How to Stack Windows in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Stacking windows in Windows 11 is a game-changer for multitaskers, allowing you to organize your screen space efficiently. This guide will walk you through the steps to stack windows, making your workflow seamless. By the end, you’ll know how to arrange your open apps side by side in a way that boosts productivity.

How to Stack Windows in Windows 11

With Windows 11, you can easily stack windows vertically or horizontally, creating a more organized desktop. Follow these steps to stack your windows effectively.

Step 1: Open Multiple Applications

Ensure you have at least two or more applications running on your screen.

Open the applications you want to stack, be it a web browser, word processor, or any other software. You need open windows to rearrange them.

Step 2: Hover Over the Maximize Button

Move your cursor to the maximize button in the top-right corner of any open window.

When you hover over the maximize button, a small pop-up will appear, showing different layout options. This feature is called Snap Layouts.

Step 3: Select a Snap Layout

Choose the desired layout from the Snap Layouts options.

The layout options will let you pick how many windows you want to stack and in what configuration. Simply click on the layout that fits your needs.

Step 4: Snap Additional Windows

Click on the remaining windows to fit them into the selected layout.

After choosing your layout, you’ll see placeholders for the other open windows. Click on each window to snap it into place inside the layout.

Step 5: Adjust Window Sizes

Drag the dividing lines between windows to resize them as needed.

You can fine-tune the sizes of your stacked windows by dragging the borders. This way, you can give more space to the application you need the most.

After completing these steps, your windows will be neatly stacked according to the layout you chose, making it easier to switch between tasks.

Tips for Stacking Windows in Windows 11

  • Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Press Win + Z to quickly access Snap Layouts.
  • Experiment with Layouts: Try different Snap Layouts to find the best one for your workflow.
  • Use Multiple Desktops: Combine stacked windows with multiple desktops for even more organization.
  • Upgrade Your Display: Consider using a larger monitor or dual monitors to make stacking more effective.
  • Utilize Snap Assist: Snap Assist helps you fill the empty space when stacking windows by suggesting other open windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I disable Snap Layouts in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and toggle off Snap windows.

Can I stack more than two windows?

Yes, Windows 11 allows you to stack up to four windows in certain layouts.

What if Snap Layouts doesn’t appear?

Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date, as Snap Layouts is a feature of the latest version.

Can I save a specific window layout?

Currently, Windows 11 does not support saving custom window layouts.

How do I revert to a single window view?

You can maximize any window by clicking the maximize button again or drag it to the top of the screen.

Summary

  1. Open multiple applications.
  2. Hover over the maximize button.
  3. Select a Snap Layout.
  4. Snap additional windows.
  5. Adjust window sizes.

Conclusion

Stacking windows in Windows 11 can drastically improve your productivity by making it easier to manage multiple tasks at once. Whether you’re juggling a web browser, a document, and a spreadsheet, or a variety of other applications, following these simple steps can help you keep everything organized. Remember to experiment with different layouts and make use of keyboard shortcuts to streamline the process even more.

For those who are constantly multitasking, stacking windows isn’t just a neat trick; it’s a necessity. Utilizing Snap Layouts can transform your desktop into a highly functional workspace. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how it enhances your daily tasks. If you’re interested in more tips and tricks for Windows 11, stay tuned for our upcoming articles.