Windows 10 offers multitasking support with several notable features, including split-screen view for multiple application windows. Many of us use the split screen feature every day without fully discovering its true potential. Today we’re going to show you how you can use all aspects of the split screen feature (Snap Assist) in Windows 10. We’ll also take a look at some apps to split the screen for advanced multitasking on your Windows 10 computer.
Use Split Screen in Windows 10 to Run Multiple Apps Side by Side
In this article, we will show you various ways to split the screen in Windows 10 to take full advantage of this built-in feature. We’ll also talk about a third-party utility and a Microsoft app that offers additional features to help you multitask like a pro. Without further delay, let’s take a look at all the different ways you can multitask using the split screen feature in Windows 10.
1. Using Snap Assist for Split-Screen Multitasking in Windows 10
Windows comes with a built-in feature called Snap Help This helps users organize the space on their screen more efficiently. This feature allows users to quickly snap windows to the sides or corners using the mouse or keyboard without manually resizing them. First introduced in Windows 7, Snap Assist in Windows 10 includes more functionality, including the ability to capture up to four windows per monitor.
Snap Assist is enabled by default, but you can disable it or manually change the features depending on your use case. Here’s how to access Snap Assist settings in Windows 10:
- Open Settings (Press Windows key + I simultaneously) and click system.
- In the left pane, click on ‘Multitasking’. Now make sure the toggle under ‘Snap windows’ is on. The other three options below the toggle must also be ‘On’ for the feature to work flawlessly.
2. Snap Two Windows Side by Side
After making sure Snap Assist is enabled, you can place up to four windows in any part of the screen. To do this, first select the window you want to use in split screen mode. Now drag the window to the left or right edge of your screen, depending on where you want to paste it. A translucent outline shows where the window will sit when you let go. You can see it in action here:
When you snap the first window to one side, all other open windows are displayed as thumbnails on the remaining half of the screen. Click any of the thumbnails to paste this window into the blank half of your screen. Note that when you attach two windows side by side, you can: resize them simultaneously by dragging the dividing line between windows using your mouse.
3. Capturing More Than Two Windows
You can drag a window to any corner of your screen to snap more than two windows into place. Again you will see a translucent outline and the window will snap to that corner. You will now have the option to add three more windows to the other three corners of your monitor. However, it is also possible to use only three windows in split-screen mode in Windows 10, as we did in the example screenshot below.
Overall, Snap Assist will allow you to capture up to four windows on your screen. It can be handy to keep track of stocks when investing, watching multiple videos, and many other scenarios.
4. Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Anchor Windows
Microsoft also offers keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10 to enable split screen mode. To do this, you must first select the window you want to capture and Press Windows + Left/ Right arrow key To snap the window to one side of the screen then you can also Press Windows key + Up/Down arrow keys To move windows to one corner of the screen You can also move them using the Windows + arrow keys.
In my experience, keyboard shortcuts work as advertised. However, they are not as intuitive or easy to use as the drag-and-drop functionality that uses the mouse. However, it does offer an option to snap windows into place without using your mouse; this may be useful for some users.
5. Using Third Party App to Enable Split Screen in Windows 10
While Microsoft introduced a native split-screen feature in Windows 10, some third-party apps take functionality to a whole different level. We recommend the free AquaSnap app. various split-screen features including window docking, snapping, stretching and shaking. It also supports keyboard shortcuts and helps users keep a window on top by shaking it using the mouse.
AquaSnap also has a premium, paid version that offers more functionality. This includes mouse shortcuts, window tiling, the ability to move windows together, minimize windows to tray. Most importantly for gamers and power users, the paid version also offers multi-monitor support. You can check AquaSnap at developer Nurgo Software’s. official website and see which version best suits your needs.
6. Using Microsoft PowerToys ‘FancyZones’
Another way to split the screen in Windows 10 Using an official utility called PowerToys. It includes a feature called ‘FancyZones’ developed by Microsoft that acts as a super powerful window manager for all your multitasking needs. As we saw in our article on how to use PowerToys in Windows 10, it allows you to change window positions for efficient use of space on your monitor.
PowerToys lets you activate the layout editor with a keyboard shortcut (Windows key + `). It also lets you use one of five built-in templates, including focus, columns, rows, grid, and priority grid, or you can create a custom layout to suit your needs. Joyful can also override the default Windows Snap shortcut To switch between regions (Windows + left/right arrows).
Use Split Screen Mode in Windows 10 to Multitask Like a Pro
Multitasking is a breeze in Windows 10 with a split-screen view as it lets you use multiple programs at the same time. I hope this tutorial will help you better use the split screen functionality in Windows 10. Now that you know that, check out some of our other Windows 10 tutorials, too. You can learn how to password protect files and folders in Windows 10, find saved Wi-Fi passwords, and disable the lock screen in Windows 10. Also, learn how to create a system restore point in Windows and troubleshoot network connectivity issues. 10.