Juggling multiple windows on your laptop can feel like a constant battle of clicking and dragging. You have your research open in one window, a document you’re writing in another, and maybe a chat app for good measure. Constantly switching between them is not just annoying; it slows you down. What if you could see them all at once?
Using a split screen on your laptop is the perfect solution. It allows you to view two or more applications side-by-side, making tasks like comparing documents, taking notes from a website, or monitoring a video call while you work incredibly efficient. The best part is, it’s built right into your computer’s operating system.
The Easiest Way to Split Your Screen in Windows
If you’re using a modern version of Windows, the process is beautifully simple. Click and hold the title bar at the top of any window. Then, drag it to the left or right edge of your screen. You’ll see a translucent outline appear—release the mouse button, and the window will snap into that half of the screen. Windows will then show you all your other open apps on the opposite side; just click the one you want to fill the other half. You can even drag the divider between them to give one window more space.
How to Use Split Screen on a Mac
Mac users have a similarly straightforward method. Look for the green “full-screen” button in the top-left corner of a window. Click and hold this button. You’ll see the window shrink, and you can then drag it to either the left or right side of your screen. Release it, and then select another open application to occupy the other side. This creates a focused, full-screen workspace with just your two chosen apps.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Even Faster Splitting
For those who love speed, keyboard shortcuts are your best friend. On Windows, try pressing the Windows key + Left or Right Arrow. This will instantly snap your active window to that side of the screen. On a Mac, you can use Control + Command + F to enter full screen, but for split view, the method above with the mouse is the standard approach.
Making the Most of Your Split Screen Setup
Think about which tasks naturally go together. Writing an email while referencing another document is a classic use. You could also have a spreadsheet on one side and a data analysis tool on the other. Don’t forget you can often split more than two windows, especially on larger monitors, by snapping windows to the four corners.
Mastering the split screen is a small change that makes a big difference in your daily workflow. It reduces clutter, minimizes distractions, and helps you get more done without the constant back-and-forth. Give it a try the next time you have multiple projects going at once.
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