Before you split the laptop screen
A little preparation makes the layout easier to build and keeps the two windows useful once they are side by side.
Open the two windows
Open the apps, documents or browser windows you want to see together. Keep both windows on the same desktop or workspace where the operating system requires it.
Choose the important window
Click the window you want to place first. This is the window that will move when you use a keyboard shortcut or the window's maximise control.
Check the display size
Small laptop screens may make two detailed windows feel cramped. Reduce unnecessary panels or use a larger external display when the task needs more room.
Keyboard shortcut examples
These labelled keycaps show common split-screen controls. Arrow and bracket keys may look different on compact or international keyboards, so use the mouse route if a shortcut is not available.
Shortcut reminder These keycaps are visual examples of the keys to press together. Hold the first key or keys, tap the final key, then release the combination.
How to split screen on a Windows laptop
Windows calls its window-arranging feature Snap. You can use the keyboard, drag a window to an edge or choose a Snap layout where available.
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Open the first window
Open the app or browser window you want to place, then click its title bar so it is active.
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Use the Windows plus arrow shortcut
Press and hold Win, then press ← or → to snap the active window to the left or right half of the display. Choose a second window from the Snap Assist suggestions.
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Drag a window to the edge
Click and hold the title bar, drag the window to the left or right edge until the highlighted area appears, then release it. Select another open window to fill the remaining space.
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Try Snap layouts on Windows 11
Move the pointer over the maximise button in the top-right corner of a window, then choose a layout. You can also press Win Z to open the Snap layout choices on supported Windows 11 installations.
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Resize or restore the windows
Drag the boundary between the two windows to give one side more space. To return a window to its previous size, use its maximise button or drag it away from the edge.
If Snap is not working Open Settings > System > Multitasking and check that Snap windows is switched on. The available layout choices can vary between Windows versions.
How to split screen on a MacBook
macOS uses Split View to place two supported app windows side by side in a full-screen space. The green window button is the main route, with keyboard tiling shortcuts available on current versions of macOS.
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Open both apps
Open the two apps you want to view together. Keep the first app active and move the pointer to its green window button in the top-left corner.
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Place the first app on one side
Hold the pointer over the green button, choose Full Screen and then select Left of Screen or Right of Screen.
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Select the second app
Click the second app from the windows shown on the other side. It will fill the remaining half of the Split View space.
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Adjust or leave Split View
Drag the separator bar left or right to change the proportions. Move the pointer to the green button and choose Exit Full Screen when you want to leave Split View.
Move one window left
On supported macOS versions, press Fn Ctrl ← to tile the active window on the left.
Move one window right
Press Fn Ctrl → to tile the active window on the right where the shortcut is available.
Use the mouse instead
Hover over the green button and choose the left or right Split View option if the keyboard shortcut is not available on your MacBook.
How to split screen on a Chromebook
ChromeOS can snap windows by dragging the title bar, choosing a layout from the maximise control or pressing a keyboard shortcut. The options shown can vary by Chromebook model and ChromeOS version.
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Open the windows you need
Open the two apps or browser windows and keep them on the same desk and display.
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Drag the first window to one side
Select and hold the title bar, drag the window to the left or right edge until the side highlights, then release it. Choose a second window from the suggestions.
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Use the maximise menu
Hover over the maximise or restore control and choose the Split layout. Select the second window to fill the remaining side.
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Use the bracket shortcut
Press Alt [ to snap the active window left, or Alt ] to snap it right.
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Change the window sizes
Move the pointer to the centre edge and drag the separator to expand or reduce a side. Select the maximise control to return a window to full size.
Chromebook shortcut note Google says the Alt plus bracket shortcuts snap windows but do not trigger the faster split-screen suggestion flow. Dragging or using the layout menu can be more useful when you want to pair a second window straight away.
Make split screen useful for your task
Two windows are most useful when each one has a clear role. A few simple layout choices can make reading, comparing and copying information easier.
Reference and write
Keep a web page, email or brief on one side while writing in a document or message on the other.
Compare two pages
Place two browser windows side by side when checking specifications, instructions or information from separate sources.
Watch and work
Use one side for a video or call and the other for notes. Check the window sizes so controls and important details remain visible.
When two windows are not enough A split laptop display can feel tight for detailed spreadsheets, editing timelines or several reference windows. A larger external display may provide a more comfortable workspace.
Need more room than a split laptop screen?
An ultrawide monitor can provide a broader external canvas for side-by-side windows, timelines, documents and browser tabs. Check your laptop's video output, the monitor's input and the cable or adapter required for the connection.
Split-screen questions, answered
How do I split my laptop screen into two windows?
Open both windows, snap the first one to the left or right side of the display, then select the second window for the remaining space. Windows, macOS and ChromeOS each have their own snap or Split View controls.
What is the Windows shortcut for split screen?
Press and hold the Windows key, then press the left or right arrow key to snap the active window to that side. Choose another window from the suggestions when they appear.
How do I use Split View on a MacBook?
Hover over the green window button, choose Full Screen and select Left of Screen or Right of Screen. Then click the second app to fill the other half.
What is the Chromebook split-screen shortcut?
Press Alt plus the left bracket to snap the active window left, or Alt plus the right bracket to snap it right. You can also drag a window to an edge or choose Split from the maximise menu.
Why will my windows not stay side by side?
Check that the app supports resizing, that snap or tiling is enabled and that both windows are on the same desktop or display. Full-screen apps can also need to be returned to a normal window first.
Can I use split screen with an external monitor?
Often, yes, but the layout and supported resolutions depend on the laptop, monitor, connection and operating system. Check the laptop's video output and the monitor's input requirements before connecting it.