fill the remaining half.
You can also drag a window to a corner to place it in roughly one-quarter of the display. This is useful when you want a browser, document, chat app, and calculator visible at the same time.
#1 Best Overall
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 80 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Vivid Video: The HDMI adapter lets you connect to any TV or display with an HDMI port to stream video in up to 4K resolution.
- Plug and Play: Instantly turn your laptop’s USB-C port into an HDMI port, with no installation necessary. This product does not support charging or Power Delivery (PD).
- Premium Construction: A lightweight aluminum casing allows for greater heat dissipation, while the reinforced braided-nylon cable is designed to withstand the twists and tugs of daily use.
- Compatibility: Supports USB-C DP Alt mode, USB4, and Thunderbolt connections.
Use the keyboard to split the screen
Keyboard snapping is usually faster than dragging:
| Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|
| Windows + Left Arrow | Snaps the active window to the left side |
| Windows + Right Arrow | Snaps the active window to the right side |
| Windows + Up Arrow | Moves the window toward the upper snap position |
| Windows + Down Arrow | Moves the window toward the lower snap position |
First click the window you want to position so it is active. Hold the Windows key and press an arrow key. You can press additional arrow keys while holding Windows to change the position before releasing the key. If the wrong window moves, it was probably the active window that received the shortcut.
Choose a Snap layout in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers preset layouts beyond a simple 50/50 split.
- Open the windows you need.
- Hover over a window’s Maximize or Restore Down button in the upper-right corner.
- Wait for the Snap flyout to appear.
- Select a layout, such as two equal columns, a large window beside two smaller windows, or a multi-window arrangement.
- Select open windows to fill the remaining spaces with Snap Assist.
You can open the same layout chooser with Windows + Z. The layouts Windows shows can vary with the size and resolution of the display, so a laptop panel may offer fewer choices than a large monitor.
Recommended Free Tools
Another option is to drag a window toward the top of the screen. Windows 11 opens the Snap bar; move the pointer over the layout you want, select it, and then choose apps for the unfilled areas.
Resize the split-screen windows
Snapped windows do not have to remain equal in size. Move the pointer over the divider between two snapped windows. When it changes to a double-arrow cursor, drag the divider left or right.
Windows resizes the adjoining snapped window at the same time so both continue to use the available space. In a layout with stacked windows, drag the relevant horizontal divider up or down.
Rank #2
![BENFEI USB C to HDMI Adapter 4K@60Hz, USB Type-C to HDMI Adapter [Thunderbolt 3/4/5 Compatible] with iPhone 15 Pro/Max, MacBook Pro/Air 2023, iPad Pro, iMac, S23, XPS 17, Surface Book](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kTmzsrThL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB-C to HDMI adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop, or other devices with USB-C port to a monitor, projector, HDTV, or other devices with HDMI port; Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag or pocket to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV;
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip converts USB-C digital signal to HDMI signal; Please pay attention, the USB-C device should support the USB Type-C DP Alt mode.
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The USB-C to HDMI adapter supports resolutions up to 3840*2160@60Hz including, 3840*2160@30Hz, 2K@144Hz, 1080P, 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Plated USB-C connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The BENFEI USB-C to HDMI is compatible with iPhone 15 Pro/Max, 13"/15" MacBook Pro/Air, iMac,2023,2022,2021, 2020, 2019, Google Chromebook Pixel, Yoga 900, Dell XPS 13 (9350), Dell XPS 15 9550, Dell XPS12 9250, DellPrecision 5510, HP Spectre X2, HP Spectre x360, HP Elitebook Folio G1, HP Elite x2 1012 G1, Acer Switch Alpha 1, Acer Spin 7, Acer Chromebook R13, Samsung Chromebook Plus, Samsung Galaxy TabPro S,Samsung Galaxy A7 2017, LG G5, LG V20, HTC 10
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely Compare with similar items
Use a laptop with an external monitor
There are two separate tasks: connecting the monitor and snapping windows on each display. Snap arranges windows; it does not configure the monitor arrangement.
1. Set the displays to Extend
- Connect the monitor and turn it on.
- Press Windows + P.
- Select Extend.
Extend gives you a separate desktop area on each screen. The other options are PC screen only, Duplicate, and Second screen only. Duplicate mirrors the same content and is not normally what you want for an expanded split-screen workspace.
2. Arrange the monitors in Windows
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display.
- Windows shows numbered rectangles representing the displays. Select Identify if you are unsure which number belongs to which physical screen.
- Drag the numbered rectangles until their position matches your desk—for example, the laptop display on the left and the monitor on the right.
- Select Apply.
If the mouse seems to disappear at an unexpected edge, the display rectangles are often arranged incorrectly. Correcting this diagram changes how the pointer and windows move between screens.
