Getting two windows side by side in Windows 10 is simple and will save you a bunch of time on multitasking. You’ll be able to view and work in two applications without constantly switching back and forth. In less than a minute, you can have your screen neatly divided and ready for action.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Put Two Windows Side by Side in Windows 10
Here’s how you can quickly and efficiently put two windows side by side on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 1: Open Both Windows
Open the two windows that you want to view side by side.
Before you start arranging them, make sure both applications or files are open. This could be a web browser and a word processor, or any combination you need.
Step 2: Select the First Window
Click on the title bar of the first window to select it.
The title bar is the topmost part of the window, which usually contains the name of the program or document you are working on.
Step 3: Use Snap Assist
Press and hold the Windows key and then press the left or right arrow key to snap the window to one side of the screen.
This action will automatically resize the window to take up exactly half of your screen. If you choose the left arrow, it will snap to the left side; if you choose the right arrow, it will snap to the right.
Step 4: Select the Second Window
Click on the title bar of the second window.
This step ensures that the second window is active and ready to be snapped into position.
Step 5: Use Snap Assist Again
Press and hold the Windows key and then press the opposite arrow key (left or right) to snap the second window to the other side of the screen.
Now, both windows should be sitting side by side, each occupying half of your screen. You can start working in either window without any additional clicks or keystrokes.
After following these steps, you’ll see both windows neatly arranged side by side. You can now work more efficiently by dragging and dropping information from one window to the other or simply by monitoring two things at once.
Tips for Putting Two Windows Side by Side in Windows 10
- Use the Windows+Up or Down arrows to snap windows to the top or bottom halves of the screen.
- Drag a window to the top of the screen to maximize it, useful when you want to focus on it temporarily.
- Press Windows+Tab to open Task View and easily switch between open applications.
- Adjust the divider between the two windows to give one more screen real estate if needed.
- Use Alt+Tab to quickly switch between applications if you need to temporarily focus on a different task.
Frequently Asked Questions about Putting Two Windows Side by Side in Windows 10
How do I resize the windows after snapping them?
Hover your mouse over the divider between the two windows until you see a double-arrow cursor. Click and drag to resize.
Can I snap more than two windows side by side?
Yes, you can snap up to four windows by using the Windows+Up or Down arrows in addition to the left and right arrows.
What if Snap Assist isn’t working?
Ensure that Snap Assist is enabled in Settings > System > Multitasking.
Can I snap windows without a keyboard?
Yes, you can drag a window to the edge of the screen until you see an outline of where it will snap.
Does this work with all applications?
Most modern applications support Snap Assist, but some older or custom applications might not.
Summary of How to Put Two Windows Side by Side in Windows 10
- Open both windows.
- Select the first window.
- Use Snap Assist with Windows + Left/Right arrow.
- Select the second window.
- Use Snap Assist with the opposite arrow.
Conclusion
Putting two windows side by side in Windows 10 is a game-changer for multitasking. It’s quick, efficient, and incredibly easy to do. Whether you’re comparing documents, copying data from one app to another, or just trying to keep an eye on your emails while you work, this simple trick can make a world of difference.
If you found this tutorial helpful, there are plenty of other tricks and tips you can explore to enhance your productivity on Windows 10. Learning how to put two windows side by side is just the beginning. Happy multitasking!
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.