How To Use The New Snap Groups In Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a host of new features aimed at enhancing multitasking and productivity, and one of the standout features is Snap Groups. Building on the foundation of the Snap Assist feature from previous versions of Windows, Snap Groups allows users to organize and manage multiple windows and applications in a more efficient way. By using Snap Groups, you can quickly snap windows into predefined layouts, group them together, and switch between groups seamlessly—boosting both workflow and organization.

In this guide, we will explain what Snap Groups are, how to use them, and how to make the most out of this powerful multitasking feature in Windows 11.

 What Are Snap Groups?

Snap Groups are an enhancement to Windows' existing Snap Assist feature, allowing you to create and recall layouts of apps that are snapped into specific positions on your screen. With Snap Groups, you can:

1.Snap multiple apps into a customizable grid layout.

2.Group apps together into a snap layout and switch between different groups with ease.

3.Keep your workflow organized by recalling Snap Groups whenever needed.

Snap Groups are particularly useful for users who need to juggle multiple applications at once, such as developers, designers, or office workers who often work with spreadsheets, browsers, and other software simultaneously.

Key Benefits of Using Snap Groups

Before we get into the details, let's look at the key benefits of Snap Groups in Windows 11:

1. Efficient Multitasking: Snap Groups allow users to quickly organize apps into layouts that suit their workflow.

2. Seamless App Grouping: Windows remembers the Snap Groups you’ve created, allowing you to return to your organized workspaces whenever needed.

3. Flexible Layouts: The new snap layouts are customizable, with multiple grid options to choose from depending on your screen size and task at hand.

4. Increased Productivity: By keeping apps organized in Snap Groups, you reduce the need to constantly resize and move windows, saving time and effort.

How to Use Snap Groups in Windows 11

Step 1: Enable Snap Assist

Before you start using Snap Groups, you need to ensure that Snap Assist is enabled. Snap Assist is the underlying feature that powers Snap Groups, and it must be active for you to take advantage of this functionality.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start Menu and go to Settings.

2. Navigate to Multitasking Settings: In the Settings window, select System, then click Multitasking from the list on the left.

3. Enable Snap Windows: In the Multitasking section, toggle the switch under Snap Windows to On. This ensures Snap Assist is active.

You can also adjust additional snap settings, such as whether you want Windows to show snap layouts when you hover over the maximize button or if you want Windows to automatically resize windows when they’re snapped together.

Step 2: Use Snap Layouts

Snap Groups are built around the new Snap Layouts feature in Windows 11, which allows you to snap windows into predefined grid patterns.

1. Hover Over the Maximize Button: Open any application and hover your mouse pointer over the maximize button (the square icon in the upper-right corner of the window).

2. Choose a Snap Layout: A small panel will appear with several layout options. These layouts include different configurations, such as side-by-side windows, four quadrants, or a large window with smaller ones stacked on the side.

3. Select a Layout: Choose one of the layouts that fits your task. Windows will automatically snap the app into the chosen layout.

4. Snap Additional Windows: After snapping the first window, Snap Assist will prompt you to choose additional apps to fill the other parts of the layout. Click on any open app from the available list or use the desktop to open another app.

Step 3: Create a Snap Group

Once you’ve snapped multiple windows into place using Snap Layouts, Windows 11 automatically creates a Snap Group. This group keeps track of the apps and their positions in the snap layout.

1. Switch Between Apps and Snap Groups: When you have a Snap Group open, it will be visible as a group in the taskbar. Hover over the taskbar icon of any app in the group, and you will see a thumbnail of the Snap Group.

2. Restore a Snap Group: If you switch away from the Snap Group by opening a new app or minimizing it, you can easily restore the entire group by clicking the thumbnail preview that appears when you hover over the app’s icon on the taskbar.

3. Switch Between Different Groups: If you have multiple Snap Groups set up, you can easily switch between them by selecting the respective app’s taskbar icon and clicking on the thumbnail preview of the desired group.

This functionality ensures that you can instantly recall your organized workspace without having to re-snap or rearrange windows manually.

Step 4: Using Snap Groups with Multiple Displays

Windows 11’s Snap Groups work seamlessly across multiple monitors, making them particularly useful for users with extended desktop setups.

1. Snap Across Multiple Displays: You can create Snap Groups that span multiple displays. For example, you can snap some windows to your main monitor and others to a secondary display, forming a Snap Group that covers both screens.

2. Restore Snap Groups When Reconnecting Displays: If you disconnect and reconnect an external display, Windows 11 will remember the Snap Groups and their layout, restoring them to their previous configuration when the display is reconnected.

 Step 5: Customize Snap Settings

You can fine-tune your Snap experience by adjusting additional settings in the Multitasking menu.

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings and navigate to System > Multitasking.

2. Adjust Snap Settings: Under Snap Windows, you’ll find several options you can customize:

•    Snap Layouts: Enable or disable showing snap layouts when hovering over the maximize button.
•  Resize Windows Together: Enable this to have all windows in a Snap Group resize proportionally when you resize one window.
•    Automatically Adjust Layouts: You can also choose whether Snap Assist automatically adjusts layouts when new apps are opened or closed within a group.

Step 6: Maximize Productivity with Snap Groups

Snap Groups are most effective when tailored to specific tasks or workflows. Here are some tips for making the most out of Snap Groups:

1.For Research and Writing: Snap your web browser into one half of the screen and a word processor in the other half. You can also create a layout with a large browser window and smaller note-taking or reference apps on the side.

2.For Development: Developers can use Snap Groups to snap their code editor, terminal, and browser (for testing) into a layout that keeps everything within view.

3.For Meetings: During video conferences, create a Snap Group that places the meeting window, notes, and any relevant documents side-by-side to avoid constant window switching.

 Advanced Tips for Using Snap Groups

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Snap layouts can be accessed using keyboard shortcuts to make the process even faster. For example, press Windows + Left Arrow or Windows + Right Arrow to snap a window to the side of the screen, and then select a companion app.

2. Task View Integration: Windows 11’s Task View integrates with Snap Groups, allowing you to manage different groups as separate virtual desktops. This is especially helpful if you want to switch between entirely different workflows.

3. Pin Snap Groups: To keep a Snap Group readily accessible, you can pin its applications to the taskbar. This allows you to quickly launch and restore Snap Groups by clicking the pinned app.

Conclusion

Snap Groups in Windows 11 represent a powerful and intuitive way to manage multiple applications and improve multitasking. Whether you're working on complex projects or simply trying to stay organized, Snap Groups allow you to arrange windows in custom layouts and easily switch between tasks without losing track of your open applications. By understanding how to use Snap Layouts and Snap Groups effectively, you can enhance your productivity and make the most of the modern multitasking capabilities that Windows 11 offers.