With Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a number of exciting features. Snap layout is just one of the features that first appeared with Windows 11. It allows you to organize your windows on the desktop, allowing you to work more efficiently. But if you couldn’t take advantage of this feature because it didn’t work, we’re here to help.
If Windows fails to catch your favorite apps and programs, we have a few troubleshooting tips that can help with the problem. So let’s check them out.
1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
If you can’t access the capture layout by hovering your mouse over the maximize icon, you can try using keyboard shortcuts instead. You can press Windows key + Z to quickly reveal Snap layout options. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key in combination with one of the arrow keys. This will capture the active window in the direction of the arrow key you pressed.
If Windows is not responding to the keyboard mentioned in the shortcuts above, you can continue with this guide.
2. Make Sure Snap Layouts Are Enabled
Next, you have to go through the Settings app in Windows 11 to ensure that additional layouts are enabled on your PC. Here’s how.
Stage 1: Open the start menu and click the gear icon to open Settings. Alternatively, you can also use the Windows key + I shortcut to achieve the same.
Step 2: Go to the System tab and click on Multitasking.
Stage 3: Turn on the switch next to Snap windows.
Once enabled, you must expand the Snap windows and use the checkboxes to set your preference.
3. Enable Snap Layouts Via Registry
If enabling additional layouts from the Settings app doesn’t work, you can try using Registry Editor to enable additional layouts.
Before continuing, it is important to know that the Windows Registry is an integral part of the Windows operating system. So follow the steps precisely and create a backup of your Registry files beforehand.
Stage 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. In the Open field, type regedit and press Enter.
Step 2: Use the address bar at the top to navigate to the button below.
ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
Stage 3: Right click anywhere in the blank area, go to New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it ‘EnableSnapAssistFlyout’.
Step 4: Double click the newly created DWORD and change its value data to 1. Then click OK.
Exit Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This should enable the snap layout on your PC.
4. Ensure Application Compatibility
While most of Microsoft’s built-in applications and programs support additional layout, some third-party applications may not be compatible by design.
Applications with containers to manage window sizes cannot respond to attachment layout. Firefox is a good example here. Previously, snap layout functionality was not working in Firefox as it already has Control box. Gladly, the latest Firefox update fixed the issue.
If your Snap layout issues are limited to a few apps, those apps may not be compatible.
5. Uninstall Apps with Similar Functions
Third-party apps like PowerToys, MaxTo, AquaSnap, Divvy, and others offer the same window management features with the added layout in Windows 11. If you used any of these applications to manage the window layout in previous iterations of Windows, the applications may be conflicting with the additional layout functionality. So, you can try uninstalling these apps to see if the problem is fixed.
6. Update Windows
Check if your computer is running the latest version of Windows 11. Using an older version of Windows may expose your system to errors and problems inside.
To check for updates in Windows, open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Go to the Windows Update tab and click the Check for updates button on the right.
Download and install any pending updates that will get the Snap layout working again.
snap
Snap layouts have been a welcome addition in Windows 11. This is one of those features that you can’t go back to once you start using it. Hopefully, the solutions above have brought you back to using snap layouts in Windows.
