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how do i open multiple windows in windows 10

by Andy Nissen
alt_text: Person using Windows 10 with multiple overlapping open applications on desktop.
how do i open multiple windows in windows 10

If you use Windows 10 regularly, you might want to open multiple windows to work more efficiently. Whether you’re comparing documents, browsing different websites, or running various programs at the same time, opening multiple windows can boost your productivity. Thankfully, Windows 10 offers several simple methods to open and manage multiple windows. Here are the most common ways to do it using your mouse, keyboard shortcuts, and the taskbar.

Using the Mouse to Open Multiple Windows

  1. Locate the program or file you want to open from your desktop, start menu, or file explorer.
  2. Double-click the icon or file. Each time you double-click, a new window will pop up.
  3. If you want to open another window of the same application, simply repeat the double-click.
  4. For applications pinned to the taskbar, right-click the icon and select “Open new window” (if available). This option is common in browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Using your mouse is straightforward and perfect for quick actions. Keep in mind that not all programs support opening multiple windows easily, especially some older or specialized software.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Open Multiple Windows

  1. To open a new window of an active application, press Ctrl + N. This shortcut works in many programs like browsers, Word, and Excel.
  2. If you already have a window open, select it by clicking on it or using Alt + Tab.
  3. Once the window is active, use Ctrl + N to open an additional window.
  4. Repeat these steps for as many windows as you need.

Keyboard shortcuts save time and are especially useful when managing multiple applications simultaneously. Note that some programs may have different shortcuts or may not support Ctrl + N for new windows.

Using the Taskbar to Open and Manage Multiple Windows

  1. Open the application or window you want from the taskbar by clicking its icon.
  2. Right-click the program icon on the taskbar.
  3. Choose “New window” from the context menu if the option is available, like in Edge or Chrome.
  4. You can also click once to open the app, then right-click the icon and select “Open a new window” to launch additional ones.

This method keeps your current window open while launching a new one. The taskbar is especially handy if you want quick access and to organize multiple windows side by side.

Additional Tips for Managing Multiple Windows

  • Use Windows Snap Assist: drag a window to the edge of the screen to automatically resize and position it. Repeat for other windows to work side by side.
  • Press Windows key + Tab to view all open windows and choose the one you want to bring to the front.
  • To avoid clutter, close unnecessary windows by clicking the X in the top right corner or pressing Alt + F4.

By mastering these methods, you can easily open and organize multiple windows in Windows 10, making your tasks more efficient. Try combining shortcuts with mouse actions to find the fastest way to work that suits your style.

Managing Multiple Windows Like a Pro in Windows 10

Managing multiple open windows can be challenging without the right tools. Windows 10 offers several features like virtual desktops, window snapping, and task view that make multitasking easier and more organized. Using these tools can help you switch between tasks smoothly and improve your productivity.

  1. Using Window Snap for Quick Arrangement

    2. Windows 10’s Snap feature allows you to instantly organize windows side by side. To use it, click and hold the title bar of a window, then drag it to the edge of your screen. When you see an outline or a light highlight, release the mouse. The window will fill that half of the screen. Repeat with other windows to create split views. You can also press Windows key + Left arrow or Right arrow to snap a window quickly.

  2. Creating Virtual Desktops for Better Organization

    3. Virtual desktops help you separate workspaces for different tasks, like work and personal stuff. To create one, click the Task View button on the taskbar (it looks like a rectangle with two smaller rectangles). Then select New Desktop at the top. You can open different applications in each desktop without cluttering your main workspace. Switch between desktops easily by clicking on them in Task View or pressing Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow.

  3. Using Task View to Manage Your Windows

    4. The Task View feature provides an overview of all open windows and desktops. To activate it, click the Task View button or press Windows key + Tab. Here, you can see thumbnails of your open apps, switch to any, or close windows you no longer need. It’s a great way to find exactly what you’re looking for without hunting through cluttered screens.

  4. Additional Tips for Seamless Multitasking
    • Pin frequently used apps to the taskbar for quick access.
    • Use keyboard shortcuts like Alt + Tab to toggle between open windows rapidly.
    • Adjust snap settings by going to Settings > System > Multitasking to customize how windows snap and behave.

By mastering these Windows 10 features — window snapping, virtual desktops, and task view — you can manage multiple windows efficiently. These tools help reduce clutter, improve focus, and make multitasking feel seamless, whether you’re working on a project or multitasking during your day.

Tips for Organizing Windows for Better Productivity

Having an organized workspace on your computer can significantly boost your productivity. Properly arranging your windows helps you find what you need quickly and reduces distractions. Whether you use Windows or Mac, there are simple tips to optimize your digital workspace for efficiency.

