When working on your computer, it can be useful to have multiple documents or applications open at the same time.
If you split the screen in Microsoft Windows, you can achieve this on one monitor.
You can also extend the screen if you have several monitors.
The instructions below will teach you how to turn both techniques on and off.
Create a split screen on one monitor
Follow the steps below to split the screen among one monitor, allowing you to view two program windows side by side.
- Hold down the Windows key.
- Use the left or right arrow keys to go left or right.
The active application window appears on the left side of the split screen when you press the left arrow key.
It appears on the right side of the split screen if you use the right arrow key.
To exit split-screen mode, click the magnifying glass icon in the upper-right corner of the window to enlarge one of the application windows.
You can use multiple monitors to expand the screen
You can extend your display to multiple monitors if you have more than one connected to your computer.
This feature, known as extended view, allows you to view two or more program windows at the same time, one per monitor.
To enable Extended View, select your version of Windows below and follow the instructions.
Windows 11
- Right-click an empty spot on the Windows desktop and select Display Settings.
- Click the drop-down menu next to the Identify button above the Multiple Views option on the right side of the Display Settings box.
- Select Expand these views from the drop-down menu.
To turn on the expanded view, press the Windows key + P, and then select the Expand option.
If you select Duplicate these displays in step 3 above, each monitor will display an identical screen.
Dual displays are great for showing others what you’re looking at on your computer screen while giving a presentation and connecting your computer to a projector.
Depending on which monitor you want to use, select one of the Show on options in step 3 above to turn off the extended display.
You can also press the Windows + P keys and select only the computer screen to display the screen on the primary monitor or only the second screen to display the screen on the secondary monitor.
Windows 8 I 10
- Right-click an empty spot on the Windows desktop and select Display Settings.
Scroll down to the section under Multiple Views.
Select Expand these views from the drop-down menu below the More Views option. - To turn on the expanded view, press the Windows key + P, and then select the Expand option.
If you select Duplicate these screens in step 2 above, each of your monitors will display an identical screen.
Dual displays can be helpful when you’re giving a presentation and connecting your computer to a projector to show people what you’re seeing on your computer monitor.
Depending on which monitor you want to use, select one of the Show on options in step 2 above to turn off the extended display.
You can also press the Windows + P keys and select only the computer screen to display the screen on the primary monitor or only the second screen to display the screen on the secondary monitor.