Easy Ways to Split Screen on Windows

Tired of Alt-Tabbing between apps? Then, you can split the screen on Windows to work on two or more tasks simultaneously seamlessly, enhancing your productivity and efficiency. 

Turning to a split view also allows you to reference data from one window while typing or applying it in another and compare documents side-by-side for easy multitasking. 

Moreover, with all the necessary information readily visible, an option to drag and drop content between split Windows easily, side-by-side analysis of reports, codes, or images, you benefit from improved focus, streamlined workflow, and better information comparison. 

Hence, this article presents quick and easy methods to use split screen on Windows. Before helping you learn how to split screen, let’s clear the confusion surrounding what splitting screen on Windows means exactly. 

What Is Split Screen on Windows

Split screen is a built-in Windows feature that allows you to arrange two or more open app windows in a side-by-side view or in quadrants, without needing to minimize these windows or switch tabs constantly. 

This feature is especially useful when you want to dive deeper into research (open a PDF textbook in one window and take notes on the other), create content (search images/videos in one window and edit in another), analyze data (keep a spreadsheet and report next to each other for easy comparison and analysis), and collaborate with others (engage on a video call on one side and work on a project document on the other). 

Now that you are familiar with the split view concept, let’s walk through putting it into action. 

How to Split Screen on Windows

To ensure you can use the split screen feature on Windows, enable it by following the path Windows+I keyboard shortcut>System>Multitasking>Snap Windows. Once you activate this feature, you can follow any of the methods below to split your current screen. 

Method 1: Split screen on Windows using Snap Layouts

The Snap Layouts feature on Windows 11 allows you to organize the open applications and windows on your computer according to your preference, flexibly (up to six windows, based on your screen resolution and size). 

For instance, if you are creating finance-related content along with your teammate, you can video call with them in the upper-right window, work on a Word document in the upper-left, open a spreadsheet in the bottom-right, and search on your browser in the bottom-left window. 

If this sounds fascinating, below are the steps to use Snap Layouts. 

• First, launch the application you wish to use.
• Next, use the Windows key+Z shortcut to access Snap Layouts.
• In this step, choose a layout zone and click on that zone so that Windows can snap that window.

• Now, choose additional applications to fill up the remaining positions.
• After arranging all the Windows, you can drag the dividers to correct their size.

Also know: How to Fix the White Screen of Death in Windows 10

Method 2: Use Split screen shortcut key

There are multiple shortcuts for split screen on Windows that you can use to snap Windows to the screen sides without mouse movements. Below are a few of these key shortcuts with their functions. 

• Windows key+Right/Left Arrow: Snaps your current window to the right or left half of your screen.
• Windows key+Up Arrow: You can use this shortcut to maximize your current window.
• Windows key+Down Arrow: This shortcut allows you to minimize your current window or restore it if maximized.
• Windows key+Tab: With this shortcut, you can Open Task View to view all open windows and virtual desktops.
• Windows key+Home: It maximizes all your windows except the currently active window.
• Windows key+Ctrl+Left/Right Arrow: This shortcut lets you switch between virtual desktops.

Method 3: Use the snap assist menu to split your screen

You can use the Snap Assist feature to drag one Window to the right side and another to the left side to get a split view for easy multitasking. Below is how to use this feature. 

• Begin by clicking and holding the title bar at the top of the first window you wish to use with two or more windows active.
• Next, drag that window to the left or right of your screen.

• Release the mouse once a transparent outline appears. After releasing the mouse, Windows will resize the window to fill half of your screen.
• Once the window is fixed in place, Snap Assist displays thumbnails of other open windows. Click on another window to cover the other half of your screen.
• Lastly, drag the divider between two windows right or left to resize the split, giving more space to the app that needs it the most.

Note: If you wish to extend the split screen across multiple monitors, right-click anywhere on the desktop, choose Display settings, select Extend these displays, arrange the displays to match your physical setup, use built-in features like Snap Assist (drag to the corner or edge) or keyboard shortcuts (Windows key+Arrow) to snap windows into sections. 

However, if split view does not appear on your screen, you can check if split screen is enabled, update graphics drivers, update Windows, and check for display problems. 

Also know: Fix the Computer Screen Flickering Issue in Windows 11 and 10 Systems

Troubleshoot Split Screen Problem on Windows

Below is a quick overview of various solutions you can try if split screen is not working on your computer. 

• Ensure split screen is enabled: To ensure the split screen feature is active, follow the path Windows key+I key>System>Multasking>toggle on Snap windows.
• Update graphics drivers: To update your graphics card drivers, right-click Start, click Device Manager, double-click Display Adapters, right-click on your GPU, select Update Driver, choose Search automatically for drivers, follow the on-screen instructions, and restart your computer.
• Check for display problems: Ensure there are no display issues, such as unusual scaling values. If there is any problem, you can adjust the display settings for a better appearance.
• Check app compatibility: Some applications do not support split view. Hence, close or disable each open application temporarily (one by one) to check if that app is the problem.

Split Screen on Windows: The Conclusion

That’s all for our guide on how to do split screen on a Windows laptop/PC. You can follow the methods above to get a split view for multitasking and improved productivity. Additionally, if you experience any problems with splitting the screen on Windows, you can apply the troubleshooting steps, such as updating the graphics driver, to fix the issue. 

However, if you have any questions or confusion, feel free to reach out through the comments section. We will address all your concerns on priority. 

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