Top 6 Ways to Fix Snap Layouts Not Working on Windows 11

With Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a bunch of cool features. The Snap layout is just one of those features that debuted with Windows 11. It lets you work more efficiently by letting you organize your windows on the desktop. But if you couldn’t take advantage of this feature because it isn’t working, we’re here to help.

If Windows is unable to capture your favorite apps and programs, we have a few troubleshooting tips that might help you resolve the issue. So let’s check them out.

1. Use keyboard shortcuts

If you can’t access the snap layout by hovering your mouse over the magnify icon, you can try using keyboard shortcuts instead. You can press Windows key + Z to quickly display the snap layout options. Alternatively, you can also press the Windows key in combination with one of the arrow keys. This will align the active window in the direction of the arrow key you press.

If Windows does not respond to the keyboard shortcuts mentioned above, you can continue with this guide.

2. Make sure Snap layouts are enabled

Then you need to go through the Settings app on Windows 11 to make sure Instant Layouts are enabled on your PC. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the start menu and click on the gear icon to open the settings. Alternatively, you can also use the Windows key + I shortcut to achieve the same.

2nd step: Go to the System tab and click Multitasking.

Step 3: Turn on the switch next to Snap windows.

Once enabled, you will also need to expand the Snap windows and use the checkboxes to set your preferences.

3. Activate Snap layouts via registry

If enabling instant layouts from the Settings app does not work, you can try using Registry Editor to enable instant layouts.

Before continuing, it is important to know that the Windows registry is an integral part of the Windows operating system. So, follow the steps precisely and create a backup of your registry files first.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. In the Open field, enter regedit and press Enter.

2nd step: Use the address bar at the top to navigate to the next key.

ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced

Step 3: Right-click anywhere in the empty space, navigate to New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it as “EnableSnapAssistFlyout”.

Step 4: Double-click on the newly created DWORD and change its value data to 1. Then click OK.

Exit Registry Editor and restart your PC for the changes to take effect. This should enable Instant Layout on your PC.

4. Ensure application compatibility

Although most of Microsoft’s built-in apps and programs support Instant Layout, some third-party apps may not be compatible by design.

Apps that have their container to manage the size of their windows will not respond to instant layout. Firefox is a good example here. Previously, the instant layout feature did not work on Firefox because it already had its control box. Fortunately, the recent Firefox update fixed the problem.

If your issues with Instant Layout are limited to a few selected apps, those apps may not be compatible.

5. Remove apps with similar functionality

Third party apps like PowerToys, MaxTo, AquaSnap, Divvy and others offer the same window management features as Instant Layout on Windows 11. If you have used any of these apps to manage window layout in windows Previous iterations of Windows, then these apps may conflict with the Instant Layout feature. Therefore, you can try removing these apps to see if that fixes the problem.

6. Update Windows

Check if your computer is running the latest version of Windows 11. Using an older version of Windows can leave your system vulnerable to bugs and problems it contains.

To check for updates on Windows, press Windows key + I to open Settings. Go to the Windows Update tab and click the Check for Updates button on your right.

Download and install any pending updates, which should make Instant Layout work again.

Capture it

Snap layouts have been a welcome addition on Windows 11. It’s one of those features that you can’t get back to once you start using it. Hope the above solutions have brought you back to using instant layouts on Windows.