IT for Donuts: shortcuts to move windows easily

IT for Donuts: shortcuts to move windows easily

IT for Donuts is our regular weekly feature where we explain a tech term or answer a question about business IT.

This week, learn some Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts that help you move application windows around the screen. These are particularly helpful if you use more than one screen with your computer.

These shortcuts work in Windows 7 and 8.

Move a window to the left or right

If you’re working in a window but want to show another window alongside it, a simple shortcut will ‘tile’ that window to the left or right of your screen.

This means the Window will snap to the left or right of the screen, and resize itself to take up half of the width of your monitor. You can then move another window into the space next to it.

To make your window ‘tile’ in this way, Hold down the Windows key (it’s the key in between Ctrl and Alt on the left side of your keyboard) and tap the left or right arrow keys.

Move windows between monitors

If you have two monitors connected to your computer (like in the image, above), there’s another easy shortcut to move windows between the two monitors.

Hold the Windows and shift keys together, then tap the left or right arrow keys. This will move the window to your left screen or right screen.

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