Make Ultrawide Monitor Split Screen [5 Easy Ways] September 2025

You just bought an amazing ultrawide monitor, but now you’re staring at all that screen space wondering how to use it effectively. Good news! You can easily make ultrawide monitor split screen to transform your single display into multiple productive workspaces. Whether you want to divide big monitor into two sections or create even more divisions, this guide shows you exactly how to do it.

In the next few minutes, you’ll learn five proven methods to split your ultrawide screen. You’ll discover built-in Windows features that work instantly, powerful free software options, and even how to connect two computers to one monitor. Plus, I’ll share solutions for common problems that might pop up along the way.

Why Split Your Ultrawide Monitor?

Before jumping into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want to split screen on widescreen monitor in the first place. Ultrawide monitors give you tons of space, but without proper organization, you might find yourself constantly dragging windows around or losing track of important apps.

Splitting your screen helps you:

• Work on documents side by side
• Monitor emails while coding or designing
• Watch videos while taking notes
• Compare spreadsheets without switching tabs
• Keep chat apps visible during meetings

The best part? Once you set up your preferred split layout, you can snap windows into place instantly. No more manual resizing or repositioning every time you open an app.

Method 1: Windows Snap Layouts (Easiest Way)

Windows 11 and Windows 10 have built-in features that make it super easy to split screen on a wide monitor. You don’t need any extra software, and it works right out of the box.

For Windows 11 Users:

Windows 11 introduced Snap Layouts, which are perfect for ultrawide monitors. Here’s how to use them:

1. Hover your mouse over any window’s maximize button (the square in the top-right corner)
2. Wait half a second for the layout options to appear
3. Choose your preferred layout – you’ll see options for 2, 3, or even 4 windows
4. Click where you want the current window to go
5. Select other open windows to fill the remaining spaces

The layouts automatically adjust to your ultrawide monitor’s resolution. On a 34-inch ultrawide, you’ll typically see options that work perfectly with the 21:9 aspect ratio.

For Windows 10 Users:

While Windows 10 doesn’t have the fancy hover menu, you can still learn how to split ultrawide screen using keyboard shortcuts:

1. Click on the window you want to position
2. Press Windows Key + Left Arrow to snap it to the left half
3. Windows will show your other open apps on the right – click one to fill that space
4. For more positions, use Windows Key + Up/Down arrows after snapping

Pro tip: You can resize the split by dragging the border between windows. Windows remembers your preferred sizes for next time.

Method 2: Microsoft PowerToys FancyZones

If Windows’ built-in options feel too basic, PowerToys FancyZones takes things to the next level. This free tool from Microsoft lets you create custom zones perfect for your ultrawide monitor dual screen setup.

Installing PowerToys:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app
2. Search for “Microsoft PowerToys”
3. Click “Get” to install it (it’s completely free)
4. Launch PowerToys from your Start menu

Setting Up FancyZones:

Once PowerToys is running, here’s how to create your perfect layout:

1. Click on “FancyZones” in the left menu
2. Turn on “Enable FancyZones” if it’s not already active
3. Click “Launch layout editor”
4. Choose a template or create a custom layout
5. Adjust the zones by dragging their borders
6. Click “Save & apply”

Now here’s the magic part: Hold Shift while dragging any window, and you’ll see your zones appear. Drop the window into any zone, and it snaps perfectly into place.

FancyZones is especially great because:

• You can create different layouts for different tasks
• Zones can overlap for more flexibility
• It remembers which apps go in which zones
• You can have different layouts on different monitors

Method 3: Picture-by-Picture (PBP) Mode

Want to know if can ultrawide monitors split screen between two different computers? Absolutely! Most modern ultrawide monitors include a feature called Picture-by-Picture (PBP) that lets you display two input sources side by side.

