Get more done with multitasking in Windows (2024)

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.

Get more done with multitasking in Windows (1)

Multiple desktops are great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized, or for quickly switching desktops before a meeting. To create multiple desktops:

  1. On the taskbar, select theTask viewicon, then selectNew desktop.

  2. Open the apps you want to use on that desktop and then when you want to switch to a different desktop,selectTask viewagain.

Get more done with multitasking in Windows (2)

You can also choose different backgrounds for each desktop. To change a background:

  1. On the taskbar, select theTask viewicon.

  2. Right-click on the desktop you want to change.

  3. SelectChoose background.

  4. Select a picture.

    Note:If you choose a solid color or a slideshow, your desktops will all be the same.

Get more done with multitasking in Windows (3)

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.

  • 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. Then choose another app and it'll automatically snap into place.

  • Create different desktops for home and work by selecting New desktop , and then opening the apps you want to use.

Get more done with multitasking in Windows (2024)
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