If you’ve ever found yourself juggling multiple tasks on your computer and wished you could view more than one window at a time, you’re in luck. Windows 10 has a feature called "Snap Assist" that allows you to split your screen easily. Here’s how you can do it: simply drag a window to one side of the screen until it snaps into place, then choose another window to fill the other half.
How to Split Screen Windows 10
Splitting your screen in Windows 10 can be a game-changer for productivity. Follow these steps to master this feature and make multitasking a breeze.
Step 1: Open the Windows You Want to Split
First, open the windows or applications that you want to view side by side.
Having your applications or windows ready is crucial. It will make the process smoother and quicker, so you don’t have to search for them while setting up the split screen.
Step 2: Drag a Window to One Side of the Screen
Click and hold the title bar of the first window, then drag it to the left or right edge of your screen until you see an outline of the window. Release the mouse button to snap it into place.
When you drag the window to the edge, Windows 10 will automatically resize it to fill exactly half the screen. You’ll also notice thumbnails of your other open windows on the opposite side.
Step 3: Select Another Window to Fill the Other Half
After snapping the first window, click on one of the other open windows from the thumbnails that appear to fill the other half of the screen.
This makes it super easy to find and select the window you want to use, providing a seamless experience for setting up your split screen.
Step 4: Adjust the Divider
You can adjust the size of each window by hovering over the divider between the two windows until it becomes a double-headed arrow. Click and drag the divider to resize the windows as needed.
This feature gives you control over how much space each window takes up, allowing you to prioritize one window over the other if necessary.
Step 5: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, press the Windows key along with the left or right arrow key to snap the active window to one side of the screen. Then use the Windows key and the opposite arrow key to snap another window to the other side.
Keyboard shortcuts can speed up the process, making it even easier to split your screen without relying on the mouse.
After completing these steps, you will have a split screen setup where you can view and interact with two applications or windows simultaneously. This can significantly boost your productivity, especially if you’re working on tasks that require multiple pieces of information at once.
Tips for How to Split Screen Windows 10
- Use Snap Assist: Snap Assist makes it easy to select the second window once the first one is snapped into place.
- Adjust Snap Settings: Go to Settings > System > Multitasking to customize your snapping experience.
- Try Corner Snap: Drag a window to a corner to snap it to a quarter of the screen, allowing you to work with four windows at once.
- Use Virtual Desktops: If splitting the screen isn’t enough, consider using virtual desktops to manage multiple tasks.
- Explore Snap Layouts: On larger screens or multi-monitor setups, utilize Snap Layouts to optimize your workspace further.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Split Screen Windows 10
Can I split my screen into more than two windows?
Yes, you can. Drag windows to the corners of the screen to split it into four quarters.
How can I disable Snap Assist?
Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and toggle off the Snap windows option.
Can I split my screen with different-sized windows?
Yes, after snapping the windows, you can adjust the size by dragging the divider left or right.
Is there a shortcut for snapping windows?
Use the Windows key + left/right arrow keys to snap windows to the sides of the screen.
What if Snap Assist doesn’t appear?
Ensure Snap Assist is enabled in the Multitasking settings, and try restarting your computer.
Summary
- Open the windows you want to split.
- Drag a window to one side of the screen.
- Select another window to fill the other half.
- Adjust the divider between windows.
- Use keyboard shortcuts for quick snapping.
Conclusion
Mastering how to split screen Windows 10 can be a significant boost to your productivity. Whether you’re researching for a school project, working on a business report, or just trying to multitask more efficiently, the Snap Assist feature is here to help. It’s straightforward to set up and can make your computing experience more enjoyable and effective.
If you found this guide helpful, why not give it a try right now? For further reading, you could explore other Windows 10 features that enhance productivity, like Virtual Desktops and Task View. Remember, the key to mastering any tech tool is practice, so keep experimenting with different setups until you find what works best for you. 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.