Windows 11’s split screen feature is kinda nice for multitasking, but honestly, it can get annoying if you prefer a clean, single window layout. If you’ve been stuck with split screens and wanna get back to your usual full-screen apps, here’s what worked on different setups — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
How to Stop Split Screen on Windows 11
Getting rid of split screens is pretty straightforward once you know where to look. Follow these steps—I’ve seen it work, sometimes you just gotta keep trying a couple of things.
Method 1: Drag Application Windows Back
This is the easiest. Simply click and hold the title bar of the app you want to make full-screen, then drag it away from the split section—like, towards the middle of the screen or to the top. On some setups, dragging windows back to full-screen instantly undoes the split. Sometimes it doesn’t work right away, maybe because of a quick glitch, so just try again or restart the app if needed.
Why it helps: because dragging resets the window position, which can automatically cancel the split layout. When you drag a window away from the snapped area, Windows usually recognizes you wanna maximize it.
When it applies: if windows are already snapped or split, and you want them full-screen without fuss.
What to expect: the app expands to fill the window, and the split view disappears. Easy peasy, but don’t expect it to always work the first try.
Method 2: Turn Off Snap Layouts in Settings
This is the control panel route. Head over to Settings > System > Multitasking. Look for the toggle labeled Snap windows. Turning this off completely disables the auto-snap feature, so Windows won’t automatically split your screens anymore.
Why it helps: because if you find split screens happening a lot or automatically, disabling this toggle stops Windows from doing it in the first place.
When it applies: after you’ve gotten annoyed with split screens popping up without warning or if you just hate the idea of Windows snapping your apps around.
What to expect: no more automatic snapping. You can still manually snap windows if you want, but no more auto-splitting.
Note: on some machines, toggling this off might require a reboot or sign-out to fully take effect. Keep that in mind if it’s not working right away.
Method 3: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Maximize
Hit the Windows key + Up Arrow. Bam! Your current window will maximize to fill the screen instantly. It’s super handy, especially if your mouse is elsewhere or you’re in a rush.
Why it helps: quick way to get back to full screen without fiddling with menus or dragging windows.
When it applies: if your window is already snapped or split, and you want to quickly bring it full-screen without fuss.
What to expect: your app expands completely. Sometimes Windows doesn’t register right away if you’re in some weird multitasking state, so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work on the first try.
Method 4: Close Extra Windows
Sometimes, the split view holds because those apps are still open. Just close one of the apps by clicking the X on the window. Once one of the apps closes, the other automatically expands to full-screen — hellyah!
Why it helps: it’s a quick workaround when you’ve got an unwanted split display, and it automatically reverts to full-screen for the remaining app.
When it applies: if the split screen is stubborn and dragging doesn’t work, closing an app might be the fastest fix.
What to expect: the remaining window shifts to full-screen, usually without fuss.
Method 5: Check App-Specific Settings
Some apps have their own built-in split or multi-view modes—especially productivity tools like Teams or split-screen browsers. Dive into the app’s settings or preferences. Look for options related to layout, display, or split view and turn them off.
Why it helps: because even if Windows isn’t snapping windows, an app might be forcing its own split mode. Fix this locally.
When it applies: if you’ve turned off Windows snap features but still see split views within specific apps.
What to expect: the app will open as a regular, full-window app, and you can avoid accidental split views in the future.
One thing to keep in mind, some folks said that after toggling settings, a quick reboot or sign-out helps lock in the changes. Not sure why it works, but it’s a common trick.
Tips for Stopping Split Screen on Windows 11
- Check for updates: your Windows might need a patch. Sometimes bugs cause unexpected split screen behavior.
- Customize snap layouts: try fiddling with Settings > System > Multitasking, and tweak the options rather than turning everything off completely.
- Practice shortcuts: memorize Win + Up or Win + Down to easily maximize or minimize windows on the fly.
- Explore virtual desktops: if split screens bug you, virtual desktops are a decent escape hatch — Settings > System > Multitasking > Virtual Desktops.
- Use Task View: to manage apps quickly, tap the Task View button or hit Win + Tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my windows from snapping?
Just head to Settings > System > Multitasking and disable Snap windows. Easy.
Can I customize the snap feature instead of turning it all off?
Yeah, you can tweak it in the same menu. Adjust options like Snap Assist, Automatically arrange windows, or set specific snap zones if you want some control without full auto-splitting.
Will turning off snap layouts affect other features?
Nope, it mainly stops Windows from automatically snapping or arranging windows. Your manual snap commands will still work if you want to manually arrange stuff.
Are there shortcuts to manage split screens?
Definitely. Win + Left/Right Arrow snaps windows to sides, Win + Up maximizes, and so on. Once you’re used to them, managing multiple apps gets way easier.
How do I go back to split screen after turning it off?
Just toggle Snap windows back on in Settings > System > Multitasking. Then, you can manually snap windows using the Snap Assist gestures or mouse drag.
Summary of Steps
- Drag windows back to full screen or away from snap zones.
- Disable Snap windows in Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Use Win + Up Arrow shortcut for quick full-screen app.
- Close extra apps if they’re causing the split.
- Check app-specific settings if needed.
Conclusion
Split screen on Windows 11 — useful for multitasking, but can be a real pain if it’s not what you want. Luckily, the controls are pretty simple once you know where to look. Drag, toggle, or shortcut your way out, and your desktop stays tidy. Sometimes Windows just likes to keep things complicated, but with these steps, hope’s not lost.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Just keep in mind, sometimes a quick reboot or sign-out helps settle things down. Good luck fiddling with your workspace!