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A Guide On How To Use The New Snap Layouts And Snap Groups Features In Windows 11
Windows 11 introduces new features, one of which is called Snap Groups, enhancing the existing multitasking functionality of snapping windows in Windows 10. By utilizing the Snap layouts feature, Snap Groups allows you to save window groups in specific layouts. If you need to learn how to use this feature, our Windows 11 guide on Snap Groups can help you.
What are Snap Layouts?
With Snap Layouts, an improved version of Snap Assist, multitasking between more than two applications is now possible. Snap Layouts allow you to open and switch between as many as four applications simultaneously.
For this, Snap Layouts offers you six different layouts to choose from:
- 2 two-window layouts,
- 3 three-window layouts, and
- 1 four-window layout.
You can select from a range of preset options that cater to your preferred number of apps and their respective order to be used simultaneously.
How to Use Snap Layouts?
The Windows 11 multitasking features are user-friendly, and you can begin using them without much hassle. To access Snap Layouts, you have the following convenient options:
1. Press Win + Z inside an app/window or hover the mouse cursor over a window’s maximize button to bring up the Snap Layouts menu.
2. In this menu, you will see different grid layouts, each with several zones in different configurations. Choose a layout from these options based on your requirement and hover over the zone in which you want the active app. This will highlight the zone in blue. Click on it to snap the app into your selected position.
3. The other apps that you have open will be displayed as thumbnails in different zones. You can navigate through them by using the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut. Once you locate the desired app, click on it to move it to the desired zone.
How to Customize Snap Layouts
Microsoft has included a section in the Settings app where users can adjust the entire environment and customize the programme to their needs. However, in its present form, Snap Layouts only allows for a maximum of four applications and does not provide the ability to generate unique layouts depending on individual needs.
To customize the Snap Layouts experience, follow these steps:
1. Head over to the Settings App > System > Multitasking > Snap Windows.
2. Click on the arrow next to the Enable/Disable toggle to see a complete list of options.
3. Check/uncheck the settings you want to use/not use.
What are Snap Groups?
Utilizing Snap Groups is a simple and user-friendly process. To create a Snap Group, all you need to do is make a Snap Layout with at least two apps, and you’re good to go. You can group any apps that are compatible with the layout feature, and there is no need to search for any specific apps.
It is noteworthy that this characteristic has the ability to function with numerous windows of the same application. Moreover, the windows can retain the information regarding the usage of this feature on a distinct monitor, which simplifies the experience for individuals with a multi-monitor configuration.
Presently, the functionality is relatively basic and rudimentary. However, it is plausible that Microsoft may enhance this feature with additional capabilities and a multitude of options, as they continue to receive feedback and user requests.
A Step in the Right Path
Productivity and hybrid workflow seem to be the significant areas of development for both Microsoft and Windows in general, and essential features like Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Virtual Desktops are just the beginning for the future and development of Windows in the right direction. We are already seeing Microsoft testing and emphasizing new features like Tabs in File Explorer, Widgets on desktop, revamped Alt + Tab experience, and much more to come with future releases of Windows.
Conclusion
It may take some time to become familiar with snap layouts, particularly when determining where to place individual apps. However, snap layouts may be a massive time-saver once you understand things.
Having more than two applications open at once may cause your screen to become overcrowded on a smaller device, but it’s still worth testing to find out what works best for you.
Hope you liked our detailed tutorial on Snap Layouts And Snap Groups Features In Windows 11 for PC, laptop, desktop, surface pro devices.
