How to enable, disable, and use automatic window resizing and arrangement in Windows 11

When working on a computer, we often have to open several windows at once. Dragging them around, adjusting their size, and arranging them manually can be tedious. Fortunately, Windows 11 has a smart feature that does this for you automatically.

This feature is called automatic window resizing and positioning. Essentially, it monitors your actions. When you drag a window to the edge or corner of the screen, the system suggests convenient layouts for placing it. This helps you quickly organize your workspace without any hassle.

In this article, we will explain in simple terms how to enable or, if it gets in the way, disable this feature. We will also look at how to use it correctly to make working with multiple programs at the same time much more convenient.

Automatically resize and arrange windows on the Windows 11 screen using layouts

Snap layouts multitasking mode Windows 11 is a set of predefined templates (snap layouts) that organize open application windows on the screen based on a template. You will see the feature as soon as you hover your mouse pointer over the button. Expand (Enlarge window).

In addition, the window layout you select can be minimized to the taskbar or expanded as a group.

Snap Assist layouts in Windows 11

There are currently six types of layouts that you can use to group windows on the screen:

• Layout 50:50 two windows of the same size
• Layout 80:20 includes the main and secondary screen windows
• Uniform layout with three columns, requires an HD-compatible laptop/computer screen with a resolution of 1080p (1920 × 1080).
• Layout for three windows 50:25:25
• Layout 25:25:25:25 is convenient for multitasking with four open windows.
• Three-column uneven layout 20:60:20.

The Windows 11 Settings app has a Multitasking settings page where you can configure how the OS behaves when two or more windows are docked.

How to use Snap Layout in Windows 11

The Windows 11 Snap Layout feature is simple and intuitive. There are three ways to dock windows in Windows 11: using the mouse, keyboard shortcuts, and Snap Assist.

1. Using layouts when hovering the mouse pointer over the window enlargement button

Simply hover your mouse pointer over the window deployment button to see the available snap layouts, then select the desired layout to snap the window to the desired part of the screen. You can also call up the snap layout pop-up window using the WIN Z key combination.

Anchor groups: Pin at least two application windows to the screen. Hover your mouse pointer over one of these open applications on the taskbar to find a group of pins, click on it to quickly switch to the selected group.

1. Docking windows using drag and drop

Snapping with the mouse is quite simple in Windows. You just need to hold down the left mouse button on the title bar of any application window and drag it to the corners of the screen. When you release the window, it will snap into the selected position.

You can arrange multiple application windows side by side and resize them according to your preferences. This method is manual and takes a little more time, but it is quite effective for those who want to use more space on their available screens.

1. Binding with key combinations

If you need automatic docking in Windows 11 with windows of the same size, it is better to use the key combinations: Win Up, Down, Left, Right. First, move the focus to the open window, use the key combination, and it will automatically be docked to the selected side of the screen.

In the following example, the registry editor window after pressing the Win←arrow key combination →.. The application window ended up in the left corner, taking up half of the screen.

Another example below shows the Calculator application docked to the right corner of the screen. To do this, the Win key was used together with the left arrow key “right” The other application windows are neatly arranged in a scrollable grid.

Windows 11 has a convenient feature—automatic resizing and positioning of windows: just drag the window to the edge of the screen, and the system will suggest how to position it correctly. You can enable or disable this mode in the settings — just go to System → Task Panes → Window Layouts and activate the desired option. This feature is especially useful if you often work with several programs at the same time — it helps you quickly organize your workspace without unnecessary mouse movements.

How to enable/disable Snap layouts in Windows 11 using the “Settings” application

To disable or enable Snap Layout in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the application “Settings”.

1. Go to the section “System”

1. Select the tab “Multitasking”

1. In the section “Snap windows” move the slider to the position “Off” to turn off the window snap feature or to the position “On” to enable.

If you only want to disable the display of layouts, expand the tab“Snap windows” and uncheck the option “Show snap layouts when hovering over the window maximize button”

As you can see, working with the automatic window arrangement feature in Windows 11 takes just five minutes. You can quickly enable or disable it in the system settings depending on your current tasks.

This feature will be a real lifesaver if you often work with multiple programs at the same time and want to save time on window arrangement. Just drag the window to the edge of the screen, and the system will do everything for you.

Ultimately, try it out and see how convenient this tool is for you personally. If you prefer manual window control, you can always disable it. The main thing is that now you know how easy it is to use this useful tool for comfortable work on your computer.