Putting two windows side by side on your computer screen can supercharge your multitasking abilities. Think of it like having a split screen on your TV—watch a movie on one side and check emails on the other. Simply click and drag a window to one side until it snaps, then do the same with another window on the opposite side. Voilà! You have two windows sharing your screen, letting you compare, contrast, and conquer tasks without constantly flipping back and forth.
How to Put Two Windows Side by Side
We’ll dive into the steps to display two windows side by side on your computer screen. This method is a game-changer for productivity, especially if you’re juggling multiple tasks.
Step 1: Select the First Window
Click and hold the title bar of the first window you’d like to display.
Make sure you can clearly see the title bar, which is usually at the top of your open window. This will let you grab and move it easily.
Step 2: Drag the Window to the Side
Drag the window to either the left or right side of the screen until you see an outline appear.
This outline shows where the window will snap into place. Let go of the mouse button to secure it in position. It’s like fitting a puzzle piece into its spot.
Step 3: Select the Second Window
Click on the second window you want to display side by side.
Ensure the window is visible and accessible on your desktop. If it’s minimized, you’ll need to restore it first.
Step 4: Drag the Second Window to the Opposite Side
Drag the second window to the opposite side until you see an outline, then release it.
This action will snap the second window into place, perfectly complementing the first. Now your screen is divided into two cozy halves.
Step 5: Adjust the Window Sizes
Move the vertical line between the windows to adjust their sizes to your liking.
You can tweak this line to give more space to one window if needed. It’s a flexible feature that lets you prioritize your tasks.
After completing these steps, you’ll enjoy a neatly organized desktop with two windows side by side. This setup is perfect for comparing documents, taking notes while watching a video, or any other multitasking needs.
Tips for Putting Two Windows Side by Side
- Use keyboard shortcuts: On Windows, press Win + Left or Right Arrow to snap windows.
- Keep windows tidy: Regularly close windows you’re not using to keep your workspace clutter-free.
- Use virtual desktops: Windows and Macs offer virtual desktops to help manage multiple tasks more effectively.
- Try different layouts: Experiment with vertical or horizontal setups to see what works best for you.
- Explore third-party apps: Tools like DisplayFusion offer more advanced window management features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put two windows side by side on a Mac?
On a Mac, click and hold the green full-screen button, then choose "Tile Window to Left of Screen" or "Tile Window to Right of Screen."
Can I have more than two windows side by side?
Yes, you can use third-party apps or virtual desktops to manage multiple windows more efficiently.
What if the windows don’t snap?
Ensure your operating system supports the snap feature. It may require an update or specific settings to be enabled.
Does this work on all versions of Windows?
Snap assist is available on Windows 7 and later, but features may vary slightly between versions.
How do I exit the side-by-side view?
Simply drag the windows away from the edges of the screen, or click the maximize button.
Summary
- Select the first window.
- Drag it to one side.
- Select the second window.
- Drag it to the opposite side.
- Adjust window sizes.
Conclusion
Getting two windows side by side is a small tweak that can make a big difference in your daily computer use. It’s like having a desk with two neat piles instead of a scattered mess. Whether you’re comparing spreadsheets, taking notes, or juggling different tasks, this setup streamlines the process and keeps your workflow smooth.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, consider exploring virtual desktops or third-party window management apps. They offer even more flexibility and can cater to more complex needs. But for most of us, mastering the art of side-by-side windows is a giant leap toward efficient multitasking.
So, give it a try! You’ll likely find yourself wondering how you ever managed without this handy trick.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.