How to Enable PBP:

The exact steps vary by monitor brand, but here’s the general process:

1. Connect both devices to your monitor (one via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, for example)
2. Press the menu button on your monitor
3. Look for “PBP,” “PIP/PBP,” or “Multi-Source” options
4. Select “PBP” or “Picture-by-Picture”
5. Choose which inputs to display
6. Adjust the split ratio if your monitor allows it

Important note: When using PBP, your ultrawide essentially becomes two separate monitors. A 3440×1440 ultrawide typically splits into:

• Left side: 1720×1440
• Right side: 1720×1440

Some monitors let you adjust this ratio. For example, you might want 2560×1440 on one side and 880×1440 on the other.

Making PBP More Useful:

To control both computers with one keyboard and mouse, you have a few options:

1. Software solutions: Programs like Mouse Without Borders (free from Microsoft) let you seamlessly move your cursor between computers
2. Hardware KVM: Some ultrawide monitors have built-in KVM switches
3. USB switching: Use a USB switch to quickly swap your keyboard/mouse between systems

Method 4: Third-Party Software Solutions

Sometimes you need more control than what Windows offers. These powerful tools can transform how you dual screen on wide monitor:

DisplayFusion (Windows)

DisplayFusion is the Swiss Army knife of monitor management. While the pro version costs $29, there’s a 30-day free trial to test it out.

Key features:

• Create unlimited custom layouts
• Set different wallpapers for each “virtual monitor”
• Assign specific apps to specific zones
• Save and quickly switch between layouts
• Add title bar buttons for easy window management

To get started:

1. Download DisplayFusion from their website
2. Install and launch the program
3. Right-click the system tray icon and select “Monitor Configuration”
4. Click on your ultrawide monitor
5. Select “Splits and Padding”
6. Choose a preset or create your own split

BetterSnapTool (Mac)

Mac users, don’t worry – you’re not left out! BetterSnapTool ($3 from the App Store) brings advanced window management to macOS.

How to use it:

1. Install BetterSnapTool from the Mac App Store
2. Open the app and grant it accessibility permissions
3. Create custom snap areas for your ultrawide
4. Drag windows to screen edges or corners to snap them
5. Use keyboard shortcuts for even faster positioning

Built-in Manufacturer Software

Many monitor brands offer their own splitting software:

• LG: OnScreen Control
• Samsung: Easy Setting Box
• Dell: Display Manager
• ASUS: DisplayWidget Center

These tools are free and designed specifically for their monitors. They often include features like:

• Pre-configured layouts optimized for your exact model
• Quick switching between arrangements
• Application-specific settings
• Color and brightness controls for each zone

Method 5: Virtual Monitor Software

Want to make Windows think your single ultrawide is actually multiple monitors? Virtual monitor software creates this illusion, giving you even more flexibility.

UltraView Desktop Manager

This specialized software (around $40) creates true virtual monitors that Windows treats as separate displays. Benefits include:

• Each virtual monitor appears in Windows display settings
• Games can run fullscreen on just one section
• Screen recording software can capture individual “monitors”
• Perfect for streaming setups

Setting Up Virtual Monitors:

1. Install your chosen virtual monitor software
2. Open the configuration tool
3. Define how many virtual monitors you want
4. Set the resolution for each one
5. Apply the settings
6. Arrange them in Windows display settings

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best setup, you might run into some hiccups. Here are solutions to common problems:

Apps Don’t Fit Properly in Split Windows

This happens when applications expect a certain minimum width. To fix it:

• Adjust your split ratio to give more space to problematic apps
• Change the app’s display scaling in its settings
• Use a different split layout with wider zones
• Consider using the app in a floating window instead

Split Screen Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working

If Windows Key + Arrow keys aren’t working:

1. Make sure Snap windows is enabled in Settings > System > Multitasking
2. Check if another program is intercepting these shortcuts
3. Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager
4. Update your graphics drivers

Monitor Won’t Save Split Screen Settings

When your monitor forgets your PBP settings:

• Update your monitor’s firmware (check manufacturer’s website)
• Try a different cable – some features require DisplayPort
• Reset the monitor to factory settings and reconfigure
• Check if eco/power saving mode is interfering

