To resize a window in Windows 10, point to any edge or corner until the pointer becomes a double-headed arrow, then drag. To snap a window to half the screen, press Windows key + Left Arrow or Windows key + Right Arrow, or drag its title bar to the side of the screen. Press Windows key + Up Arrow to maximize and Windows key + Down Arrow to restore or minimize.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. These shortcuts also work in Windows 11.
Quick Answer
Drag a window’s edge or corner, or use Win + Arrow keys to snap, maximize, and restore it.
Resize With the Mouse
- Make sure the window isn’t maximized (click the Restore button in the top-right corner if it is).
- Point to an edge or corner until the pointer becomes a two-headed arrow.
- Drag to the size you want. Dragging a corner changes width and height together.
Snap Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|
| Win + Left / Right Arrow | Snap to the left or right half |
| Win + Left, then Win + Up | Snap to the top-left quarter |
| Win + Up Arrow | Maximize |
| Win + Down Arrow | Restore, then minimize |
| Win + Shift + Up Arrow | Stretch to full screen height, keeping the width |
| Double-click the title bar | Toggle maximize and restore |
After snapping one window, Windows shows the other open windows so you can pick one to fill the other half. Drag the divider between two snapped windows to change their widths together.
Resize With the Keyboard Only
- Press Alt + Space to open the window menu.
- Press S for Size.
- Use the arrow keys to resize, then press Enter.
This helps when a window’s edges are off screen.
Turn Snap On or Off
Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and turn Snap windows on or off, and choose which snap behaviors you want.
Troubleshooting
- The window won’t resize: Some apps have a fixed size or a minimum size. It may also be maximized; restore it first.
- A window is off the screen: Select it on the taskbar, press Alt + Space, choose Move (M), and use the arrow keys.
- You want everything out of the way: See how to minimize all windows.
- You want one app to fill the screen: See how to go full screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a window a specific size?
Windows doesn’t have a built-in size box. Drag the edges, or use a window-management tool if you need exact pixel sizes.
Why does a window open too big or too small every time?
Apps remember their last size. Resize it, then close it normally so it saves the new size.
Can I snap more than two windows?
Yes. Snap to quarters with Win + Left or Right followed by Win + Up or Down.
Summary
- Drag an edge or corner to resize.
- Use Win + Arrow keys to snap and maximize.
- Use Alt + Space, S for keyboard resizing.
- Adjust Snap in Settings > System > Multitasking.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.