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How to Use Split Screen on Surface Pro

The split screen feature on the Microsoft Surface Pro allows you to multitask efficiently by viewing two apps or windows side-by-side. This can help boost your productivity when working on documents, browsing the web, or watching media.

Here is a step-by-step guide to using split screen on your Surface Pro:

Activate Tablet Mode

The first step is to activate tablet mode on your Surface Pro. To do this:

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and tap the Tablet mode button. Alternatively, press the Windows key + A shortcut on your keyboard.
  2. Your Surface Pro will now switch to a touch-optimized interface.

Open the Apps You Want to View Side-by-Side

Once in tablet mode, open the two apps or windows you want to view in split screen mode. This can be any combination of apps, documents, web pages, etc.

For example, you may want to view:

  • A Word document and an Excel spreadsheet
  • Your email inbox and a web browser
  • A video and a messaging app

Initiate Split Screen

There are two ways to activate split screen mode:

Method 1: Drag and Snap

  1. Grab the title bar at the top of one of the open windows.
  2. While holding, drag the window to the left or right edge of the screen until you see a snap overlay appear.
  3. Release the window and it will snap to occupy half the screen.
  4. Now grab your second window and drag it to the opposite side. It will snap to fill the vacant portion of the screen.

Method 2: Windows Key Shortcut

  1. Ensure both windows are open that you want to view in split screen.
  2. Press and hold the Windows key.
  3. While holding, press the left arrow key or right arrow key on your keyboard.
  4. The focused foreground window will automatically snap to occupy half the screen.

Adjust Split Screen Layout

Once you have two apps or windows snapped into split view, you can adjust the layout:

  • Resize windows – Drag the divider line in the center to resize the windows and change the space allocation
  • Swap window positions – Drag either window fully into the other’s position to swap the layout
  • Exit split screen – Drag a window out of split view back into normal mode

Use Split Screen in Portrait Orientation

Your Surface Pro can utilize split screen mode while in portrait orientation:

  1. Rotate your Surface Pro so it is in upright portrait layout
  2. Activate split screen using either of the methods above
  3. Your windows will split top and bottom rather than side-by-side

This allows you to view even more vertical content at once.

Customize Split Screen Settings

Dive into the Surface Pro settings to customize split screen capabilities:

  1. Open Settings > System > Multitasking
  2. Toggle Snap Windows on or off to enable/disable split screen
  3. Adjust snap window layouts under Show what happens when I snap a window

Here you can preview and choose your preferred split screen layout options.

Troubleshooting Tips

If split screen mode is not working properly on your Surface Pro, try the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Update your Windows version to the latest build
  • Check if tablet mode is enabled
  • Restart your Surface Pro
  • Adjust screen resolution and orientation
  • Check if Snap Windows setting is enabled
  • Test in Safe Mode to isolate software issues

Sticking to these instructions should have you multitasking with ease in split screen mode on your Surface Pro. Let us know if you have any other questions!

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