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Split Screen Shortcut Key for Windows

WindowsWindows 10 and 11SnapChecked 2 Nov 2026

Snap to left half

WinLeft

Snap to right half

WinRight

Snap layouts (Windows 11)

WinZ

Quarter screen

WinUp

After snapping left or right

To split the display, the split screen shortcut key in Windows is either Win + Left or Win + Right. The active window snaps to fill that half of the screen, and Windows shows your other open windows so you can pick one for the other half with the arrow keys and Enter.

Windows 11 adds snap layouts with Win + Z, offering three and four window arrangements. Splitting the screen is the easiest way to copy from one document into another or follow instructions while you work.

Quick facts

  • Left half

    Win + Left

  • Right half

    Win + Right

  • Quarter screen

    Snap, then Win + Up or Win + Down

  • Snap layouts

    Win + Z (Windows 11)

  • Maximize again

    Win + Up

  • Mac

    Hover the green button, Tile

Split screen shortcut key, step by step

  1. Open the two windows you want, for example a PDF and a Word document.
  2. Click the first and press Win + Left. It fills the left half.
  3. Thumbnails of other windows appear on the right side. Use the arrow keys to pick the second window and press Enter.
  4. Drag the divider in the middle to give one side more room.

If no thumbnails appear, click the second window and press Win + Right.

All snap keys

Window snap shortcuts
KeysResult
Win + LeftLeft half
Win + RightRight half
Win + Left, then Win + UpTop left quarter
Win + Left, then Win + DownBottom left quarter
Win + ZSnap layouts menu (Windows 11)
Win + UpMaximize
Win + Shift + LeftMove window to the left monitor

Split screen in Windows 11 with snap layouts

Press Win + Z or hover over the maximize button of any window. A small panel shows layouts: two halves, a large and two small, three columns on wide screens, or four quarters. Press the number of a layout, then the zone number, or click. Windows remembers the group, so hovering on the taskbar later can restore all of them together.

If snapping does nothing, turn on Snap windows in Settings, System, Multitasking.

Split screen in laptop work

On a small laptop screen, two side by side windows can feel cramped. Reduce the zoom in each window with Ctrl + Minus, or use a second monitor and move windows across with Win + Shift + Right. Virtual desktops (Win + Ctrl + D for a new one) are another way to separate tasks without splitting; see switch windows shortcut.

When split screen does not work

Problems and fixes
ProblemFix
Window will not snapSome apps have a minimum width; try a larger screen or different app
No thumbnails shownTurn on Snap Assist in Multitasking settings
Windows key does nothingGaming keyboards may disable it; switch game mode off
Win + Z shows nothingThat feature needs Windows 11
A data entry operator keeps the scanned form on the left with Win + Left and the entry screen on the right with Win + Right. Her eyes move across, not between tabs, and errors drop.

Frequently asked questions

What is the split screen shortcut key?
Win + Left and Win + Right.
What is the split screen shortcut in Windows 11?

The same keys, plus Win + Z for snap layouts.

How do I split the screen into four?

Snap left or right, then press Win + Up or Win + Down.

How do I undo split screen?

Press Win + Up to maximize the window again.

Does split screen work on laptops?

Yes, on any Windows laptop.

How do I split the screen on a Mac?

Hover over the green window button and choose a tile option.