Recommended Free Tools
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Use Windows’ built-in Snap feature to place app windows side by side—no extra software required. Select a window and press Windows + Left Arrow or Right Arrow, then choose another app from Snap Assist to fill the open space. Basic Snap also works in Windows 10, though Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
Split your screen into two windows
The quickest method works in Windows 11 and Windows 10:
- Open the first app and select its window.
- Press Windows + Left Arrow to snap it to the left, or Windows + Right Arrow to snap it to the right.
- When Snap Assist shows thumbnails of other open windows, select one to fill the remaining space.
You can also drag a window by its title bar to the left or right edge of the display. Release when the Snap outline or overlay appears, then choose another window. If Snap Assist does not appear, you can snap the second app with the arrow-key shortcut too.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Choose a layout in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers visual Snap layouts for arranging two, three, or four windows, depending on your display and configuration. To open them, hover over a window’s Maximize/Restore button and select a layout, or press Windows + Z. Choose the position for the current window, then select other open apps to fill the remaining spaces.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Layouts may include two equal columns, a large main window beside a narrower one, three columns, or four quadrants. Not every layout is available on every display. Dragging a window to the top of the screen can also open the Windows 11 Snap bar.
Arrange four windows in quarters
For four roughly equal sections, select a window and press Windows + Left Arrow or Right Arrow, then press Windows + Up Arrow or Down Arrow to move it into a top or bottom corner. Repeat with the other windows. With a mouse, drag each window to a corner and release when the quarter-screen outline appears. Snap Assist can help fill the remaining spaces.
The up and down shortcuts can have different results depending on the window’s state: they may move a snapped window to a corner, maximize it, restore it, or minimize it. If a window behaves unexpectedly, try snapping it left or right first.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Resize the snapped windows
Move the pointer over the divider between snapped windows. When the resize cursor appears, drag the divider to give one window more room. The neighboring snapped window resizes with it, so the panes continue to fill the available area. You can do the same with the horizontal divider in a stacked layout.
Turn Snap on or adjust its behavior
In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Multitasking and turn on Snap windows. Expand its options to adjust behaviors such as showing Snap Assist suggestions, showing layouts when you hover over Maximize/Restore or drag a window to the top, and restoring Snap groups. In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Multitasking; option names and availability can vary slightly by release.
Snap Assist offers open windows to fill the remaining space after you snap one. In supported Windows 11 configurations, Snap groups let you return to a set of snapped windows from places such as the taskbar, Task View, or Alt+Tab. A group is a convenience for restoring an arrangement—not a saved file or a substitute for saving your work.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Use Snap across two monitors
Snap arranges app windows within each connected display; it does not turn one monitor into multiple independent hardware displays. To check or arrange connected monitors, open Settings > System > Display, select Identify, then drag the display diagrams to match their physical positions. Snap windows on either screen as needed.
To move the active window to the monitor on the left or right, press Windows + Shift + Left Arrow or Windows + Shift + Right Arrow. These shortcuts move a window between displays; they do not split a monitor.
Custom zones for ultrawide and unusual layouts
A standard Snap layout is often enough for an ordinary screen. For custom grids, unequal columns, repeatable zones, or more control on an ultrawide or multi-monitor setup, Microsoft PowerToys’ free FancyZones lets you create zones and position windows in them. Its default layout-editor shortcut is Windows + Shift + `; you can change it in PowerToys settings.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
FancyZones requires installing PowerToys and has more options to learn than built-in Snap. It can override some Windows Snap shortcuts if configured to do so. PowerToys may also need to run as administrator to position apps that run with elevated permissions, such as Task Manager or Windows Terminal. FancyZones can span monitors only when they use the same DPI scaling factor. If you need more extensive monitor controls—such as monitor profiles or additional taskbars—DisplayFusion is a third-party option, but it is unnecessary for a basic split and its monitor splits may not constrain full-screen games or videos.
Fix Snap when it is not working
- Nothing happens: Check Settings > System > Multitasking and make sure Snap windows is on. Try the keyboard shortcut instead of dragging.
- Dragging does not snap: Restore the app from maximized mode, then drag its title bar. A borderless or custom full-screen app may not behave like a standard window; switch it to windowed mode if available or restart it.
- No Snap Assist suggestions: Check Snap windows options for suggestions. If the app is not recognized as a standard snap-capable window, use Alt + Tab to select another app, then snap it with Windows + an arrow key.
- Window lands on the wrong monitor: Verify the display arrangement under Settings > System > Display, then move the active window with Windows + Shift + an arrow key.
- Text or controls are hard to read: Resize the snapped panes, or review Settings > System > Display > Scale. The setting marked Recommended is appropriate in typical cases.
- Snap stopped working after a display change: Check for Windows updates and review the display or graphics-driver configuration.
- A game or video ignores the split: Some full-screen apps take over the entire display. Use regular or borderless windowed mode if the app supports it; a split utility cannot guarantee that every full-screen app stays within a zone.
Which method should you use?
| What you need | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Two windows side by side quickly | Windows + Left/Right Arrow |
| A visual arrangement chooser | Windows 11 Snap layouts |
| Four screen sections | Corner snapping or a four-window Snap layout |
| Custom or repeatable zones | PowerToys FancyZones |
| Advanced multi-monitor controls | Consider DisplayFusion |
| Separate workspaces, not simultaneous windows | Virtual desktops: press Windows + Tab to open Task View |
Virtual desktops separate apps into different workspaces; they do not show the workspaces side by side on one screen. For simultaneous windows, use Snap.
For more details, see Microsoft’s Snap support guide, multitasking guide, and display setup instructions.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Frequently Asked Questions
Does screen splitting work on Windows 10?
Yes. Basic Snap and arrow-key snapping work in Windows 10. Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, so it no longer receives free Windows Update software updates, technical support, or security fixes.
Do I need an app to split my screen?
No. Windows includes Snap. Install PowerToys only if you want custom zones or other arrangements beyond the built-in layouts.
Can I split an ultrawide monitor?
Yes. Windows Snap can arrange windows on an ultrawide display, and PowerToys FancyZones can create custom zones. A software layout does not make one physical monitor behave exactly like two independent monitors.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can I split the screen into more than two windows?
Yes. Use corner snapping or Windows 11 Snap layouts to arrange three or four windows. The layout choices shown vary with display size and configuration.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
