Android 7.0 Nougat finally introduced multiple windows to Google’s operating system. A multi-window that is still limited as it is not possible to resize different windows as in windowed mode. Finally, not officially, but in reality, it is quite possible to enable windowed mode and without root. Here are the steps to follow.
Android 7.0 Nougat’s multi-window mode allows multiple apps to be displayed on the screen. It’s beautiful in itself anyway, but unlike the windowed mode, it doesn’t allow you to resize different windows. Fortunately, this windowed mod, which will undoubtedly be a part of a future version of the operating system, is already available in the developer options. In other words, you just need to enable it to use it and the second good news is you don’t even need to root your device.
Prerequisites
To enable windowed mode, you need two things:
- A smartphone or tablet updated to Android 7.0 Nougat
- Your device’s developer options must be enabled.
How to enable windowed mode without root
- Go to submenu Settings > System > Developer Options
- check option “Force ability to resize activities” at the bottom of the submenu
- Restart your device
- Install the Taskbar application on your device. Available for free on the Google Play Store
- Start the app, scroll to the bottom and check the option “Freeform window support”then activate the “Taskbar” using the toggle button at the top right
- Then a Taskbar button will appear at the bottom left of your launcher. Toggle this menu repeatedly until the background is blank. Windowed mode is then active
Note that windowed mode systematically reinstalls applications, so you will need to close all running applications before using them.
