Windows comes with several multitasking options which allow users to become more efficient and productive. Microsoft has introduced new features to multitask on Windows 11 specifically to customize the shortcuts. Even if you are using two or more monitors, you can use each of the following multitasking functions on your device. If you are not acquainted with Windows 11/10, here is an extensive listing of settings for Multitasking that you may want to look over. Read our ultimate guide to Multitasking in Windows 11/10.
Ultimate Guide to Multitasking in Windows 11/10
If you would like to run two or more windows side by side, Windows 11/10 can support Multitasking. In this article, we will discuss ideas of how to effectively manage Multitasking, multiple windows, and be more productive in situations in a limited time.
- Snap Assist
- Scroll Inactive Windows
- Show or Hide Opened Windows On All Desktops
- Video Mini Player
- Snap Layouts
- Snap Groups
- Remember Windows Location Based On Monitor Connection
- Virtual Desktops Or Desktops
Let’s learn some Windows 11/10 multitasking tips to make your life easier.
1] Snap Assist
With the Snap Assist feature, it is possible to drag one window entirely to the left (Win + Arrow keys) until you can observe a transparent dock-like thing in which windows can stay. This feature is handy for those who need to glance at one area and then take notes or look at it simultaneously.
Windows 11 offers an inbuilt option for Multitasking available through Settings App and is activated by default. However, If you’d like to alter how Snap Assistant behaves, you can change the settings. Snap up to four windows, and you can adjust their size to make them the perfect fitting.
2] Scroll Inactive Windows
When you work on the second window containing lots of information, you have to scroll. Windows allows you to scroll these windows without switching between them, using the Scroll Inactive Windows feature.
Navigate to the Settings > Bluetooth And Devices > Mouse Settings. You will see the Scroll inactive windows there when you hover them. Please switch it on or enable it. With your mouse, you have to move your mouse to the right spot, then scroll it, and it will be working. The focus will stay in the window you’re looking for, and you will still have access to all information on the second screen.
3] Show or Hide Open Windows On All Desktops
There is the possibility of creating multiple virtual desktops using Windows 11/10. It is an incredible feature for people who don’t own multiple screens. You want to show the browser window on every virtual desktop. You can display or hide open windows on any or all desktop Taskbar.
4] Video Mini Player
Windows 11/10 Movies & TV application comes with the “Mini View” option, available on Windows Media Player. The choice is available near the full-screen button in the app. It is possible to resize them the way they like.
5] Snap Layouts
Window snapping is a popular feature for working on Multitasking on Windows 11/10. Snap layout features allow users to join multiple apps into a grid as you use with Android and iOS devices. With inbuilt snap layouts, you can improve the capability of Windows 11/10. This feature allows users to organize the screens of their computers in a more effective order and reduce the clutter. You can position the mouse over the Maximize/Restore icon in any window to look at the layouts and then arrange windows based on these.
If it’s not activated, you can turn it on through Settings > System > Multitasking > Enable Snap Windows. Select and enable the option to show snap layouts when hovering over the maximize buttons of a window.
On smaller displays, you’ll get four layouts. When your mouse is over the maximize button, you’ll see as many as six layouts if you have got larger screens.
Clicking on any area in each layout and snap your currently open window to the appropriate screen section. Windows will then provide you with additional applications available. You can snap them to different areas of the display. The option that allows or blocks Snap groups is called Show snap layouts of the app when you hover your mouse over taskbar icons. When enabled, and you hover your mouse over the taskbar icon in an app, it will display the snap layout that the app is a component of, along with a preview for the app. This feature allows users to elevate Multitasking to a new level.
6] Snap Groups
Snap groups are also an element to Snap assist. It’s a feature accessible via the Taskbar, which lets you switch between various groups of snap windows while switching between applications. In this way, you won’t need to snap them again to return to your original task.
To observe Snap group members in action, you have to snap windows like you usually do. If you change your focus to another application, it is possible to hover your mouse over the app part of the snap group.
The app’s preview would show another view of the snapped group that you can then choose to go back to the original group of snap windows. This feature lets users divide their screen to see all Windows and applications open on one screen without switching between them.
7] Remember Windows Location Based On Monitor Connection
The new feature of Windows 11 makes it easier to use external monitors. When you disconnect an external monitor, all applications on the secondary display will minimize automatically. All apps will automatically restore their original locations when you connect the monitor.
This feature is on by default. However, you can change your preferences from settings. Settings > Display > Scale & layout > Multiple displays.
8] Virtual Desktops or Desktops
Another great feature of Multitasking in Windows 11/10 is the ability of the Taskbar to display only active applications from the desktop. In addition, you can look at more than you do, but you also run several applications on one screen that it can manage. It helps in keeping the Taskbar tidy and less messy. It also lets you stay clear of all distractions on other desktops. Windows provides Virtual Desktops, where you can design almost any desktop. You can access Taskbar, Start Menu, and more.
To set up the Virtual Desktop, press the Task View button on the Taskbar or press the Windows+Tab keys. It will display the list of running applications and also the option to create a New Desktop with the plus sign in from the bottom right.
If you want to switch between your virtual desktops, use keystrokes Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow keys and Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow keys.
If you prefer, you can set the taskbar display to show every open app on all desktops. There are options in Windows 11/10’s multitasking Settings. You can go there to the system then go to Multitasking. In the drop-down menu next to the On that Taskbar, display all open windows, and choose On all desktops.
The capability to utilize multiple desktops lets you make different areas to separate various tasks like school, work, or gaming. With the new interface, you can arrange your desktops, design, and personalize as many virtual desktops you would like. Each one has a distinct background.
Windows multitasking features are joyful to use. You don’t need any third-party apps on Windows to use multiple windows. Features like Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Virtual Desktops in Windows 11 help multitaskers multitask more efficiently. Combining these features, you can drastically increase your work efficiency. I hope our Guide to Multitasking in Windows 11/10 was easy to follow and understand.
How Can You Split Your Display on Windows?
There are two options to split the screen within Windows. The first is the classic method. Click at the window’s title bar and drag it to either the right or left sides. Secondly, you can use Snap Layouts. In this scenario, you will need to move your mouse above the maximized button and then select the location you wish to put the window.
How to Use the Multitasking Feature on Windows?
The multitasking settings are there inside the Windows Settings panel. To access the Multitasking settings within Windows, you need to navigate Windows Settings. To open this, you need to hit the Windows + I keys to launch Windows Settings and ensure that you are on the System tab. You will see it under the Multitasking option on the right if it is like that.