  1. Create Custom Layouts

    Start by designing layouts based on your tasks. For example, if you’re editing a document while researching online, position your document window on one side and your browser on the other. On Windows, you can use the Snap Assist feature by dragging a window to the screen edge, which will automatically resize it. On Mac, use Split View by clicking and holding the green full-screen button. Saving these layouts as snapshots with third-party tools can help you switch between different setups easily.

  2. Group Related Windows

    3. Keep related applications grouped together to reduce clutter. On Windows, you can create virtual desktops for different tasks, such as one for work and another for personal use. Use the Task View button or press Windows + Tab to see and manage desktops. On Mac, Mission Control helps you organize windows into separate spaces. Drag windows into different desktops to keep work, communication apps, and entertainment separate. This way, switching contexts becomes smoother and less chaotic.

  3. Customize Your Workspace

    4. Personalize your desktop for quick access and better organization. Pin frequently used apps to your taskbar or dock. Resize and arrange windows to ensure they are visible and accessible. Consider using window management tools like PowerToys for Windows or Magnet for Mac, which add shortcuts for tiling and snapping windows into specific areas. Also, adjust the resolution and display settings to fit your monitor size, making windows easier to see without constant resizing.

  4. Additional Tips for Better Window Organization
    • Use keyboard shortcuts for fast window management, like Windows + Arrow keys on Windows or Control + Up/Down on Mac.
    • Avoid clutter by closing unused windows and background apps that slow down your system.
    • Regularly review your workspace setup to adapt it to changing tasks or workflows.
Feature Windows Mac
Snap Windows Using Snap Assist (Drag window or Win + Left/Right) Split View (Hold green full-screen button)
Virtual Desktops Task View (Win + Tab) Mission Control (F3 or Control + Up)
Window Management Tools PowerToys, AquaSnap Magnet, BetterSnapTool

Keyboard Shortcuts to Switch and Open Windows Quickly

If you often work with multiple applications or browser tabs, knowing keyboard shortcuts to switch and open windows can save you time and boost your efficiency. These shortcuts help you move smoothly between tasks without reaching for your mouse. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, mastering these key combinations makes your workflow much faster and more seamless.

  1. Switch between open windows of the same application

On Windows, press Alt + Tab. Keep holding Alt and tap Tab repeatedly to cycle through open windows. Release Alt when the desired window is highlighted. On Mac, press Command + Tab. Continue holding Command and tap Tab to browse through open apps. Release when your preferred app appears.

  1. Switch between all open windows or desktops

On Windows, press Windows key + Tab. This opens the Task View, showing all open windows and virtual desktops. Use arrow keys or mouse to select what you want. On Mac, press Control + Up Arrow. This opens Mission Control for managing desktops and windows. From here, click or arrow over to switch to your target.

  1. Open a new window or application quickly

To launch a new application or window, use the search feature. On Windows, press Windows key + S or Windows key + Q to open Search, then type your app name. On Mac, press Command + Space to open Spotlight. Type the application name and hit Enter.

  1. Close a window instantly

On Windows, press Alt + F4 to close the current window. On Mac, press Command + W. These shortcuts close the active window without needing a mouse click. Be careful: if no other windows are open, on Windows, Alt + F4 might shut down your PC.

  1. Open a new tab or window in browsers

In most browsers, press Ctrl + T (Windows) or Command + T (Mac) to open a new tab. Use Ctrl + N (Windows) or Command + N (Mac) to open an entirely new window. These shortcuts make multitasking easier when browsing multiple sites or documents.

Extra Tips

  • Try customizing shortcuts if your operating system allows it, to suit your workflow better.
  • If a shortcut doesn’t work, check your system settings to ensure they are enabled or haven’t been reassigned.
  • Practice these shortcuts regularly to develop muscle memory, making switching tasks second nature.

Using Snap Assist and Other Windows 10 Tools

Windows 10 offers several useful features, like Snap Assist and other built-in tools, to help you organize multiple windows effortlessly. These tools are designed to boost your multitasking efficiency, whether you’re working on several documents, browsing the web, or managing multiple applications. Learning how to use them can save time and reduce the clutter of open windows on your screen.