3. Snap windows on either display
Move an app to the monitor by dragging its title bar across the edge of the laptop screen. Once it is on the monitor, snap it to the monitor’s left or right edge, use Windows + an arrow key, or choose a Snap layout from the maximize button.
For example, you can keep email on the laptop’s left half, a browser on its right half, and a spreadsheet snapped beside a document on the external monitor. Each display manages its own snapped layout.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf the monitor is not listed
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display.
- Expand Multiple displays.
- Select Detect.
- Check the cable, adapter, input source, and monitor power if Windows still cannot find it.
If the display is detected but the desktop is mirrored, press Windows + P and select Extend.
Rank #3
- CHECK YOUR DEVICE FIRST( USB-C MALE TO HDMI FEMALE): This adapter works with USB Type C ports that support DP Alt Mode. Want to be sure before you buy? Check your device specs - not every USB-C port sends video.
- ONE-WAY VIDEO & AUDIO OUTPUT: This adapter sends video and audio from your USB-C device to an HDMI display. It does not support charging, and it is not designed for HDMI-to-USB-C direction.
- 4K@60Hz USB-C TO HDMI ADAPTER CABLE: Get clear 4K picture at 60Hz from a compatible USB-C laptop or tablet. It also works with older HDMI 1.4, 1.3 and 1.2 screens.
- PLUG AND PLAY, NO SETUP: Turn your USB-C port into an HDMI port with no drivers and no installation. What you see depends on your device and your screen.
- EXTEND YOUR REACH: Going from USB-C male to HDMI female lets you keep using the HDMI cable you already have, and place your laptop or phone where you want it.
Restore a previous group of snapped windows
Windows 11 automatically creates Snap groups when you arrange windows together. To restore a group, hover over one of the participating app’s icons on the taskbar and select the group preview.
Snap groups can also appear in Task View and in the Alt + Tab switcher. This lets you return to a work arrangement without manually rebuilding every split.
Change Windows 11 Snap settings
Open Start > Settings > System > Multitasking, then expand Snap windows. The available options include:
| Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
| When I snap a window, show what I can snap next to it | Shows Snap Assist thumbnails after the first window is placed. |
| Show snap layouts when I hover over a window’s maximize button | Displays the Snap flyout. |
| Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen | Displays the Snap bar. |
| Show my snapped windows when I hover over the taskbar apps, in Task View, and when I press Alt + Tab | Enables Snap group previews in those locations. |
| When I drag a window, let me snap it without dragging all the way to the screen edge | Allows snapping before the pointer reaches the exact edge. |
To disable snapping altogether, turn off the main Snap windows switch on the same page.
Fix common Windows 11 split-screen problems
Snap Assist does not show other windows
Go to Settings > System > Multitasking > Snap windows and enable When I snap a window, show what I can snap next to it. Also confirm that the app you want to use is already open; Snap Assist can only offer available open windows.
The layout does not appear over the Maximize button
Enable Show snap layouts when I hover over a window’s maximize button. If the option is enabled but the flyout still does not appear, use Windows + Z or snap the window with an arrow shortcut.
Rank #4
- 【4K UHD Visual Feast】This USB-C to HDMI cable supports up to 4K@60Hz resolution and is backward compatible with 1440P@60Hz and 1080P@120Hz. It can seamlessly transmit at 3840x2160 resolution, providing crystal-clear images and smooth video, suitable for high-definition monitors, TVs, and projectors, meeting the needs of various devices and use cases. 📌𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐔𝐒𝐁-𝐂 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 "𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞". 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫.
- 【Plug-and-Play Simplicity】This Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI connects from your Type-C phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer to larger displays like monitor, TV, and projector. Leave behind the worries of unstable WiFi and the hassle of drivers. HDCP compliance ensures smooth media streaming without limitations. 📌𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐔𝐒𝐁-𝐂 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐃𝐌𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬
- 【Sturdy and Lasting Design】Braided cable for enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear. Reinforced connectors prevent loosening or breaking after repeated use. Premium aluminum or copper shielding provides better heat dissipation and prevents signal loss. The usbc to hdmi ensures synchronized video and audio with no lag or interruptions, perfect for gaming, movies, or presentations. *Note: Only supports Android phones with video output function. Not support iPhone Lightning. Does not support HDR.
- 【Improve Work Efficiency】 Mirror or Extend your desktop to boost productivity. Connect to a 4K LED monitor or UHD TV. This c to hdmi cable meets all the smooth, lag-free work, meetings, or multimedia needs. Multiple length options (e.g., 3.3FT, 6.6FT, 10FT) for different setups, from office desks to living rooms. 📌𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞.
