Organize windows, optimize screen space, and maximize your productivity with just a snap.
Learn three different ways to multitask and use multiple desktops in Windows 11.
Refocus your workflow with Snap Assist
Snap Assist appears after you’ve snapped a windowbut have a lot of available space on your screen. Any other open windowsare displayed in that space as thumbnails.
To use Snap Assist, click the thumbnail of the window you want to open in the empty space on your screen.If you have two windows displayedside-by-side, you can resize both windows simultaneouslyby selecting and dragging the dividing line.Resize the window on one side to the size you want it to be, and then release the mouse button. The other window will resize itself to fit alongside the first oneso you won't have any empty screen space. To learn more, see Snap your windows.
Note:Snap Assist is only available for two app windows at a time on Windows 11 SE. Learn more
Pivot instantly with Snap Groups & Desktop
When working on a specific task, snap two or more open apps or windows to create a snap group. When you want to get back to the snap group later, hover over one of your open apps in the taskbar to find it.
Multiple desktops are great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized, or for quickly switching desktops before a meeting. To create multiple desktops:
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On the taskbar, select theTask viewicon, then selectNew desktop.
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Open the apps you want to use on that desktop and then when you want to switch to a different desktop,selectTask viewagain.
You can also choose different backgrounds for each desktop. To change a background:
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On the taskbar, select theTask viewicon.
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Right-click on the desktop you want to change.
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SelectChoose background.
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Select a picture.
Note:If you choose a solid color or a slideshow, your desktops will all be the same.
Continue right where you left off
If you use external or multiple displays, Windows can remember how you had your apps arranged. So, when you plug your PC back in, everything will be automatically put back into place.
To find the settings for these features, go to Start > Settings >System > Display > Multiple Displays.
Learn three different ways to multitask and use multiple desktops in Windows 10.
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Select the Task View icon on the taskbar, or press Alt-Tab on your keyboard to see apps or switch between them.
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To use two or more apps at a time, grab the top of an app window and drag it to the side. Then choose another app and it'll automatically snap into place.
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Create different desktops for home and work by selecting New desktop , and then opening the apps you want to use.
FAQs
In Windows:
- Drag a window to the top edge to maximize it, or press Win + ↑.
- Drag windows to the side edges for split-screen view, or press Win + ← or Win + →.
- Click-and-drag the bar between two split-screen windows to resize them both.
- Win + ↓ to un-maximize or minimize a window.
- Win + D to hide all windows.
How has multitasking improved in Windows 10 answers? ›
Virtual Desktops: Windows 10 has provided support for virtual desktops. It allows you to run multiple software in separate windows as they would run on separate desktops. This makes multitasking much easier.
Is windows better for multitasking? ›
Windows 11 offers more advanced multitasking capabilities than macOS. The Snap feature allows users to quickly arrange and resize windows on the desktop, while the Virtual Desktops feature lets users create multiple desktops for better organization and productivity.
How to do multi tasking in windows? ›
Select the Task View icon on the taskbar, or press Alt-Tab on your keyboard to see apps or switch between them. To use two or more apps at a time, grab the top of an app window and drag it to the side.
How can I improve on multitasking? ›
We've put together 15 top tips to help you multitask efficiently at work:
- Set yourself realistic goals. ...
- Give yourself enough time to complete your goals. ...
- Write lists. ...
- Prioritise your tasks. ...
- Plan your week day-by-day. ...
- Group tasks together where possible. ...
- Work at a steady pace. ...
- Avoid distractions.
How is multitasking achieved in a computer? ›
Multitasking involves overlapping and interleaving the execution of several programs. This is often achieved by capitalizing on the difference between a computer's rapid processing capacity and the slower rates of its input/output devices.
How do you answer multitasking questions? ›
You can explain that multitasking requires prioritizing, planning, organizing, and focusing on the most important and urgent tasks, while also being flexible and adaptable to changing situations and demands.
What is the secret to successful multitasking? ›
Effective organization and planning are essential for successful multitasking. Create a to-do list or use task management tools to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Plan your day in advance, identifying which tasks can be tackled together and which require undivided attention.
What are the positive effects of multitasking? ›
Benefits of multitasking
Being quicker and more efficient throughout the working day increases our performance and the number of tasks completed. Higher productivity. If the tasks to be done are organised and carried out correctly, the volume of work that can be taken on increases. Better reaction to complex tasks.
Who won the Apple vs. Microsoft lawsuit? ›
How did the court rule in the Apple vs. Microsoft copyright case? In 1992, the court ruled in favor of Microsoft. The court found that most of the GUI elements that Apple claimed were infringed upon were not protected by their copyrights.
AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7 processors are excellent choices, though even a current gen midrange processor like Intel Core i5 will have enough cores to handle the multitasking needs of most users. The hybrid core technology with its P and E cores that Intel now offers is hugely beneficial to multitasking workloads.
Is Windows single tasking or multitasking? ›
MS-WINDOWS is a Single-User Multitasking Operating System.
What type of multitasking does Windows use? ›
The system is designed for preemptive multitasking; it allocates a processor time slice to each thread it executes. The currently executing thread is suspended when its time slice elapses, allowing another thread to run.
What is the key to multitasking? ›
Rule Of Bite-Size. If you absolutely must multitask, only juggle bite-sized tasks that do not require much effort, attention, or focus. Anything complex or more time-consuming should be avoided as it will be virtually impossible for your brain to accommodate so much information at once.
How do I split screens on Windows? ›
Select the window you want to split by the title bar, and then press the keyboard shortcut Windows key + left / right arrow.
How do I overcome multitasking too much? ›
9 tips to stop multitasking immediately
- Don't start your morning by looking at your phone. ...
- Create a list of daily priorities. ...
- Reduce or eliminate outside distractions. ...
- Set a time for distractions. ...
- Be prepared to say no. ...
- Keep work areas clean and organized. ...
- Be sure to unitask during your prime time.
How do I overcome my inability to multitask? ›
Here are six tips to help you enhance your multitasking abilities:
- Create To-Do Lists: Combat a cluttered mind overwhelmed with tasks by crafting a well-organized to-do list. ...
- Prioritize Tasks: ...
- Break Down Tasks: ...
- Use Technology Wisely (e.g., Cirkus): ...
- Practice Time Blocking: ...
- Monitor Your Progress:
How do you recover from multitasking? ›
If you're a multitasker, here are five things you can do to reset your brain, take control of your focus and truly improve productivity.
- Check Yourself, And Know Your Distractions. ...
- Plan Your Day. ...
- Time Yourself. ...
- Learn How To Deep Work. ...
- Retrain Your Brain.
What helps a PC multitask? ›
A processor intended for use with multitasking operating systems may include special hardware to securely support multiple tasks, such as memory protection, and protection rings that ensure the supervisory software cannot be damaged or subverted by user-mode program errors.