The Windows + Left Arrow keyboard shortcut is a widely used feature in Windows operating systems, designed to boost productivity through efficient window management. It allows users to snap a window to the left half of the screen, making multitasking and comparing content side-by-side much more convenient.
Whether you’re working on multiple documents, comparing data, or attending a video call while referencing notes, this shortcut is incredibly useful. In this comprehensive guide, weโll explore how the Windows+Left Arrow command works across Microsoft applications, third-party software, potential issues, Mac alternatives, and practical usage tips.
Table of Contents
๐น What Does Windows + Left Arrow Do?
When you press Windows + Left Arrow, the currently active window immediately snaps to the left side of the screen, occupying exactly half of the horizontal display space.
If another window is open, Windows may suggest other open windows for the right side (via Snap Assist), helping you create a split-screen view with just a few keystrokes.
This shortcut is a part of Windows’ Snap feature, introduced in Windows 7 and refined in Windows 10 and 11, to support easier multitasking on a single monitor or across multiple displays.
๐ธ Use of Windows+Left Arrow in Microsoft Applications
Although the shortcut itself is system-wide, it can significantly enhance your workflow within Microsoft apps by allowing you to work with multiple apps or files side-by-side.
๐ Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Snap Word to the left, Excel to the right for referencing or data entry.
- Edit content in PowerPoint while reviewing notes or outlines on the other side.
- Compare two Excel spreadsheets by snapping each to one side.
๐ง Microsoft Outlook
- Snap Outlook on the left and your browser on the right to read and respond to emails while researching.
- Review your calendar or meeting invites while viewing Teams or Skype on the other half.
๐ฌ Microsoft Teams & OneNote
- Keep OneNote open while on a video call in Teams for real-time note-taking.
- Snap Teams chat to one side and a shared document (Word or Excel) to the other.
๐ Microsoft Project, Access, and Power BI
- Snap Power BI dashboards on one side and Excel datasets or source files on the other.
- Review Access queries and results simultaneously by snapping different windows side-by-side.
๐น Use of Windows + Left Arrow in Other Applications
๐ Browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)
- Snap a browser to the left and a document or messaging app to the right for better productivity.
- Easily read articles while taking notes or following tutorials on another app.
๐ Development Tools (VS Code, Visual Studio)
- View code on the left and a terminal or browser preview on the right.
- Debug an application while referencing documentation or Stack Overflow.
๐จ Creative Software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Keep a design reference open in your browser while working in Photoshop.
- Use left/right snapping to monitor files, folders, or asset libraries efficiently.
๐ฎ Gaming or Streaming
- Snap OBS or Discord to one side while keeping chat or browser controls on the other.
- For multitasking gamers, itโs helpful during strategy guides or walkthroughs.
โ ๏ธ FAQs
While Windows + Left Arrow typically works without issue, a few problems might arise:
1. Snap Assist Disabled
- If Snap Assist is disabled, suggested window pairings wonโt appear. To enable:
- Go to Settings > System > Multitasking, and ensure โSnap windowsโ is turned on.
2. App Doesnโt Support Resizing
- Some apps (like certain older games or modal windows) canโt be resized or snapped.
3. Multi-Monitor Glitches
- On setups with multiple monitors, snapping might send windows off-screen or to the wrong display.
4. Keyboard Conflicts
- In rare cases, third-party software may override or block the shortcut.
๐ Mac Equivalent of Windows+Left Arrow
macOS doesnโt have a direct keyboard equivalent but offers similar functionality:
- Hover over the green full-screen button in a window, then choose โTile Window to Left of Screen.โ
- Alternatively, use third-party tools like Rectangle, Magnet, or BetterSnapTool to mimic Windows-style snapping with keyboard shortcuts.
โ Summary Table
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + Left Arrow | Snap active window to the left half of the screen |
| With Snap Assist | Offers suggestions for the right half |
| Paired with Right Arrow | Toggle between sides or return to full screen |
| Mac Alternative | Use macOS โTile Windowโ via green button or apps like Magnet |
๐ Final Thoughts
The Windows+Left Arrow shortcut is one of the easiest ways to increase your on-screen efficiency, especially on larger monitors or ultra-wide displays. It makes comparing content, referencing materials, or multitasking significantly faster.
From document editing to data analysis, virtual meetings to programmingโsnapping your window to the left side of your screen allows you to regain control over workspace clutter and focus on what matters.