How to fix Snap Layouts not working in Windows 11

Snap Layouts make it easy to multitask with multiple programs at once. It is enabled by default for all users and you can change the application window layout by hovering over the Maximize option. However, if Snap Layouts is not working, here are a few methods you can try to fix the problem.

1. Switch Snap Layouts with Shortcuts

An easy way to use Snap Layouts is to use keyboard shortcuts. Press the Win key followed by any arrow key depending on your layout preferences.

For example, press the Win key + Right arrow to split the screen and move the active window to the right. Similarly, use the left, up and down arrow keys for different layouts.

If keyboard shortcuts don't work, check your multitasking settings to make sure it's enabled. While this feature is enabled by default, make sure that Snap Layouts is not disabled in the Settings app.

2. Enable Snap Layout with Registry Editor

If enabling Snap Layouts from the Settings app doesn't work, you can adjust the registry entry associated with File Explorer to force Snap Layouts to be enabled on Windows 11.

Note that modifying the Windows Registry is risky. The article recommends that you create a restore point and create a registry backup before continuing with the steps below.

To enable Snap Layout using the Registry Editor:

1. Press Win + R to open Run.

2. Type regedit and click OK to open Registry Editor.

3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced

4. Next, in the right pane, find the EnableSnapAssistFlyout value. If it doesn't exist, you'll need to create a new value.

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5. To create a new value, right-click the Advanced key (folder) in the left pane. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value .

6. Rename the value to EnableSnapAssistFlyout.

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7. Right click EnableSnapAssistFlyout and select Modify .

8. In the Value data field , enter 1 and click OK to save the changes. This will enable Snap Layouts for your system.

9. Close Registry Editor and restart the computer. After the reboot, Snap Layout should start working again.

3. Check for system and application specific limitations

Sometimes the problem can be caused by a specific app limitation. For example, some applications may not support resizing windows to a layout supported by Windows. Developers can choose to provide a built-in container to resize application windows for optimal experience. To identify the problem, try snapping different application windows to see if the problem is limited to a specific application.

Also, check your system to see if it meets the minimum requirements for installing Windows 11. Although you can install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware, you may not be able to use all features, including Snap Layouts.

4. Check for third-party application conflicts

Some third-party applications like PowerToys allow you to customize the layout of the application window. Using any such application to manage your layouts may conflict with the built-in Snap Layouts feature.

To resolve the issue, disable PowerToys' FancyZone feature and third-party apps like AquaSnap, and continuously check for progress. If the problem fixes itself, you will need to remove the app to fix the problem.

5. Use Third-Party Snap Layouts Alternatives

Fortunately, there are several third-party alternatives to Snap Layouts in Windows 11. One is Microsoft's own PowerToys. It comes with Fancy Zone feature to let you create custom snap layout on Windows 11.

Alternatively, you can use third-party alternatives like AquaSnap, DisplayFusion, and MaxTo to customize your window layout. Some apps are free, while others may require a purchase to work.

Samuel Daniel

Update 24 July 2023