Need to view two websites at once in Microsoft Edge? The split screen feature lets you see webpages side by side, making it easier to compare information or do multiple tasks without switching tabs. Whether you're on a Windows computer or Mac, this guide shows you how to turn on split screen and use it with simple keyboard shortcuts.
What is Split Screen in Microsoft Edge
Split screen in Microsoft Edge allows users to view and interact with two tabs simultaneously within the same browser window. This feature is ideal for comparing information side-by-side, researching, or simply enhancing multitasking by eliminating the need to switch between tabs constantly.
Why Use Split Screen in Microsoft Edge?
Using split screen in Microsoft Edge can enhance productivity and multitasking capabilities by allowing users to view and interact with multiple web pages simultaneously. Here are some key benefits:
- Efficient multitasking: Work on two separate web pages at the same time, reducing the need to switch between tabs.
- Side-by-side comparison: Compare information from two different web pages easily.
- Seamless research: Quickly reference multiple sources without toggling between tabs.
- Increased productivity: Keep reference materials visible alongside your main work area.
- Collaborative work: View shared content or documents while maintaining access to additional resources.
How to Enable Split Screen in Microsoft Edge
Enabling the split screen option entirely depends on whether a user has the updated Microsoft Edge version or not. Here are the steps to activate split screen in Microsoft Edge (latest) for Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
Launch the Microsoft Edge browser on your desktop.
Step 2: Go to the sidebar on the right side of the Address Bar.
Look for the sidebar on the right side of the address bar.
Step 3: Find and select the Split Screen option
Click on the Split Screen icon in the sidebar. The browser will split into two halves.
Step 4: Choose a Tab for the Split Screen
Open a link or select an existing tab for the right half of the screen.
How to Add Split Screen Button in Microsoft Edge
This is how you can split your Microsoft Edge screen into two visible halves. If you don’t see the ‘Split Screen’ option in the side menu bar, here is what you need to do.
Step 1: Open the 3-dot menu in Microsoft Edge
Click on the three dots (menu icon) located at the right side of the address bar.
Step 2: Choose Settings
You will be redirected to a new tab on the same browser.
Step 3: Go to ‘Appearance’
A new section will appear on the same window. Scroll down to find more options.
Step 4: Visit the “Select Which Buttons to Show on the Toolbar” Section
Find this section to customize the toolbar.
Step 5: Enable the ‘Split Screen’ option
Toggle the Split Screen option to make it visible on the toolbar.
How to Use Split Screen Mode in Microsoft Edge
We have learned how to activate the ‘Split Screen’ option on an updated Microsoft Edge browser installed in Windows 11. Let us find out how to activate this option on a backdated version.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
Start with your browser open.
Step 2: Type “edge://flags/#edge-global-media-controls” on the Address Bar and press enter.
You will enter the experimental mode of the Microsoft Edge browser.
Step 3: Search ‘Split Screen’ in the ‘search flags’ bar.
The Microsoft Edge Split Screen option will appear on the screen.
Step 4: Choose the drop-down menu and Select Enable
Step 5: Select ‘Enable’.
Step 6: Restart the Microsoft Edge browser.
The option will appear in Settings > Appearance section.
Using Split Screen Mode in Microsoft Edge
Now that we have learned how to enable the Split Screen option in Microsoft Edge, here is how you can use it to open and operate two tabs at the same time on the same screen.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge.
Step 2: Select the Split Screen option.
Step 3: Open a new website or select from the tabs already opened.
You can also choose from the ‘frequently visited’ section on the new split-screen section. It fetches the most recently visited websites for ease of operation. Remember, the Split Screen tab will act as two tabs on the same screen.
If you have opened more than two split-screen tabs then it will appear on the tab menu at the top. You can select any of them at your convenience.
To adjust the width of the split screens, hover your cursor right in the middle of the partition of two halves. A drag option will appear. You can hold and drag the vertical bar right or left to adjust the screen size dedicated to each tab.
How to Use Split Screen Tabs Vertically
Here is what you need to do to use tabs on a split screen vertically.
Step 1: Hover the cursor on a split screen tab.
Step 2: Select the 3-dot menu.
Step 3: Select Split Screen Horizontally.
The screen will automatically adjust two chosen tabs and split into two horizontal halves.
How to Close Split Screen Tabs in Microsoft Edge
Step 1: Hover your cursor on the tab you want to close.
A cross sign will appear at the top right corner.
Step 2: Select the cross sign and close a tab.
By doing so, the remaining tab will expand and the split screen mode will automatically turn off. To turn it on, you can press the Split Screen mode again and an empty tab will appear at the right side of your screen.
How to Turn Off Split Screen Mode in Microsoft Edge
To close the current Split Screen mode in Microsoft Edge+, click the option at the right side of the address bar of your browser. The current split-screen tabs will open individually in separate tabs.
If you want to disable the Split Screen mode then follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the 3-dot menu in Microsoft Edge.
You will find this menu icon on the right side of the Address Bar.
Step 2: Choose Settings
You will be redirected to a new tab on the same browser.
Step 3: Visit ‘Appearance’.
A new section will appear on the same window. Scroll down to find more options.
Step 4: Visit the “Select which buttons to show on the toolbar” section.
Step 5: Disable the ‘Split Screen’ option.
Once done, this option will not appear on the top menu bar of your Microsoft Edge+ browser.
How to Turn Off Split Screen Mode in Microsoft Edge
To disable the Split Screen mode permanently:
Step 1: Open the 3-dot Menu
Click on the three dots at the right side of the address bar.
Step 2: Choose Settings
Navigate to the settings tab.
Step 3: Visit ‘Appearance’
Scroll down to the Appearance section.
Step 4: Visit the “Select Which Buttons to Show on the Toolbar” Section
Find this section to customize the toolbar.
Step 5: Disable the ‘Split Screen’ Option
Toggle off the Split Screen button to remove it from your toolbar.
Edge Split Screen Shortcut
Choose the Split Screen option located in the Edge Sidebar or utilize the shortcut key "Ctrl+Shift+2" to split the selected tab into two parts. This feature allows you to divide the content of the tab for enhanced multitasking.
Conclusion
Now you know how to use split screen in Edge to work with two pages at the same time. This feature is perfect when you need to reference documents while writing, check prices across shopping sites, or follow tutorials while practicing. You can adjust the divider to give more space to either page, and even open links from one side in the other panel. For students, it's great for taking notes during online research, and professionals will find it useful for comparing data or reports.
