Skip to main content

How to use Windows 11 Snap Groups

Windows 11 brings many new features to play with, and one of those is known as Snap Groups.

These are the groups that are saved when you create a layout via the Snap layouts feature in Windows 11. If you’re wondering how that works, then we’ve got you covered with our Windows 11 guide on how to use Snap Groups.

Recommended Videos

Step 1: Create a Snap layout

 

Before jumping into creating a Snap Group, you need to first create a Snap layout to multitask with. You can do this in a few simple steps. To begin, a Snap layout can be created by first opening up all the programs you want to multitask with.

Once you have all the programs open, pull one to the front of the screen, and hover your mouse over the Maximize button (the second from the left on the top-right of your screen.) You’ll then see one of six ways to tile and “snap” your open windows.

You can tile two Windows side by size at an even length, side by side with one side bigger, straight down the middle in a vertical column, straight down the middle with the middle one being bigger, and more. You even can group the windows in a four-square grid.

After hitting the Snap Layout button, just click on one program. Windows will suggest ways for you to tile the other programs in to fill the Snap Layout shortly after. You can then keep working with your open windows now neatly organized.

Note that when you take a screenshot on your PC, the entire Snap layout will be included.

Step 2: Check the taskbar for Snap Groups

The Windows 11 taskbar showing Snap Groups.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Once you create a Snap layout in Windows 11, you can head down to your Taskbar. Hover the mouse over your Taskbar to see the newly created Snap Group. The group should be clearly labeled, and you’ll see a preview of the group in the same layout you just created. You can minimize and get access to the group all at once without having to control each window individually. It also helps keep the bottom of the screen clean by combining your windows.

What to do if you don’t see Snap layouts or Snap Groups

Snap layouts and Snap Groups should be turned on by default in Windows 11. If you’re not seeing the feature, then there is the chance the setting might be disabled. You can re-enable it very easily. Open Windows 11 Settings (use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut), and then click on System. From there, click Multitasking. Make sure the toggle switch for Snap Windows is on. Then, click the Down Arrow next to the switch and make sure all the other boxes are checked. You can now enjoy multitasking in Windows 11 and get the most out of your PC — and your day at work or school!

Want to make Windows 11 look a bit more like the Windows of old? Check out our other guide on how you can move the taskbar.

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Microsoft warns users Windows 10 support ends soon, these are your options
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

Many were hoping that Windows 10 might still get another lease on life, but alas -- that doesn't seem to be the case. Microsoft has just started sending out emails to users who are still running Windows 10, and those emails make it quite clear that the end-of-life (EOL) period of the beloved operating system is coming to an end. Microsoft's advice? Upgrade to Windows 11 ASAP.

Windows Latest received an email from Microsoft, titled: "End of support for Windows -- what you need to know." This message was likely sent out to many more users, and may keep popping into people's mailboxes as Microsoft keeps rolling out the alert.

Read more
Copilot+ PC exclusive settings teased in Windows 11 preview
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

Microsoft is testing out an interesting new aspect within the Settings of the latest Windows 11 preview build that allows users to expand the functions of various applications.

The app settings called "Actions," was hidden in the 26120.3576 build for the Dev Channel. However, enthusiasts uncovered the menu and shared details of its function on various Windows forums, noting the associated apps currently include Photos and Paint. When toggled on, it enables useful tasks that deepen the functions within apps.

Read more
The latest Windows 11 build has a surprising bug — it gets rid of Copilot
Copilot key on the Asus ROG Falchion HFX.

Microsoft has updated the support page for the Windows 11 build it released last week to reveal a rather amusing bug -- it seems to have caused some devices to automatically uninstall the Copilot app and unpin it from the taskbar.

At the time of writing, Microsoft is still working on a resolution to the issue spotted by Windows Latest, recommending affected users reinstall the app and pin it back to the taskbar manually. It looks like the bug can occur on any device if it updates to build KB5053598 from Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, or 22H2, along with Windows 10 22H2 or 21H2.

Read more