If you’re tired of constantly toggling between tabs on your Windows 10 computer, opening two tabs side by side can make your life a whole lot easier. This method allows you to view and interact with both tabs simultaneously, boosting your productivity and making multitasking a breeze. All you need are a few quick steps to set it up.
How to Open Two Tabs Side by Side in Windows 10
The steps below will guide you through the process of opening two tabs side by side in Windows 10. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to efficiently compare documents, browse multiple websites, or work on different applications simultaneously.
Step 1: Open the First Window
First, open the window or application you want to use.
This could be a web browser, a document, or any other application. Make sure it’s maximized or at least large enough to handle side-by-side viewing.
Step 2: Snap the First Window to the Left
Press the "Windows" key and the "Left Arrow" key at the same time.
Your first window will now occupy the left half of the screen. This feature is called "Snap Assist" and it’s one of Windows 10’s most useful tools for multitasking.
Step 3: Open the Second Window
Open a second window or application that you want to use alongside the first one.
Having both applications already open will make it easier to proceed with the next step. You can open any type of window, just like you did with the first one.
Step 4: Snap the Second Window to the Right
Press the "Windows" key and the "Right Arrow" key simultaneously.
Your second window will now occupy the right half of the screen. Voilà! You now have two windows displayed side by side.
Step 5: Adjust Window Sizes if Needed
Click and drag the divider between the two windows to adjust their sizes.
You can customize the width of each window to better suit your needs. Simply click on the divider and drag it to the left or right to resize.
After completing these steps, you’ll notice that both windows are now displayed side by side. This setup allows you to work more efficiently, saving you from the hassle of constantly switching back and forth between tabs.
Tips for Opening Two Tabs Side by Side in Windows 10
- Use Snap Assist: If you’re unsure about snapping, Windows 10’s Snap Assist feature helps you choose the second window by showing a thumbnail preview of your open applications.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with additional shortcuts like "Windows + Up Arrow" for maximizing and "Windows + Down Arrow" for minimizing.
- Task View: Use the "Task View" button on the taskbar to quickly switch between open windows and set them side by side.
- Virtual Desktops: Consider using virtual desktops if you need to organize multiple sets of side-by-side windows.
- Third-Party Tools: If you need more advanced features, third-party applications like FancyZones can give you more control over window placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use more than two windows side by side?
Yes, you can snap up to four windows by dragging them to the corners of your screen.
Does Snap Assist work with all types of applications?
Most modern applications support Snap Assist, but some older or specialized apps might not.
How do I turn off Snap Assist if I don’t want to use it?
Go to "Settings," then "System," followed by "Multitasking." From there, you can toggle Snap Assist on or off.
Can I resize the windows after snapping them?
Yes, you can adjust the size by dragging the divider between the windows.
What if my keyboard shortcuts aren’t working?
Make sure your keyboard is functioning properly and that you haven’t disabled any shortcut settings in the Windows settings.
Summary
- Open the first window.
- Snap the first window to the left.
- Open the second window.
- Snap the second window to the right.
- Adjust window sizes if needed.
Conclusion
Opening two tabs side by side in Windows 10 is a fantastic way to enhance your productivity. You can compare documents, browse the web while taking notes, or keep an eye on your work email while working on other tasks. With just a few simple steps, you can transform the way you multitask, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. So, next time you find yourself overwhelmed with multiple tabs, give this a try. Chances are, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. If you’re looking to dive deeper into other productivity hacks, stay tuned for more tips and tricks!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.