How to Use Snap Layouts in Windows 11 for Better Multitasking
Snap Layouts in Windows 11 let you arrange windows into predefined grids with one click. How to use snap groups, customize layouts, and use keyboard shortcuts for faster window management.
Snap Layouts replace the old drag-to-edge snapping with a visual grid picker. Hover over any window's maximize button and choose exactly how you want to arrange your screen.
Open Snap Layouts
Mouse: hover over the maximize button (square icon) in any window's title bar → a grid of layouts appears → click a zone to snap the window there.
Keyboard: Win + Z → same layout picker opens → use arrow keys or number keys to select.
After snapping one window, Windows asks which other window to fill the remaining zones.
Available Layouts
Windows 11 offers 4–6 layouts depending on your screen size and resolution:
- 2 columns — split 50/50 or 30/70
- 3 columns — equal thirds or one wide + two narrow
- 2×2 grid — four equal quadrants
- 3 columns + row — mix of horizontal and vertical splits
More layouts appear on wider monitors (1440p and above).
Keyboard Shortcuts for Snapping
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Win + Z |
Open Snap Layout picker |
Win + ← |
Snap to left half |
Win + → |
Snap to right half |
Win + ↑ |
Maximize / snap to top half |
Win + ↓ |
Minimize / snap to bottom half |
Win + ← then ↑ |
Snap to top-left quarter |
Win + ← then ↓ |
Snap to bottom-left quarter |
Snap Groups
When windows are snapped together, Windows remembers them as a Snap Group. Hover over any app in the taskbar — the snap group thumbnail appears. Click it to restore all windows in their snapped positions at once.
This is especially useful for restoring a working layout after switching tasks or using another program.
Enable or Disable Snap Layouts
If Snap Layouts aren't working:
Win + I → System → Multitasking → check Snap windows is on → expand it → enable:
- Show snap layouts when I hover over a window's maximize button
- Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen
- Show my snapped windows when I hover over taskbar apps
Snap to Custom Sizes
The default 50/50 split can be resized by dragging the divider between snapped windows. All windows adjust simultaneously.
Snap on Multiple Monitors
Each monitor has its own snap zones. You can have different layouts on each monitor — for example 3-column on the wide primary and 2-column on the secondary.
Win + Shift + ←/→ moves the active window to the other monitor while keeping its snapped size.
PowerToys FancyZones: Custom Layouts
For custom grid sizes and zones beyond what Windows offers:
Download Microsoft PowerToys from github.com/microsoft/PowerToys → enable FancyZones → launch FancyZones Editor → draw any layout you want.
FancyZones works alongside Snap Layouts and activates when you hold Shift while dragging windows.
Summary
Hover maximize button → pick layout → fill remaining zones. Use Win + Z for keyboard-first workflow. Snap Groups restore your entire layout with one click from the taskbar. For custom layouts beyond the built-in options, add PowerToys FancyZones.