- 【Universal Compatibility】The Thunderbolt 3/4/5 to HDMI cable works seamlessly with USB-C devices that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) for video output; Compatible with MacBook Neo, Pro 2016-2024, MacBook Air 2018-2024, iMac (2017 and later), iPad Pro (2021 and later), iPad Air (2021 and later), iPhone 16/ 15 Pro Max/ 15 Pro/ 15 Plus, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, Surface Book 2/3, Surface Laptop 3, Dell XPS 15/13, HP Chromebook x360, Samsung Galaxy S24/S23/S22/S21/S20/S10/S9/S8, Note 20/10/9/8, LG V40, Steam Deck, and more. 📌𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐤/ 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠/ 𝐇𝐮𝐛/ 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.
The Snap bar does not appear at the top
Enable Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen under Settings > System > Multitasking. Drag the title bar—not an empty area of the desktop—toward the top edge.
A window snaps to an unexpected position
Repeated arrow-key presses change the destination while the Windows key is held. Press Windows + Left Arrow or Windows + Right Arrow once for a straightforward half-screen placement, then release the keys.
The monitor is missing instead of split
This is a display setup problem rather than a Snap problem. Use Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Detect, then verify that Windows + P is set to Extend.
Windows 10 note
The left- and right-side snapping shortcuts also work in Windows 10: Windows + Left Arrow and Windows + Right Arrow. Its settings are under Start > Settings > System > Multitasking. However, the Windows 11 Snap flyout and Snap bar should not be assumed to exist in the same form on Windows 10.
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs continue to operate, but Microsoft no longer provides normal free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for that version.
FAQ
What is the shortcut to split the screen in Windows 11?
Press Windows + Left Arrow or Windows + Right Arrow to snap the active window to one side. Then choose another open window from Snap Assist. Press Windows + Z to open the Snap layouts menu.
Best Value
- [Effortless Plug & Play] Crystal-clear and vibrant 4K@60Hz resolution backward compatible for 1440P/2K@144Hz and 1080P@240Hz. Instantly mirror or extend UHD content from your Type-C phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer to larger displays like monitors, TVs, and projectors. Leave behind the worries of unstable WiFi and the hassle of drivers. HDCP compliance lets you enjoy media streaming without any limitations.𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗨𝗦𝗕-𝗖 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗗𝗠𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀.
- [Exquisite Craftsmanship] Every detail is meticulously designed for excellence: The gold-plated connector ensures secure and high-speed data transmission, delivering interference-free performance. A modern upgrade over fragile Serial Cables and finicky wireless dongles — one slim cable delivers interference-free 4K with full HDCP compliance for unlimited media streaming.The uni-body molding ensures an unbreakable connection, while the aluminum case efficiently dissipates heat for extended usage. The thicker copper wire minimizes signal loss, providing maximum conductivity for an impeccable audio-visual experience.
- [Intricate Design] Elevate your experience with impeccable materials. The nylon braided cable jacket offers worry-free usage, eliminating concerns of fraying, heating, or kinking. The non-slip thumb grip provides a comfortable and secure plug-in experience. The streamlined metal pieces seamlessly connect, offering shock-proof reliability. Bonus Velcro tie adds convenience for travel. The stylish gray metallic case with a hint of blue embodies elegance and sophistication.
- [Extensive Compatibility] Designed for Type C ports with video output capability (DP Alt Mode) and Thunderbolt 3 & 4. Enjoy compatibility with a wide range of devices, including iPhone 15/16/17 Series, MacBook Neo, Apple MacBook Pro (2016 and later), iMac (2017 and later), MacBook Air (2018 and later), iPad Pro (2021 and later), Mac Studio, Mac Pro, Surface Book 2/3, Surface Laptop 3, Dell XPS 15/13, HP Chromebook x360, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21/S20/S10/S9/S8, Note 20/10/9/8, LG V40, Steam Deck, and more.
- [WARRKY: Elevating Connections in Work and Life] Provides superb-quality products that harmonize sophistication and affordability, helping you enhance both your work and personal life. We are committed to delivering fast and responsive support within 18 hours. Please consult WARRKY anytime.
How do I split a laptop screen and monitor separately?
Press Windows + P and choose Extend. Then open Settings > System > Display, arrange the numbered displays to match your desk, and snap windows independently on each screen.
Can Windows 11 show more than two windows at once?
Yes. Use the Snap flyout from a window’s Maximize button, press Windows + Z, or use the Snap bar at the top of the screen. Available layouts depend partly on display size.
Why are my other open windows not shown after snapping?
Snap Assist may be disabled. Open Settings > System > Multitasking > Snap windows and enable When I snap a window, show what I can snap next to it.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How do I stop Windows 11 from snapping windows?
Go to Start > Settings > System > Multitasking and turn off the main Snap windows switch.
The Bottom Line
For a quick two-window split, activate a window and press Windows + Left Arrow or Windows + Right Arrow. For three or more windows, use Windows + Z or hover over the Maximize button. When using a laptop and monitor, choose Extend first so Windows treats the displays as separate workspaces.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
