Moving a window to another monitor in Windows 11 is quick and easy using a keyboard shortcut or the mouse. The most efficient method uses a simple key combination.
Quick Methods to Move Windows
Here are the primary ways to move an active window between your connected monitors in Windows 11.
Using the Keyboard Shortcut
This method, confirmed to work for Windows 11 systems, allows for fast repositioning of your active window.
- Press the Shift key, the Windows key, and an arrow key (left or right) together. This combination moves the active app window to the next screen in the direction of the arrow key pressed.
- For example, if you have monitors arranged left-to-right, pressing
Shift + Win + Right Arrowwill move the window from the left monitor to the right monitor. Pressing it again will move it back to the left monitor (or wrap around if you have more than two monitors).
This keyboard shortcut is a quick and easy way to organize your windows and increase productivity, as stated in the provided reference.
Using Your Mouse (Drag and Drop)
Perhaps the most intuitive method is using your mouse to drag the window across monitors.
- Click and hold the title bar of the window you want to move.
- While holding the mouse button, drag the window towards the edge of the screen that faces the other monitor.
- Continue dragging the window across the screen boundary onto the desired monitor.
- Release the mouse button when the window is positioned correctly on the new screen.
Using Snap Assist or Task View (Indirectly)
While not direct 'move to' methods, you can use features like Snap Assist or Task View in conjunction with the mouse to manage windows across screens:
- Snap Assist: Drag a window to the edge or corner of a monitor to activate Snap Assist layouts, which can help you place it precisely on that screen.
- Task View (Win + Tab): View all open windows, then click and drag a window thumbnail from Task View onto the desired monitor if you have it set up to show on multiple screens.
Comparing Methods
| Method | Speed | Ease of Use (Initial) | Precision | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Shortcut | Fast | Moderate (requires memorization) | Medium | Quick switching, Productivity |
| Drag and Drop | Moderate | Easy | High | Precise placement, Casual use |
The keyboard shortcut Shift + Win + Arrow is highly recommended for frequent users needing to quickly shift applications between displays without reaching for the mouse. Drag and drop remains a simple, visual method that most users are familiar with.
Using these methods, you can efficiently manage your workspace across multiple monitors in Windows 11.
