By
Delia
/ Last update
December 10, 2024
Multitasking can be a challenge if you need to have multiple applications open at the same time. In Windows 11, Microsoft introduced features like Snap layout and Alt + Tab shortcuts that make it easy to organize windows on your desktop. In the upcoming Sun Valley 2, Windows 11 will offer even better multitasking capabilities.
Further optimization of Snap layouts
Snap layouts were already available in previous versions of Windows, but in Windows 11 Microsoft has broken them down and optimized them even further. With Snap layouts, you can create a Snap layout by opening multiple programs, then pull one program to the front and move it to the right or left side of the screen to Snap it with other open windows.
You can run applications side-by-side, change the size of a window, or hover over the maximize button to access existing Snap layouts, including one that groups windows into a quadrilateral grid. Microsoft is experimenting with a new way to snap windows into Snap layouts, which also supports mouse and touch like other Snap features.
With this new feature, you can create Snap windows by dragging a window to the top of the screen. As you can see in the screenshot above, when you drag a window to the top of the desktop or screen, a new "area" pop-up window appears and you need to place the window in the defined area to create a layout. You can use Windows 11's Snap Assist feature to continue with the layout setup.
New visual and screen Improvements
In addition to new areas for Snap layouts, Windows 11 provides new visuals for Snap layouts and other multitasking features, such as Task View and Taskbar.
In Windows 11 22H2, Alt + Tab and Taskbar Preview will include the desktop wallpaper to make it easier to distinguish groups from other windows. In addition, ALT + TAB also has a new design. After the update, applications within the Alt + Tab screen will appear as windowed.
Microsoft is testing these multitasking improvements in Windows 11 Build 22557, and they will be released to consumers as part of the Fall 2022 update.