How to stack windows (Cascade Windows) on Windows 10 & 11

Are you running too many apps and feeling overwhelmed? The Cascade Windows feature will help you organize all your folders and applications into layers, leaving only the title bar visible for quick switching. Below are detailed instructions for each version of Windows.

1. How to stack windows on Windows 10 (Default)

 

On Windows 10, this feature is built directly into the Taskbar.

1. Step 1: Right-click on any empty space on the Taskbar .
2. Step 2: Select Cascade windows . Immediately, the open windows (which are not minimized) will neatly stack on top of each other.

How to undo: If you want to return to the previous position, right-click on the Taskbar and select Undo cascade all windows .

Note: If you don't see this option, check if your device is in Tablet Mode . If it is, turn it off in the Action Center.

2. Solutions for Windows 11

Windows 11 removed the direct "Cascade windows" option, but you have two more powerful alternatives:

Use Snap Layout (Default)

 

1. Hover your mouse over the Zoom In/Zoom Out button (square) in the upper right corner of the window.
2. Choose a suitable layout to divide the screen into 2, 3, or 4 equal parts.

Use the FancyWM app (Advanced)

For a true stacking experience like Windows 10 or even better, you should use FancyWM (Free on the Microsoft Store).

1. Step 1: Install FancyWM from the Microsoft Store.
2. Step 2: Move the cursor to the title bar and select the "Wrap in stack panel" button from the FancyWM floating menu.

Quick shortcut:Windows Press the + Shift+ key combination S.

3. Managing windows across multiple monitors

If you use two or more monitors:

1. Windows will only execute the stacking command on the screen where that window is currently displayed .
2. If the window isn't found after stacking, it may have been moved outside the main screen's display area. Use Altthe + symbol Tabto check again.

Comparison table of sorting methods

Features	Windows 10	Windows 11	Third-party tool (FancyWM)
Cascade	Available (Right-click on Taskbar)	Not available	Yes (Keyboard shortcuts supported)
Snap Layout	Handmade	Automatic, diverse	Advanced customization
Difficulty	Easiest	Easy	Medium

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why are my Cascade Windows commands grayed out? This is usually because you have Tablet Mode enabled or no windows are currently visible (they are hidden in the Taskbar).
2. What keyboard shortcut do you use to quickly switch between stacked windows? You still use the legendary Alt+ key combination Tab.