What To Know
- Hover your mouse over the top-right corner of the window and click and drag the resize handle to the left or right side of the screen.
- In the Task View window, click on the thumbnail of the first application you want to use in split screen mode.
- If you want to temporarily maximize one of the windows, simply click on the maximize button in the top-right corner of the window.
The Surface Go, with its compact design and powerful performance, is a fantastic device for productivity. But did you know that you can unlock even greater productivity potential by utilizing its split-screen capabilities? This blog post will guide you through the simple steps of how to do split screen on your Surface Go, allowing you to work seamlessly with multiple applications side-by-side.
The Power of Split Screen on Surface Go
Split screen, also known as multi-window mode, lets you view and interact with two applications simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful when:
- Comparing documents: You can easily compare two documents side-by-side, making it effortless to analyze data, draft responses, or simply cross-reference information.
- Multitasking efficiently: Working on a presentation while researching online becomes a breeze with split screen. You can quickly switch between tasks without the need to minimize and maximize windows.
- Enhanced productivity: Split screen allows you to streamline your workflow by keeping all your essential applications readily accessible, eliminating the need to constantly switch between windows.
Method 1: Using the Windows Snap Feature
The Windows Snap feature is the easiest and most intuitive way to enable split screen on your Surface Go. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the first application: Launch the first application you want to use in split screen mode.
2. Resize the window: Hover your mouse over the top-right corner of the window and click and drag the resize handle to the left or right side of the screen.
3. Snap to the side: As you drag the window, you’ll notice a visual cue indicating the available snap positions. Release the mouse when the window snaps to either the left or right side of the screen.
4. Open the second application: Now, open the second application you want to use in split screen mode.
5. Snap the second window: Similar to the first step, resize the second window and drag it to the remaining half of the screen. The window will automatically snap into place, creating a split screen view.
Method 2: Using the Task View Feature
The Task View feature in Windows 10 provides a more flexible approach to managing multiple windows, including split screen functionality. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Task View: Click the “Task View” button located on the taskbar, usually found next to the “Search” bar.
2. Select the first application: In the Task View window, click on the thumbnail of the first application you want to use in split screen mode.
3. Snap to the side: Drag the selected thumbnail to the left or right side of the screen. The application will snap to the corresponding side.
4. Select the second application: From the Task View window, click on the thumbnail of the second application you want to use.
5. Snap to the remaining side: Drag the second application’s thumbnail to the remaining half of the screen. The two applications will now be displayed in split screen mode.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
For those who prefer a quicker and more efficient way to enable split screen, Windows provides handy keyboard shortcuts:
1. Open the first application
2. Press Windows Key + Left Arrow or Right Arrow: This shortcut will snap the current window to the left or right side of the screen, respectively.
3. Open the second application
4. Press Windows Key + Left Arrow or Right Arrow (again): This will snap the second application to the remaining side of the screen, creating a split screen view.
Adjusting the Split Screen Layout
Once you have your applications in split screen mode, you can adjust the layout to suit your needs.
- Drag the divider: Hover your mouse over the vertical divider between the two windows. The cursor will change to a double-headed arrow. Click and drag the divider to adjust the width of each application window.
- Maximize a window: If you want to temporarily maximize one of the windows, simply click on the maximize button in the top-right corner of the window. To return to the split screen layout, click the minimize button or simply drag the window back to its original position.
Tips for Efficient Split Screen Usage
To maximize your productivity with split screen, here are some tips:
- Use different monitors: If you have a second monitor, you can extend your desktop and enjoy even more screen space for multi-tasking.
- Utilize the “Snap Assist” feature: When you snap one window to the side, Windows will automatically suggest other applications to fill the remaining space. This feature can be particularly helpful for quickly accessing related applications.
- Experiment with different layouts: Try different combinations of applications and window sizes to find the layout that best suits your workflow.
Wrap Up: Empowering Productivity with Split Screen
The split screen feature on your Surface Go is a powerful tool that can revolutionize your productivity. By following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily enable and customize split screen to suit your specific needs. Embrace the power of multi-tasking and unlock the full potential of your Surface Go for enhanced efficiency and productivity.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use split screen with any application on my Surface Go?
A: Yes, the split screen feature works with most applications on your Surface Go. However, some applications may not be fully compatible with split screen and might display issues or limitations.
Q: How do I exit split screen mode?
A: You can exit split screen mode by simply clicking and dragging the window to the desired position on the screen. You can also minimize or close one of the windows to return to a single-window view.
Q: Can I use split screen with multiple monitors?
A: Yes, you can use split screen across multiple monitors. You can snap windows to different sides of each monitor, allowing you to work with even more applications simultaneously.
Q: What are some other useful features for multi-tasking on Surface Go?
A: In addition to split screen, Surface Go offers other features to enhance multi-tasking, such as:
- Taskbar customization: You can customize the taskbar to display frequently used applications and folders for quick access.
- Virtual desktops: Create multiple desktops to organize your applications and files, allowing you to switch between different workspaces effortlessly.
- Windows Ink Workspace: Use the Surface Pen for handwritten notes, sketches, and annotations directly on your screen, seamlessly integrated with your digital workflow.