  1. Using Snap Assist: Snap Assist allows you to quickly arrange windows side by side or in other configurations. To activate it, drag a window to one side of the screen until you see a transparent outline, then release it. Windows will automatically snap the window into place, filling half the screen.
  2. After snapping a window, Snap Assist will display thumbnails of other open windows on the opposite side. You can click any of these to snap that window next to the first one, creating a split-screen view. If you don’t see the window you want, simply click anywhere on the desktop or select from the Task View.
  3. Keyboard Shortcuts for Snap Assist: Use the following shortcuts for faster window management:
    • Windows key + Left arrow: Snap the current window to the left half of the screen.
    • Windows key + Right arrow: Snap it to the right half.
    • Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize or snap to the top half if combined with left or right.
    • Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize or snap to the bottom if already snapped.
  4. Adjusting Snap Settings: To customize Snap Assist, go to

Troubleshooting Window Management Problems

Window management issues in Windows 10, such as unresponsive or misbehaving windows, can be frustrating. These problems can occur for various reasons, from system glitches to display conflicts. Fortunately, there are straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve these issues and regain control of your windows.

  1. Check if the Window is Minimized or Off-Screen

    2. Sometimes, a window appears missing because it is minimized or moved outside the visible screen area. To fix this, right-click the window’s taskbar icon, select Move or Restore. Then, use your arrow keys or mouse to bring the window back to the visible screen area.

  2. Use Task Manager to Force Close or Restart Windows

    3. If a window becomes unresponsive, pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens Task Manager. Locate the problematic application under the Processes tab. Click it, then click End Task. Restart the application to see if the issue persists.

  3. Restart the Windows Explorer Process

    4. Sometimes, Windows Explorer, which manages your desktop and taskbar, stops responding. To restart it, open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart. This often fixes window glitches without needing a full system restart.

  4. Update Windows and Drivers

    5. Outdated system files or graphics drivers can cause window problems. Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Also, update your graphics card driver via the Device Manager or manufacturer’s website.

  5. Adjust Display Settings or Resolution

    6. If windows appear stretched or misplaced, check your display settings. Right-click on the desktop, select Display settings. Try changing the resolution or scaling options to see if this resolves the misalignment issues.

  6. Check for Multiple Monitors or Display Conflicts

    7. Using multiple monitors can sometimes cause windows to open off-screen. Disconnect extra monitors or disable them temporarily via Display settings. Then, move all open windows to the primary display and reconfigure your setup.

  7. Run System File Checker (SFC)

    8. If system files are corrupted, windows may misbehave. Open Command Prompt as administrator, then type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any repair instructions provided.

Following these troubleshooting steps can help you fix common window management problems in Windows 10. For persistent issues, consider restoring your system to a previous restore point or seeking help from Windows support.

Best Practices for Multi-Tasking with Windows

Multi-tasking in Windows 10 is essential for productivity, but it can also strain system resources if not managed properly. To keep your PC running smoothly while juggling multiple applications, follow these expert tips. Proper multi-tasking helps prevent lag, crashes, and data loss, making your workflow more efficient.

  1. Use Virtual Desktops

    Windows 10 allows you to create multiple virtual desktops. This helps organize different tasks or projects without cluttering a single screen. To create a new desktop, press Windows key + Ctrl + D. Switch between desktops with Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow. This way, you can keep work and entertainment separate and switch seamlessly.

  2. Manage Startup Programs

    Having too many applications launching at startup can slow down your system. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Go to the Startup tab and disable programs you don’t need immediately. Keeping only essential apps running reduces system load and improves multitasking responsiveness.

  3. Use Snap Assist

    Windows offers Snap Assist to organize open windows side-by-side. Drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen, or press Windows key + Left/Right arrow. Snap Assist suggests other open windows to fill the remaining space. This is perfect for comparing documents, referencing data, or monitoring multiple apps concurrently.

  4. Monitor System Performance

    Keep an eye on your system’s health with the Task Manager. It shows CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. If you notice high usage, close unnecessary applications or background processes. Regular checks prevent system slowdowns and crashes during multitasking.

  5. Avoid Overloading System Resources

    Running too many heavy apps, like video editing or gaming software, at once can overload your PC. If you experience lag, try to limit open intensive programs. Additionally, consider upgrading RAM or SSD if multitasking is a frequent need. This investment enhances overall system performance and multitasking capability.

  6. Keep Windows Updated

    Regular updates fix bugs and improve system stability, crucial for multitasking. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates periodically. An updated system reduces the risk of crashes when running multiple apps.

  7. Use Multiple Monitors

    If possible, connect additional monitors to expand your workspace. This allows you to run several applications side-by-side without constantly switching windows. For example, you can have your email open on one screen and a document on another, boosting productivity and reducing mistakes.

By following these best practices, you can maximize your productivity in Windows 10 while maintaining system health. Proper organization, management, and awareness of your system’s limits will help you avoid common multitasking pitfalls. Remember to periodically review and optimize your setup for the best multi-tasking experience.

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