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How to Use Snap Layouts on Windows 11

Applies toWindows 11
4 min fix Updated 9 Mar 2026 · 6 months ago

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Hover your mouse over the Maximize button (the square icon in the top right of any window) without clicking it. A menu of different layout options will appear. Click the zone where you want the window to snap.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - Windows release health and Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

Snap Layouts let you quickly arrange open windows into predefined screen zones — side by side, in quadrants, or in asymmetric splits. This eliminates manual resizing and makes multitasking faster. This article explains every way to use Snap Layouts.

Before You Start ​

Instructions ​

1. Snap with the Maximize Button ​

The quickest way to access Snap Layouts.

  1. Hover your mouse over the Maximize button (the square icon in the top-right corner of any window).
  2. A layout picker appears showing 4–6 layout options.
  3. Click the zone within the layout where you want the current window.
  4. The window snaps to that zone. Windows suggests other open windows to fill the remaining zones.
  5. Click a window to fill each zone, or press Esc to leave the remaining zones empty.

2. Snap with Keyboard Shortcuts ​

Arrange windows without using the mouse.

  • Win + ← (Left Arrow) — Snap the active window to the left half.
  • Win + → (Right Arrow) — Snap to the right half.
  • Win + ↑ (Up Arrow) — Maximize the window.
  • Win + ↓ (Down Arrow) — Minimize or restore the window.
  • Win + Z — Open the Snap Layout picker (same as hovering the maximize button). If pressing it does nothing and other Windows key shortcuts fail too, see How to Fix Windows Key Shortcuts Not Working.
    • Once the picker appears, use the arrow keys and Enter to select a zone.

3. Snap by Dragging to Screen Edges ​

Drag windows to the edges or corners for automatic snapping.

  1. Click and drag a window's title bar toward the top edge of the screen.
  2. A Snap Layout overlay appears — drop the window onto your preferred zone.
  3. Alternatively, drag to the left or right edge for a simple 50/50 split.
  4. Drag to any corner for a quarter-screen snap.

4. Use Snap Groups on the Taskbar ​

Switch between entire window arrangements with one click.

  1. After snapping two or more windows together, they form a Snap Group.
  2. Hover over one of the grouped windows' taskbar icons.
  3. The thumbnail preview shows the entire Snap Group.
  4. Click the group thumbnail to restore all windows to their snapped positions.

5. Customize Snap Settings ​

Adjust Snap behavior to your preferences.

  1. Open Settings (Win+I).
  2. Go to System > Multitasking.
  3. Under Snap windows, toggle options:
    • Show snap layouts when I hover over a window's maximize button — enable or disable.
    • Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen.
    • Show my snapped windows when I hover over taskbar apps (Snap Groups).
  4. Close Settings — changes apply immediately.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

Use Win + Z then a number key to quickly select a layout without the mouse. The number corresponds to the layout position shown in the picker.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Snap Layout picker does not appearFeature disabled in SettingsGo to Settings > System > Multitasking and toggle Snap windows on.
Only 2 layout options shownLow screen resolutionSnap Layout options depend on screen size. Higher resolutions show more layouts.
Window doesn't snap when draggedSnap windows toggled offEnable Snap windows in Settings > System > Multitasking.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a keyboard shortcut for snapping windows?
Yes. Press the Windows Key and any of the Arrow keys. Win+Left arrows snaps the window to the left half of the screen. Pressing Win+Up while it is snapped to the left moves it to the top-left quarter.
Why isn't the Snap Layouts menu appearing when I hover?
The feature might be disabled. Go to Settings > System > Multitasking, and ensure that the 'Snap windows' toggle is turned On, and check the box for 'Show snap layouts when I hover over a window's maximize button'.