Windows 11 makes it easy to split your screen using Snap (half-screen, quarters, and more). A common surprise is that once two apps are snapped side-by-side, they can behave like a “paired” layout: drag the shared divider and both windows resize together. This is often convenient, but not everyone wants it.
Why snapped windows resize together
When you snap two windows into a split layout, Windows 11 often treats them as a Snap group. In many layouts, the center boundary becomes a shared “gutter” so you can quickly allocate more space to one app and less to the other. That behavior is part of the core Snap experience described in Microsoft’s Snap documentation.
If your goal is “keep half-screen snap, but don’t tie the sizes together,” you’re effectively asking Windows to keep the placement automation while removing the shared-resize rule. That’s possible in some configurations, and in others you’ll rely on workarounds.
Quick ways to resize just one window
If you only need this occasionally, start with lightweight habits that don’t require changing system behavior:
- Try holding Ctrl while dragging the divider/edge.
On some Windows 11 setups, holding Ctrl while resizing a snapped window can prevent the adjacent snapped window from resizing at the same time. This is not guaranteed across all versions and apps, but it’s fast to test. - Temporarily “unsnap” one window, resize it, then snap it back.
If you drag one window slightly away from the edge (so it’s no longer part of the snap pair), resize it independently, then re-snap it, you can sometimes get closer to the proportions you want—especially when the exact divider behavior feels too “locked together.” - Use keyboard snapping for structure, then refine size.
Snap a window with Win + Left/Right, then fine-tune its size. Depending on your settings, the fine-tune step may still be “paired,” but keyboard snapping can help you reset quickly.
Some window behaviors depend on the app itself (traditional desktop apps vs. modern apps), your Windows build, and display configuration. A shortcut that works for one person may not reproduce identically on another PC.
The Snap setting that controls “paired resizing”
Windows includes a Snap option that controls whether adjacent snapped windows resize together. You’ll find it in: Settings → System → Multitasking → Snap windows (expand the Snap windows options).
Look for wording similar to: “When I resize a snapped window, simultaneously resize any adjacent snapped window.”
If you can see this option, turning it off is the most direct way to reduce “linked” resizing while keeping Snap available.
For Microsoft’s overview of Snap and snap layouts, see: Snap your windows (Microsoft Support)
Alternative layout control with PowerToys
If Windows’ built-in Snap behavior doesn’t give you the independence you want, a common approach is to use Microsoft PowerToys features that focus on window layouts. Instead of relying only on Snap’s shared divider, you define zones and place windows into them more deliberately.
One relevant feature is FancyZones, which lets you design custom regions (zones) and drop windows into them. Depending on how you configure your layout, this can feel closer to “independent” sizing because you’re placing windows into pre-defined areas rather than dragging a shared boundary. Learn more here: FancyZones (Microsoft Learn)
If your main pain point is “I want my layout to come back the same way,” PowerToys may also help with repeatable workspace setups, depending on your workflow and app compatibility.
Comparison table
| Approach | What it changes | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disable “resize adjacent snapped window” | Stops (or reduces) shared divider behavior in Snap pairs | People who like Snap layouts but want less coupling | Option may be missing or behave differently depending on version/config |
| Hold Ctrl while resizing | Temporary override while dragging | Occasional “just this once” independent resize | Not consistent across all systems/apps |
| Unsnap → resize → resnap | Manual, per-session adjustment | When you need a custom proportion that Snap keeps “fighting” | Extra steps; still influenced by Snap rules on re-snap |
| PowerToys FancyZones | Custom zone-based layout rather than standard Snap grid | Power users who want repeatable, designed window regions | Requires installing/configuring a tool; some apps behave differently |
If the option is missing or doesn’t behave as expected
If you don’t see the “resize adjacent snapped window” toggle (or it seems to do nothing), a few realities can apply:
- Windows builds vary. Some Snap sub-options have changed across Windows 11 releases, and not every PC shows the same set of toggles.
- App behavior varies. Some applications manage their own sizing rules and may not follow the OS behavior perfectly.
- Multi-monitor setups add rules. Window memory, DPI scaling, and monitor reconnection behavior can affect what “should” happen after a resize.
If your goal is simply to learn the intended Snap behavior and what Windows officially supports, reviewing the Microsoft Support Snap guide can help set expectations: Snap your windows (Microsoft Support)
A practical way to decide is to separate “OS-level behavior” from “workflow preference.” If you frequently need independent resizing, a zone-based layout tool can sometimes match that preference better than a shared-divider snap pair.
Key takeaways
Snapped windows resizing together is typically intentional: it’s part of how Snap groups allocate space quickly. If you want more independence, the best path is: (1) check the Snap sub-setting for adjacent resizing, (2) use a quick modifier/workaround when needed, and (3) consider a zone-based layout tool if this is a frequent workflow requirement.
None of these options is universally “right.” The most useful choice depends on how often you adjust layouts, what apps you use, and whether you value speed (Snap) or precision (custom zones).
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