Most of us have hit that point where juggling multiple apps or documents becomes a pain — and dragging windows around just isn’t cutting it anymore. Getting two windows side by side isn’t just a nifty trick; it can seriously speed up your workflow, especially if you need to compare stuff, copy info, or keep an eye on multiple things without constantly switching tabs. Even if you’ve tried dragging and snapping before, Windows has a handful of tricks and shortcuts that can make this process smoother, especially since, on some setups, the snap feature can be a little finicky or disabled by default. So, here’s a quick rundown on how to get it right, plus a couple of tweaks to make sure everything lines up perfectly.
How to Open Two Windows Side by Side in Windows 10/11
Open both windows, then link ’em up
This sounds obvious, but make sure both apps or files you want side by side are actually open. You don’t want to start dragging around only to realize one isn’t open yet. Press Win + R and type the app name if you’re lazy or just open them normally from the Start menu. Sometimes, the snap feature gets disabled, so double-check in Settings > System > Multitasking that Snap windows is actually turned on. Because of course, Windows has to make it more convoluted than it needs to.
Use Windows snap shortcuts — it’s faster
Once both are open, click on one window, and then hit Win + Left Arrow or Win + Right Arrow. This instantly docks the window to that side of the screen. On some machines, this fails the first few times, then mysteriously works after a reboot or at random – maybe it’s a glitch, maybe Windows just hates us. Anyway, after using the shortcut, you should see your window snap to one side, leaving a transparent outline for the second.
Select the second window
Next, click on the other open app or window, and it’ll automatically fill the other half of the screen. If you’re using Windows 11 with Snap Layouts, you can hover over the maximize button (three dots) to pick a layout, which is kinda nice if you want more than just split screens. But for quick and dirty side-by-side, the Win + Arrow thing does the job. Also, if you’re zoomed in or have multiple monitors, this setup works better with larger or more rectangular screens, so test it out and see how it fits.
Resize to your taste, then organize
Move your cursor to the dividing line between the two windows, and when it turns into a resize arrow, click and drag. It’s weird, but sometimes the snap isn’t perfectly proportioned, especially on ultrawide screens. Drag until you feel happy with the size. That way, you can prioritize your main window or keep the smaller one tucked away for quick reference.
Pro tip: Toolbar tricks and extras
If you’re into keyboard shortcuts or automation, the above Win + Arrow tricks are your friends. You can also press Alt + Tab to switch between windows quickly, but snap shortcuts are way faster once you get used to them. For Power Users: you can also set up custom layouts or use tools like Winhance for more advanced window management. Just, don’t expect Windows to be perfect at this out of the box — it’s patchy, at best.
Tips for Making It Work Better
- Check that your display resolution is at least 1366 x 768 or higher; smaller screens make snapping a pain.
- If snap isn’t working, toggle it back on in Settings > System > Multitasking — it’s simple, but some updates disable it automatically.
- For dual monitors, drag windows between screens or set custom snap areas in display settings.
- On Windows 11, experiment with Snap Layouts and Groups for more flexible arrangements.
- On Mac, use Mission Control or third-party apps like Magnet for similar results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if snap shortcuts don’t work right away?
Sometimes, Windows gets stubborn. Try restarting your PC, re-enabling the feature in settings, or updating your video drivers. It sounds stupid, but driver issues or background apps can break things. Also, check that your system isn’t under heavy load, as that can prevent smooth window management.
Can I snap more than two windows into place?
Yeah, especially with newer Windows updates and larger screens. You can drag multiple apps into quadrants or use Snap Assist to snap multiple windows, but perfect side-by-side is usually just two.
Does this work on other OS like macOS or Linux?
It does, with different methods. Mac’s Mission Control or apps like Magnet do the same thing. Linux window managers vary, but most support some level of window snapping, usually via right-click menus or shortcuts.
Can I customize snap settings?
Definitely. In Windows, go to Settings > System > Multitasking and tweak options like “When I snap a window, automatically size it.” Also, for finer control, third-party tools come in handy.
What happens if I close one of the snapped windows?
The other window just goes back to its normal size and position. Easy does it — no big dramas there.
Summary
- Open two apps or files.
- Use Win + Left/Right arrow to dock one side.
- Click the second window to fill the other side.
- Resize if needed, or drag windows into custom layouts.
Wrap-up
Getting two windows side by side can drastically improve your multitasking game. It’s a bit messy to set up at first, and yes, sometimes Windows hates you just for trying. But once it’s working, blam — everything’s more organized, and you can do multiple things without flipping between tabs or windows all day. Practice with shortcuts, and don’t be afraid to dig into settings or experiment with third-party utils. Hopefully, this tipsheet helps smooth out the process a bit and gets those windows neat and aligned. Good luck, and may your desktop stay orderly!