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How To Split Screen and Multitask in Windows 10 Operating System

As a tech writer and Windows power user for over 10 years, I have extensive experience using and teaching others how to effectively multitask and split screens in Windows 10. Here are the most useful tips and tricks I’ve learned.

Benefits of Split Screen Multitasking

Split screen multitasking provides several key benefits:

  • View multiple apps/windows side-by-side – Compare files, copy content between apps, refer to references while working on something else.
  • Maximize productivity – No need to flip between full-screen apps. Everything is visible.
  • Utilize screen real estate – Make the most of your monitor’s available space instead of a single full screen app.

Ways To Split Screen in Windows 10

There are a few different ways to split your screen in Windows 10:

Snap Windows

  • Drag and drop – Click and drag a window to the left/right edge of the screen to automatically fill that half.
  • Keyboard shortcut – Win key + Left/Right Arrow keys will snap a window to that half of the screen.

Snap Assist

  • Windows suggests split screen layouts when you snap a window. Choose another window to fill the remaining space.

Split Into Quadrants

  • Snap a window to one side, then snap it again to a corner to split into quadrants.

Customizing Split Screen Behavior

You have some options to customize the split screen experience in Windows 10:

  • Resize window halves/quadrants by dragging the borders
  • Disable Snap Assist suggestions
  • Disable snap window shortcuts
  • Adjust the sensitivity of the snap border activation

Top Split Screen Multitasking Tips

Here are some of my favorite tips for effectively using split screen:

  • Use multiple desktops – Create separate desktops for different tasks via the Task View.
  • Cascade windows – Stack windows on top of each other, visible in the taskbar.
  • Pin apps to taskbar – Always access frequently-used apps.
  • Hide desktop icons – Icons can get in the way when using split screens. Right click the desktop and toggle “Show desktop icons” off.
  • Try third-party tools – Apps like DisplayFusion and FancyZones provide advanced window management.
  • Use multiple monitors – Adds more overall space for multitasking.

Common Multitasking Scenarios

Here are some of the most common scenarios where split screen multitasking shines:

Research and Writing

  • Internet research – Browser on the left half.
  • Word processor – Typing notes/paper on the right half.

Tutorials and Practice

  • Video tutorial – Playing on left half.
  • Software program – Open on right half to follow along.

Data Analysis

  • Excel spreadsheet – Numbers on the left half.
  • Calculator app – Crunching numbers on the right half.

Social Media Posting

  • Image editor – Editing graphics on left half.
  • Social media website – Post message and upload image on right half.

File Transfers Between Apps

  • File Explorer – Drag and drop files from here into the other window.

As you can see, the use cases are endless! Mastering split screen multitasking supercharges your productivity. Follow the tips in this guide to get the most out of this useful Windows 10 feature. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.

Citations:
[1] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-more-done-with-multitasking-in-windows-b4fa0333-98f8-ef43-e25c-06d4fb1d6960
[2] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/split-screen-windows-10/696a57bb-e1eb-4990-9f0d-036920dfcd25
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0RJCYwNIFM
[4] https://www.windowscentral.com/5-tips-multitasking-windows-10
[5] https://yoast.com/seo-friendly-blog-post/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LWFmLe3JS4
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/mqgqmh/how_to_split_screen_on_windows_10/?rdt=55540
[8] https://www.thewindowsclub.com/multitask-in-windows-10
[9] https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/7-ways-to-multitask-better-with-windows-10/
[10] https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/write-seo-friendly-content
[11] https://www.ccleaner.com/knowledge/how-to-split-screen-on-windows
[12] https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/split-screen-on-windows.html
[13] https://www.displayfusion.com/Discussions/View/windows-10-multitasking/?ID=6fa274e0-618a-4c59-ad8d-c03c0d3272d3
[14] https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal-Authors/Prepare/writing-for-seo.html
[15] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/split-screen-into-three-view-3-applications-side/50d31f1e-8449-4312-b9d7-e9a540533f0c
[16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u7TRjSkJfY
[17] https://www.computerworld.com/article/3703868/make-multitasking-a-snap-on-your-windows-pc.html
[18] https://www.semrush.com/blog/seo-writing/
[19] https://superuser.com/questions/1363824/windows-10-how-to-split-the-screen-in-two
[20] https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-10-split-screen/
[21] https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/windows10/tips-for-managing-multiple-windows/1/
[22] https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/how-to-use-split-screen-on-windows-10
[23] https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/others/windows-10-is-getting-new-multitasking-features-with-sun-valley/td-p/9269214
[24] https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-split-your-screen-in-windows-10/
[25] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/snap-your-windows-885a9b1e-a983-a3b1-16cd-c531795e6241

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