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In today’s fast-paced digital world, multitasking has become a norm. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who likes to be efficient, being able to snap multiple windows on your computer screen can greatly enhance your productivity. One of the most popular operating systems, Windows 10, offers a built-in feature that allows you to easily snap windows side by side, creating a seamless multitasking experience. In this blog post, we will explore how to snap 4 windows at once on Windows 10, providing you with a step-by-step guide and some handy tips to make the most out of this feature.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Snap 4 Windows At Once:
Multitasking is an essential skill in today’s work environment. Whether you’re managing multiple projects, attending online classes, or simply trying to juggle various tasks, being able to view and work on multiple windows simultaneously can greatly enhance your productivity. Windows 10’s ability to snap 4 windows at once allows you to easily compare information, drag and drop content between windows, and effectively manage your workflow. With this feature, you can have multiple applications or documents open and within easy reach, making it easier to switch between tasks and stay organized.
Method 1: Using the Snap Assist Feature
The Snap Assist feature in Windows 10 allows you to snap multiple windows side by side with ease. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Open the first window that you want to snap.
Step 2: Click and hold the title bar of the window, then drag it to the left or right side of the screen until you see a transparent outline.
Step 3: Release the mouse button to snap the window to the side of the screen.
Step 4: Open the second window that you want to snap.
Step 5: Click and hold the title bar of the second window, then drag it to the opposite side of the screen until you see a transparent outline.
Step 6: Release the mouse button to snap the second window to the other side of the screen.
Step 7: Repeat steps 4-6 for the third and fourth windows, snapping them to the remaining sides of the screen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and quick to use, even for beginners. | 1. Limited to snapping two windows side by side at a time. |
| 2. Allows you to resize and adjust windows for optimal viewing. | 2. May require rearranging windows if you want to change the position of a snapped window. |
| 3. Provides a visual preview of the snapped windows for easy selection. | 3. Not suitable for snapping more than two windows side by side. |
Method 2: Via Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 10 also offers the option to snap windows using keyboard shortcuts, providing a quick and convenient way to multitask. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the first window that you want to snap.
Step 2: Press the Windows key + Left Arrow key to snap the window to the left side of the screen.
Step 3: Open the second window that you want to snap.
Step 4: Press the Windows key + Right Arrow key to snap the second window to the right side of the screen.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the third and fourth windows, snapping them to the remaining sides of the screen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to quickly snap windows using keyboard shortcuts. | 1. Limited to snapping two windows on each side of the screen. |
| 2. Ideal for users who prefer using keyboard shortcuts over mouse gestures. | 2. Requires memorizing the shortcuts for efficient use. |
| 3. Perfect for multitasking without needing to use the mouse. | 3. Not suitable for snapping more than four windows at once. |
Method 3: Using the Task View Feature
Task View is a virtual desktop feature in Windows 10 that allows you to create multiple desktops and switch between them effortlessly. Here’s how to use it to snap 4 windows at once:
Step 1: Open the first window that you want to snap.
Step 2: Press the Windows key + Tab to open Task View.
Step 3: Click on "New Desktop" at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 4: Open the second window that you want to snap, then drag it to the new desktop in Task View.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the third and fourth windows, creating a new desktop for each window.
Step 6: Once all the windows are in separate desktops, you can switch between them by pressing the Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right Arrow key.
Step 7: Each desktop can have two windows snapped side by side using the Snap Assist method explained in Method 1.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to create separate virtual desktops for better organization and multitasking. | 1. May require additional steps to switch between different desktops. |
| 2. Ideal for users who prefer a more organized workspace. | 2. Requires managing multiple desktops, which may not be necessary for everyone. |
| 3. Enables you to effortlessly switch between different windows and tasks. | 3. Not suitable for users who prefer to have all windows visible at once. |
Method 4: Using Third-Party Window Management Tools
If you’re looking for more advanced window management options beyond what Windows 10 offers by default, there are countless third-party tools available that can enhance your multitasking experience. Here’s how to use one of them to snap 4 windows at once:
Step 1: Download and install a third-party window management tool, such as DisplayFusion or AquaSnap.
Step 2: Open the first window that you want to snap.
Step 3: Open the window management tool and select the option to snap windows.
Step 4: Choose the layout that allows for 4 windows to be snapped at once.
Step 5: Adjust the size and position of each window as needed.
Step 6: Open the second, third, and fourth windows that you want to snap, and the window management tool will automatically snap them based on the selected layout.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides more flexibility and customization options compared to built-in Windows features. | 1. Requires installing and learning to use a third-party tool. |
| 2. Perfect for users who require advanced window management capabilities. | 2. Some third-party tools may come with a cost, depending on the features and functionality. |
| 3. Offers a wide range of layouts and customization options for optimal multitasking. | 3. Compatibility issues may arise with certain applications or Windows updates. |
What to Do If You Can’t Snap 4 Windows At Once:
If you find that you’re unable to snap 4 windows at once on your Windows 10 computer, there could be a few possible reasons. Here are some fixes you can try:
– Ensure that you’re using a compatible version of Windows 10. Some older versions may not support snapping 4 windows.
– Check if you have multiple monitors connected. The snapping feature may work differently or be limited with multiple displays.
– Restart your computer. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary issues with window management.
– Update your graphics drivers. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with window snapping.
– Disable any third-party window management tools that may interfere with the built-in snapping feature.
Bonus Tips:
Here are some bonus tips to make the most out of snapping 4 windows at once on Windows 10:
1. Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between snapped windows. Press the Windows key + Left or Right Arrow key to navigate between the snapped windows on each side of the screen.
2. Resize and adjust the snapped windows by clicking and dragging the divider line between them.
3. Take advantage of the "Snap Fill" feature that automatically suggests another window to fill the remaining space when you snap a window.
5 FAQs:
Q1: Can I snap more than 4 windows at once on Windows 10?
A: No, Windows 10 is designed to support snapping a maximum of 4 windows at once.
Q2: Can I snap windows in a specific order?
A: Yes, you can snap windows in any order you prefer. The order in which you open and snap the windows does not matter.
Q3: How do I unsnap windows on Windows 10?
A: To unsnap a window, simply click and drag the title bar of the window away from the side of the screen until it detaches.
Q4: Can I resize the snapped windows?
A: Yes, you can resize the snapped windows by clicking and dragging the divider line between them. This allows you to allocate more or less space to each window.
Q5: Does snapping windows affect the performance of my computer?
A: Snapping windows on Windows 10 does not significantly impact system performance. However, running multiple applications simultaneously may require more system resources.
Final Thoughts:
Being able to snap 4 windows at once on Windows 10 can greatly enhance your multitasking capabilities and productivity. Whether you prefer using the built-in features or opt for third-party window management tools, having multiple windows within easy reach can streamline your workflow and help you stay organized. With the step-by-step methods outlined in this blog post, along with some bonus tips and fixes, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of multitasking on your Windows 10 computer. Happy snapping!