How to Use Snap Layouts on Windows 11

Master Windows 11 Snap Layouts to organize multiple windows efficiently. Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures for better multitasking.

1. 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'.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.