Split-screen mode is a powerful feature of Windows that allows you to work on multiple applications or documents at the same time. It is especially useful for people who need to multitask or run applications side by side - even if they’re only using a single screen. So, even if you have a single Windows laptop, you can still get multi-screen functionality.
In this quick guide, you’ll learn the basics of split-screen and some advanced techniques to help you boost your productivity and become a master app snapper!
Getting started: basic Windows split-screen
To split your screen in Windows is a snap! Start by opening the two applications you want to work on side by side.
Click and hold on the title bar of the first window, then drag it to either the left or right edge of the screen. You’ll then see a white outline taking up half the screen The window will snap into place, occupying half the screen. Now, you’ll see your other open apps are gathered for you to choose from. Click on the other window that you want to open on the other half of the screen. Windows will automatically adjust the size of both windows to fit side by side.
You now have the power of splitting your screen in two, but there’s more!
Advanced techniques
Windows provides some advanced techniques to make your split-screen experience even better.
Resize your windows
If the two windows you're working with aren't of equal importance, you can adjust the screen area dedicated to each window. Just click and hold on the dividing line between the two windows and drag it until your windows are the size you want them.
Snap up to 4 apps
If your screen is big enough, you can also have up to 4 open apps at once. The method is the same as above, but this time you drag to the very corner of your screen. Once you start that, Snap Assist will pop up to he you open and arrange up to four windows simultaneously.
Snap with your keyboard
Dragging windows around with your mouse can get a bit fiddly. Ditch the mouse and use the keyboard. Hold down the Windows Key and then use your arrow keys to place your snapped windows.
Check your version of Windows before trying out advanced split screening, because there might be a slight difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Get productive!
Using split-screen in Windows can significantly boost your productivity by letting you keep multiple apps visible and accessible simultaneously. This means you can have your email open while you’re working on a project. Or you can build a presentation in Powerpoint from a Word doc. The combinations are pretty much endless but mean, if you’re only working on one screen, that you don’t have to endlessly switch tabs and windows.
And there’s data to back this up. We already know that two or more monitors can make you 42% more productive than just having one. And here’s the thing - you can do split screen on your separate monitors. So you could turn your 2 screens into 4… or even 8!
Troubleshooting common issues
If you have trouble using the split-screen feature, try the following:
Update Windows and check if your graphics drivers need an update too.
Reset your displays to default settings.
Make sure that the two applications you want to open are compatible with each other.
Check that Snap windows is toggled to on in settings.
Finally, if you can’t get the split-screen feature to work, try using a third-party app to emulate split-screen mode. LD Player and Universal Split Screen are two places to start.
Compatibility and limitations
Not all applications are compatible with Windows split-screen. Some apps may be too large or may have unsupported features. Also, Split-screen mode isn’t supported when you're using an external display on a laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I separate my screens 1 and 2?
To separate your screens 1 and 2, you need to adjust your display settings. Right-click on the desktop and choose Display settings. Under Multiple displays, select Extend desktop to this display.
What is the shortcut for split-screen in Windows?
The shortcut for split-screen in Windows is Windows key + left or right arrow.
How do I put two Windows side-by-side in Windows 10?
To put two windows side-by-side in Windows 10, click and hold on the title bar of the first window, then drag it to either the left or right side of the screen until the cursor reaches the edge of the display. Then, click on the other window that you want to open on the other half of the screen.
