How to Use Snap Layouts on Windows 11

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Enable Snap Layouts in Settings

   Open Settings using Windows key + I. Navigate to System > Multitasking. Toggle on 'Snap windows' and ensure all sub-options are enabled, including 'Show snap layouts when I hover over a window's maximize button' and 'Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen'.

   Note: Keep 'When I snap a window, suggest what I can snap next to it' enabled for automatic recommendations.
2. 30 sec

   Access Snap Layouts with mouse hover

   Open any window and hover your mouse over the maximize button in the top-right corner. A grid of layout options appears showing 2, 3, or 4-window configurations. Click your preferred layout zone to snap the current window into that position.

   Note: The available layouts depend on your screen resolution and aspect ratio.
3. 30 sec

   Use the Windows key shortcuts

   Press Windows key + Z to instantly display Snap Layouts for the active window. Use your mouse to select a zone, or press the corresponding number key (1-6) to snap the window to that position. The window immediately resizes and moves to fill the selected area.

   Note: This keyboard method works faster than mouse hovering once you memorize the zone numbers.
4. 30 sec

   Fill remaining zones with suggested windows

   After snapping your first window, Windows displays thumbnails of other open applications in the remaining empty zones. Click any thumbnail to snap that window into the corresponding space. This automatically creates your complete layout.

   Note: Windows prioritizes recently used applications in the suggestions list.
5. 30 sec

   Drag windows to screen edges for quick snapping

   Drag any window to the top edge of your screen to trigger Snap Layouts. Release the mouse button when the layout grid appears, then click your desired zone. Dragging to left or right edges still uses the traditional two-window snapping method.

   Note: Drag slightly slower near screen edges to ensure the Snap Layout grid appears rather than triggering basic edge snapping.
6. 30 sec

   Manage Snap Groups from the taskbar

   Hover over any application icon in the taskbar to see preview thumbnails. If that application is part of a Snap Group, you'll see all windows in that group together. Click the group preview to restore the entire layout, or click individual window previews to focus specific applications.

   Note: Snap Groups persist across virtual desktops and remain grouped even after minimizing all windows.