Different Resolutions in Split Mode

If one side looks blurry or stretched:

1. Ensure both inputs are set to the correct resolution
2. Adjust scaling in Windows display settings
3. Check if your monitor has a “1:1 pixel mapping” option
4. Try different PBP ratio settings

Best Practices for Productivity

Now that you know how to split your screen, here are tips to maximize your productivity:

Organize by Task Type

Create different layouts for different activities:

• Work mode: Email (25%), main work area (50%), reference material (25%)
• Research mode: Browser (40%), notes (40%), PDF reader (20%)
• Creative mode: Design software (70%), inspiration/references (30%)

Use Consistent Positioning

Always put the same types of apps in the same positions. Your brain will thank you:

• Communication apps on the right
• Main work in the center
• Reference materials on the left

Keyboard Shortcuts Are Your Friend

Learn these essential shortcuts:

• Windows Key + Arrow keys: Quick snapping
• Windows Key + Tab: See all open windows
• Alt + Tab: Switch between recent windows
• Windows Key + Number: Open pinned taskbar programs

Consider Your Viewing Distance

Ultrawide monitors work best at specific distances:

• 29-30 inch: 2-3 feet away
• 34-35 inch: 2.5-3.5 feet away
• 38+ inch: 3-4 feet away

Sitting too close makes it hard to see the edges without turning your head.

Choosing the Right Method for You

With so many options, how do you pick the best one? Consider these factors:

Choose Windows Snap if you:

• Want something that works immediately
• Don’t need complex layouts
• Prefer not to install extra software

Choose PowerToys FancyZones if you:

• Want custom layouts
• Like having different setups for different tasks
• Don’t mind a bit of initial setup

Choose PBP mode if you:

• Use multiple computers
• Need true hardware separation
• Want to display different input sources

Choose third-party software if you:

• Need advanced features
• Want the most flexibility
• Don’t mind paying for premium features

Choose virtual monitors if you:

• Want Windows to see multiple displays
• Need to run games in fullscreen on part of your monitor
• Use streaming or recording software

Future-Proofing Your Setup

As you get comfortable with split screen setups, keep these trends in mind:

Windows 12 and Beyond

Microsoft continues improving window management. Future updates will likely bring:

• More snap layout options
• Better memory of your preferences
• AI-powered window arrangement suggestions

Monitor Technology

Newer ultrawide monitors are adding:

• Built-in KVM switches
• Better PBP options with custom ratios
• Improved software integration
• Higher resolutions that benefit from splitting

Workflow Integration

Look for tools that:

• Sync your layouts across devices
• Integrate with your favorite apps
• Offer cloud backup of your settings
• Support automation and scripting

Quick Reference Guide

Here’s a summary of everything we’ve covered:

Windows Built-in:

• Windows 11: Hover over the maximize button
• Windows 10: Windows Key + Arrow keys
• Free and works instantly

PowerToys FancyZones:

• Custom layouts with zones
• Hold Shift while dragging
• Free from Microsoft Store

Picture-by-Picture:

• Use monitor’s menu button
• Connects two different devices
• Check your monitor’s manual

Third-Party Software:

• DisplayFusion (Windows): $29
• BetterSnapTool (Mac): $3
• Manufacturer software: Free

Virtual Monitors:

• Makes one monitor appear as multiple
• Great for streaming/recording
• Usually costs $30-50

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Learning to make ultrawide monitor split screen transforms your massive display from an overwhelming canvas into an organized, productive workspace. Whether you choose simple Windows tools or advanced software solutions, the key is finding what works for your workflow.

Start with the built-in Windows Snap features to get a feel for split screen working. Once you understand what layouts help you most, explore more advanced options like PowerToys or DisplayFusion. And if you’re connecting multiple devices, definitely try out your monitor’s PBP mode.

Remember, the best split screen setup is the one you’ll actually use. Don’t overthink it – pick a method, set it up, and give yourself a week to adjust. Your productivity will thank you, and you’ll wonder how you ever worked with just one window at a time.