How To Switch Screens On Windows Using Keyboard?

Methods for Moving a Window Thats Off-Screen in Windows 10

You launch an app or program, but it's running off-screen, and you're not sure how to retrieve it. However, there are several ways to move a window that's off-screen in Windows 10. Some involve using different keys on the keyboard, while others involve adjusting settings in Windows 10.

Find Windows Using Arrow and Shift Keys

This method uses the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard to move off-screen windows. 

1. Launch the program or app (if it’s not opened already).

2. Press the Shift key and right-click the active program or app icon located on the taskbar.

3. Select Move from the pop-up menu.

4. Press the left arrow or right arrow key until the program or app appears on the screen.

Find Windows Using Arrow and Windows Keys

A similar method swaps out the Shift key for the Windows key. It also relies on the snapping feature that snaps windows to the sides of your screen.

This second method moves the missing window to three specific locations: Snapped to the right, to the center, and snapped to the left.

1. Launch the program or app (if it’s not opened already).

2. Select the active app or program icon located on the taskbar to make it the current selection.

3. Long-press the Windows key while pressing either the left arrow or right arrow key.

Find Windows Using Arrow Keys and Mouse

This version doesn’t use the Shift or Windows keys. Instead, the mouse cursor helps bring your lost windows back to the home screen.

1. Launch the program or app (if it’s not opened already).

2. Hover your mouse cursor over the active program or app located on the taskbar until a thumbnail appears.

3. Right-click on the thumbnail and select Move on the menu.

4. Move the mouse cursor—now switched to a four-arrow "move" symbol – to the middle of your screen.

5. Use the left arrow or right arrow key to move the missing window into the viewable area. You can also move your mouse while the missing window "sticks" to your pointer.

6. Press the Enter key.

Change Screen Resolution to Find a Lost Window

Changing your screen resolution can pull lost windows into the main screen. These windows remain stationary on your desktop despite their hidden presence. You basically “zoom the camera” out until the missing windows appear in the frame.

1. Right-click the desktop.

2. Select Display settings on the menu.

3. Select Display in the side paneland choose one of the resolutions in the Advanced scaling settings sectionto temporarily change the resolution until the program or app appears on the screen.

4. Using your mouse, move the program or app to the center of your screen.

5. Change the screen resolution back to its original setting.

Unhide Windows With the Desktop Toggle

This doesn’t require a series of steps. Simply press the Windows key+D. All programs and apps disappear the first time you type this combo. Do it again, and everything—including your missing windows—should reappear.

Use Cascade to Arrange Windows

This feature arranges all windows in a cascade, stacking the title bars like an old-school card catalog.

1. Right-click an empty space on the taskbar.

2. Select Cascade windows.

3. The open windows are rearranged into a cascade, including your missing windows.

How do you switch monitor screens?

Either click on “Display” if present or “Appearance and Themes” then “Display” (if you are in category view). Click the monitor square with a large “2” on it, or choose the display 2 from the Display: drop down. Click the “Use this device as the primary monitor” checkbox.

Video

How do I open multiple desktop windows?

You can move open windows between desktops by opening Task View and then using your mouse to drag and drop from one desktop to another. After you have all your desktops set up, you can switch between them using Task View or by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + the right or left arrow key.

Method 2 Windows Snap

Windows has a nifty feature that lets you snap windows to the left-hand or right-hand side of the screen. If you drag a window to the right or left, it will automatically resize and snap to the side.

To do this using the keyboard, press the Windows Key + the right or left arrow. Make sure to hold down the Windows key while pressing the left and right arrow keys. It’s actually pretty neat and much faster than dragging the window around the screen.

Advertisement

Tags