Windows 10 offers multitasking support with various notable features including split-screen view for multiple application windows. Many of us use the split-screen feature on a daily basis without fully exploring its true potential. So today we are going to show you how you can use all aspects of the split screen feature (Snap Assist) in Windows 10. We are also going to take a look at some split screen apps for improved multitasking on your Windows 10 computer.
Use Split Screen in Windows 10 to Run Multiple Apps Side by Side
In this article, we are going to show you the different ways you can split screen in Windows 10 to take full advantage of this built-in feature. We’ll also tell you about a third-party utility and a Microsoft app that provide additional functionality to help you multitask like a pro. So, without further ado, let’s see all the different ways you can multitask using Windows 10’s split-screen feature.
1. Using Snap Assist for split-screen multitasking in Windows 10
Windows comes with a built-in feature called Hooking aid which helps users organize their screen space more efficiently. The feature allows users to quickly align 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 features, 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 to suit 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 “Multitasking”. Now make sure the toggle under “Snap Windows” is enabled. The other three options under the toggle must also be on “Enabled” for the feature to work perfectly.
2. Hang two windows side by side
Once you’ve made sure Snap Assist is enabled, you can snap up to four windows to 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 take it. A translucent outline indicates where the window will line up once you drop it. You can see it in action here:
Once you snap the first window to one side, all other open windows are displayed in the remaining half of the screen as thumbnails. Click on one of the thumbnails to insert this window in the empty half of your screen. Note that once you have snapped two windows side by side, you can resize them simultaneously by dragging the split line between windows using your mouse.
3. Capture more than two windows
To put more than two windows in place, you can drag a window to any corner of your screen. You will again see a translucent outline and the window will snap to that corner. You will now have the option to align three more windows to the other three corners of your monitor. But it is also possible to use only three windows in split-screen mode in Windows 10 as we do in the screenshot example below.
Overall, Snap Assist will let you snap up to four windows to your screen. It could be useful to track stocks while investing, watching multiple videos, and in many other scenarios.
4. Use Hotkeys to Capture 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 pin and press Windows key + left/right arrow to snap the window to one side of the screen. You can then also press Windows key + Up/Down arrow keys to move windows to a corner of the screen. You can also move it using the Windows + arrow keys.
In my experience, the hotkeys work as advertised. However, they are neither as intuitive nor as easy to use as drag-and-drop functionality using the mouse. However, it gives you an option to put the windows in place without using your mouse, which may come in handy for some users.
5. Using Third Party App to Enable Split Screen in Windows 10
While Microsoft offers native split-screen functionality in Windows 10, some third-party apps take the functionality to a whole new level. We recommend the free app, AquaSnap, which offers multiple split-screen features including window docking, snapping, stretching, and shaking. It also supports hotkeys and helps users keep a window on top by shaking it with the mouse.
AquaSnap also offers a paid premium version which offers even more features. This includes mouse shortcuts, tiling windows, ability to move windows together, minimize windows to status bar. More importantly, for gamers and power users, the paid version also offers multi-screen support. You can check out AquaSnap on developer Nurgo Software official site and see which version best suits your needs.
6. Using “FancyZones” from Microsoft PowerToys
Another way to split screen in Windows 10 is to using an official utility called PowerToys. Developed by Microsoft, it includes a feature called “FancyZones” which acts as a supercharged window manager for all your multitasking needs. As we saw in our article on using PowerToys on Windows 10, it lets you change the location of windows for efficient use of space on your monitor.
PowerToys allows you to activate the layout editor with a keyboard shortcut (Windows key + `). It also lets you use one of five built-in layouts, including focus, columns, rows, grid, and priority grid, or you can create a custom layout to suit your needs. You can also replace the default Windows Snap shortcut (Windows + left/right arrows) to switch between areas.
Use split-screen mode in Windows 10 to multitask like a pro
Multitasking is a snap in Windows 10 with split-screen view as it lets you use multiple programs at once. Hope this tutorial will help you better use the split screen feature in Windows 10. Now that you have learned it, check out some of our other Windows 10 tutorials as well. You can learn how to password protect files and folders in Windows 10, how to find saved Wi-Fi passwords and how to disable lock screen in Windows 10. Also learn how to create a system restore point and fix network connection issues in Windows. ten.
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