The Windows 10 shortcut to split windows is really useful: just press and hold the Windows key and then press either the Left or Right arrow key. This should automatically snap the active window to the left or right. Then you just select another window to fill the second empty space. Simple.
Having more windows open simultaneously allows you to be more productive and perceive more information at a time. For example, keeping one tab on the side displaying your research while you type up a document on the other side can greatly improve your workflow. In Windows 10, this feature is more accessible than ever.
Jump to How to Split Screen On Windows 10:
- Method 1. Split screen using Snap Assist in Windows 10
- Method 2. Use the keyboard shortcut to split your screen on Windows 10
- Method 3. Split-screen more than two windows in Windows 10
Today, the latest version of Windows 10 offers a number of ways to split your screen into multiple windows and get real work done, with better support for higher-resolution displays and multiple monitors. So, in this article we'll show you ways to split your screen in Windows 10.
How to Split Screen On Windows 10: 3 Methods
There are multiple ways to enter a split-screen view, from anywhere between two to four windows at a time. The guides below will teach you how to use the split screen functionality of Windows 10.
Method 1. Split screen using Snap Assist in Windows 10
Snap Assist, which makes it easier to select an open application window when you are choosing which applications to arrange on your screen. Here’s how to use it:
Snap Assist is the official name of the split-screen in Windows 10. It's one of Windows 10’s most important contributions to split-screen multitasking. It allows you to drag a window to the side, then pick another open window to align next to it in a split-screen fashion. This is extremely easy and innovative. Here's how to do it:
- Open any two windows you want to put side by side in a split-screen view. Note that some applications may need to be forced into a windowed mode for this to work.
- Additionally, some applications are not compatible with split screen view, such as video games or other windows without a responsive size.
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If you have other windows or applications open when you snap your chosen window, you’ll also see several options that can fill the second half. Click on one, and it will automatically snap into place opposite the first window. If you don’t and the selection grid disappears, drag your second window to the edge of the empty space.
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To resize the two windows, hover the cursor over the dividing line until it becomes two arrows. Click and hold on to the divider to adjust the two windows accordingly. However, there’s a limit to how narrow a window can be. A translucent outline of the window should cover about half of your screen.
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Let go of the left mouse button. You’ll be able to see the window adjusted to your screen, covering half of it.
- Next, choose one of the open windows from the other side of the screen, suggested by Snap Assist. This window will take up the other side of your screen, turning Windows 10 into split screen mode by resizing your desired windows.
Note: If the Snap Assist refuses to work or is acting strangely, check your startup programs, the apps that automatically launch when you log into Windows. Sometimes these can interfere with Snap Assist, and disabling them will fix the problem. Our guide on managing startup programs is a great place to start.
Method 2. Use the keyboard shortcut to split your screen on Windows 10
Do you want a faster way to enter split-screen mode? You can do so by simply pressing a keyboard shortcut. This makes switching windows for your split screens much faster and more efficient. The shortcut to split windows is really useful. Here's how:
- In an active window, press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard.
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Then press either the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key. This should snap the active window to either the left or right side of the screen.
- Select another window from other displays to fill the second empty space and begin working more efficiently with your split screen setup.
If you want to expand any of the windows to the full screen again, just press the Windows key and the Up arrow key together. If you accidentally make a quarter window instead of a half window, you can use the Windows and Up or Down arrow keys to expand it as well.
Method 3. Split-screen more than two windows in Windows 10
Perhaps unknow to many, you can split your Windows 10 screen up to 4 ways. If you have a large or high-resolution display, you can take advantage of all of that extra screen real estate by snapping up to four windows on a single screen using Corner Snap. This essentially opens up a way to quadruple your productivity. The process is similar to the two-way split screen but ever so slightly different.
Learn how to split your Windows 10 screen into three or four parts.
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Drag and drop your first window into any corner. To use the keyboard shortcut, press and hold the Windows key followed by the Left or Right Arrow key to snap the active window to the left or right. Then, press and hold the Windows key followed by the Up or Down Arrow key to move the snapped window into the top or bottom corner.
- Drag and drop your second window into any other available corner. You are not required to pick a specific corner of your computer.
- Repeat Step 2 to fill in the other two corners.
Note that a 2020 update to Windows 10 updated this four-window design and made all the snapped windows act as a single window. This may not sound important, but it’s really handy when you have to do something else, like open an additional app or file while working with your snapped windows — they will now stay together, waiting for you to get back.
Turn off Snap Assist and adjust settings in Windows 10
You can easily disable Snap Assist if it becomes troublesome. Here’s how:
- Open Windows settings. Press Windows Key and click Settings (the gear icon on the start menu) or press Windows Key + I.
- Select system.
- Select multitasking on the left pane.
- Click the Toggle display under Snap Windows to toggle Snap Assist off.
- You can disable three settings if you'd rather disable a specific Snap Assist feature instead of toggling it off completely. First ignore step 4 (above) then uncheck the boxes next to each setting as you need (shown below):
Final thoughts
Split-screening can be a great solution if you are looking for a way to improve your multitasking skills. We've shown you several methods to do this.
If you need any further help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, available 24/7 to assist you. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern day technology!
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