How to Use Snap Layouts in Windows 11

Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Snap LayoutsWindows 11MultitaskingEfficiencyProductivityUser InterfaceFeaturesSettingsTips

Windows 11 is the latest adventure in Microsoft's operating system journey. With its release, several new features were introduced to enhance the user experience. One of these is a tool called Snap Layouts. Snap Layouts helps users manage their open applications more efficiently, thereby increasing productivity on their computers. It is especially useful for people who often work with multiple windows at the same time.

In previous versions of Windows, users could align windows by dragging them to the edges of the desktop. Windows 11 takes this to a whole new level with Snap Layouts. This feature lets you quickly arrange your windows in different configurations to make better use of your screen space. Whether you are using a single monitor or multiple monitors, Snap Layouts helps organize your workspace by allowing easy access to multiple applications at once, that too without the need for any additional applications or tools.

What are Snap Layouts?

Snap layouts are predefined window placements that can be quickly activated by hovering over a window's maximize button. These layouts offer options such as splitting the screen in half, thirds, or even quarters, allowing applications to be placed next to each other or in custom arrangements with just a few clicks. This feature is intended for casual users who occasionally want to place a couple of windows next to each other, and power users who can access four or more applications at a glance to get a comprehensive view of their workflow.

How to use Snap Layouts

Using Snap Layouts is straightforward, and there are multiple ways to implement this feature. Below, we discuss step-by-step how to activate Snap Layouts in Windows 11.

Using Snap Layouts via the Maximize Button

The simplest way to start using Snap Layouts is via the maximize button located in the top right corner of any window. Here's how:

1. Hover your mouse pointer over the maximize button at the top right of any window. You'll see several layout options appear in a small hover box. These layouts will include options such as two equally divided windows, one divided into thirds and two divided into thirds, three windows, or even four windows divided into quadrants.
2. Click the layout you want to use. If you chose a layout with multiple sections, you'll need to click each section to choose which application window you want to place in that space. Once you choose a layout, other open applications will present themselves as options to fill the other available slots in the layout.

Using Windows Keyboard Shortcuts for Snap Layouts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts to improve the efficiency of your workflow, Windows 11 includes keyboard commands that can activate Snap Layouts. Here's how you can use them:

• Press the Windows logo key + an arrow key (up, down, left, or right). This default shortcut moves the window to half or quarter space on your screen.
• Once the first window is created, continue using the Windows logo key + Arrow keys to arrange further windows into the layout you want.
• Once you snap a window, Windows 11 will display thumbnails of any other open windows, so you can conveniently click and fill the remaining space with other applications.

Customizing your Snap Layout experience

Windows 11 allows you to personalize the Snap Layouts experience through the Settings app. You can adjust these settings to suit your particular needs. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings application by pressing the Windows logo key + I.
2. Go to System, and then click on Multitasking from the sidebar.
3. In the Multitasking settings, you can turn the Snap Windows feature on or off. Here, you can choose how to snap windows and whether Snap Assist will suggest what to snap next to.

Available customisation options include:

• Snap windows - Turn this on to snap windows. When this feature is activated, you can tile windows using the mouse or keyboard shortcuts.
• When I snap a window, suggest what I can snap next to it - Activating this option displays thumbnails of open windows when you snap a window, providing suggestions for filling the remaining available space.
• When I hover over the maximize button on a window, show what I can snap to next - Use this to display the snap layout when I hover over the maximize button of a window.

Benefits of Using Snap Layouts

The Snap Layouts feature offers clear advantages for both personal and business use. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Improved productivity: By organizing your workspace more effectively, you gain quick and easy access to multiple applications. This is perfect for users who need to keep multiple windows open for comparison or multitask purposes.
• User-friendly and powerful: Snap Layouts' ease of use makes it accessible to all users, even those who aren't as tech-savvy. It provides a powerful window management system without the need for additional software.
• Customizable: With various configurations available, Snap Layouts can be set up to suit your preferred work style. Whether you're watching videos while working, coding with your reference material, or handling multiple documents, customization is easy.
• Time efficient: Snap Layouts saves time spent dragging and resizing windows. With multiple layouts ready, you can change your setup quickly and effortlessly.

Examples of usage scenarios for Snap Layouts

To help you understand how Snap Layouts can be used in everyday activities, consider the following scenarios:

1. Office work

Imagine you are working in an office setup where you need access to a web browser, spreadsheet, and email client simultaneously. With Snap Layout, you can place the browser on the left side of the screen, while the spreadsheet and email client share equal space on the right. This arrangement allows for easy comparison of data and email without constantly switching between windows.

2. Programming and Coding

Developers often need to have their code editor, documentation, and terminal open at the same time. A snap layout where the editor takes up most of the space with the terminal and documentation smaller to the side provides a convenient setup for development tasks.

3. Trader or stock analyst

For stock analysts or traders, having multiple charts, stock tickers, and news feeds visible at the same time is essential for monitoring the market in real time. Snap layouts can help ensure that important applications are always visible at a glance.

Conclusion

Snap Layouts in Windows 11 provides an intuitive and powerful set of tools for managing multiple windows. Using this feature, users can set up their desktop in a way that maximizes their productivity and efficiency. The ease of setup along with multiple configuration options caters to a wide range of needs, making Snap Layouts a feature that enhances the overall Windows 11 experience. Whether you're writing reports, coding, analyzing data, or simply browsing, Snap Layouts helps you streamline your task management effectively.

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