Snap Layouts in Windows 11 let you place windows into predefined screen zones without manually resizing each one. It is built into Windows and works from the maximize button or a keyboard shortcut.
This guide applies to Windows 11. Windows 10 has basic edge snapping, but it does not include the Windows 11 Snap Layouts menu.
Does This Affect You?
Use Snap Layouts when you want two, three, or four apps arranged neatly for comparison, research, writing, meetings, or multitasking. Layout choices vary depending on screen size and orientation.
Open Snap Layouts and Choose a Zone
This works with most normal desktop app windows.
- Hover the mouse pointer over the window’s maximize button in the top-right corner without clicking.
- Wait a moment for the Snap Layouts menu to appear. You can also press Windows key + Z while the window is focused.
- Click the zone you want the current window to fill, such as the left half of a two-column layout or one section of a grid.
- Windows snaps the window into that exact position.
Fill the Remaining Zones
After placing the first window, Windows helps you complete the layout.
- Look for thumbnails of your other open windows.
- Click the next app you want in the next open zone.
- Repeat until the layout is filled, or leave extra zones empty if you do not need them.
- To change the arrangement later, use the Snap Layouts menu again on any snapped window.
Snap Layouts Tips
Restore a Snap Group
After you snap several windows together, hover over one of their taskbar icons. Windows can show the entire snap group as a thumbnail, letting you restore the whole arrangement at once.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows key + Left or Right snaps the active window to a side. Pressing another arrow cycles through other positions. Windows key + Up maximizes, and Windows key + Down restores or minimizes.
Each Monitor Can Have Its Own Layout
Snap Layouts work per display. A window on a large external monitor may show more layout choices than one on a smaller laptop screen.
Change Snap Behavior
Open Settings > System > Multitasking to change snap suggestions and hover behavior. You can disable the maximize-button layout menu while keeping the Windows key + Z shortcut available.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Snap your windows in Windows 11
- Microsoft Support: Multitasking in Windows 11
- Microsoft Learn: Snap layouts and snap groups overview