Understanding Split Screen and Why You'd Want to Close It
Split screen is a feature that divides your device's display into two or more sections, each showing a different app or window at the same time. Think of it like cutting your screen in half—or into thirds or quarters depending on your device. One side might show your email while the other shows a spreadsheet. On tablets, you might see a web browser on the left and a note-taking app on the right.
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This feature exists because multitasking is part of how many people work. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, office workers switch between applications an average of 10 times per hour. Split screen lets you reduce that constant switching. You can compare documents side-by-side, reference information while typing, or monitor communication channels while doing other work.
However, split screen isn't always convenient. Sometimes you need your full screen back. Maybe you're working with an app that performs better without sharing screen real estate. Maybe you accidentally triggered split screen and want to return to normal viewing. Maybe you're simply done multitasking and want to focus on one thing. Whatever the reason, knowing how to close split screen is a basic device skill worth understanding.
The process varies significantly depending on your device type—whether you're using a Windows computer, Mac, iPad, Android tablet, or smartphone. Each operating system handles split screen differently, with different gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and menu options. Understanding your specific device type is the first step toward closing split screen effectively.
Practical takeaway: Before you try to close split screen, identify what device and operating system you're using. This determines which method will work for you.
Closing Split Screen on Windows Computers
Windows has offered split screen capabilities for years, and the process for closing it remains straightforward. When you have two windows arranged side-by-side on Windows 10 or Windows 11, you're essentially just viewing them in a specific arrangement—they're not locked into place.
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The most direct method is to click and drag the dividing line between the two windows. That thin vertical line separating your left and right windows can be grabbed with your mouse cursor. Once you click and hold on that line, drag it all the way to either edge of the screen. If you drag it to the right edge, the right window closes and the left window expands to fill the full screen. If you drag it to the left edge, the left window closes and the right window takes over the full screen. This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Another option involves using keyboard shortcuts. Press the Windows key plus the right arrow key if you want to maximize the window currently on the right side of your screen. Press the Windows key plus the left arrow key to maximize the left window instead. These shortcuts don't just close split screen—they actually maximize whichever window you're focusing on, returning your screen to single-window view.
You can also minimize one of the two windows. Right-click on the title bar of whichever window you want to remove from view, then select "Minimize" from the menu. The other window will remain visible and can then be maximized to fill the entire screen by double-clicking its title bar or pressing the Windows key plus the up arrow key.
For users with touchscreen Windows devices, you can swipe from the top of the window you want to close and drag it downward. This gesture removes that window from split screen view, leaving the other window to expand across the full display.
Practical takeaway: On Windows, the easiest method is dragging the center divider line to either screen edge, or using Windows key plus arrow keys for keyboard control.
Closing Split Screen on Mac Computers
Mac's approach to split screen, called Split View, operates somewhat differently than Windows. When you enter Split View on a Mac, the two apps become linked in a special way. Closing Split View requires understanding how this linking works and what happens to your windows afterward.
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The primary method to exit Split View is through the green maximize button in the top-left corner of either window. When you're in Split View, this button appears as a small green circle. Click it, and macOS will automatically exit Split View, returning one of the apps to full-screen mode. Usually, this is the app whose window you clicked the button on. If you want the other app to take full screen instead, click that app's green maximize button.
Another approach involves moving your cursor to the top of your screen to reveal the menu bar, then clicking the yellow minimize button on either app window. This removes that app from Split View and places it in a normal, resizable window state. You can then drag that window around or resize it as you would any standard Mac window.
For trackpad users, you can perform a three-finger upswipe gesture to reveal Mission Control, which shows all your open windows and spaces. From this view, you can click on a window to bring it to full screen, automatically exiting Split View. This method gives you a visual overview of everything currently open on your Mac.
On newer Macs with keyboard access, you can press the F3 key (or fn + F3 if your F keys are configured differently) to open Mission Control. From there, you can select a single app to return to normal viewing.
It's worth noting that exiting Split View doesn't close your apps—both applications remain open and running. If you want to fully close an app after exiting Split View, use Command+Q or right-click the app icon in the dock and select "Quit."
Practical takeaway: On Mac, click the green maximize button in the top-left corner of your Split View windows, or use Mission Control to return to single-window viewing.
Closing Split Screen on iPad and Tablets
iPads and other tablets handle split screen differently because of their touch-based interface and smaller screen size compared to desktop computers. Apple's iPad has offered Split View since 2015, and the gestures for managing it are worth knowing if you use a tablet for work.
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The most intuitive method on iPad is to use the divider between your two apps. Look for the vertical line separating the left and right sides of your screen. Drag this divider all the way to either the left or right edge of the screen. When you drag it to the left edge completely, the left app closes and the right app fills the full screen. When you drag it to the right edge, the right app closes and the left app expands. This single gesture is the most common way iPad users exit split screen.
If you can't clearly see the divider, it's often because your apps are using most of the available space. In this case, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the dock, then tap on one of the apps shown to bring it to full screen. Alternatively, you can use four fingers to swipe left or right across the screen to navigate between your full-screen apps and exit split view entirely.
Another method involves the iPad's app switcher. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause (don't complete the gesture) to reveal the app switcher. You'll see thumbnails of your open apps. Tap on one of the apps that's currently in split view, and it will automatically expand to full screen. This removes the other app from view.
For iPad users running iPadOS 13 or later, you can also access Slide Over—a lighter multitasking mode where one app appears as a smaller panel on top of another. If you're in this mode and want to return to full screen, simply swipe the smaller app window to the right edge of the screen, and it will slide off the display.
On Android tablets, the process varies by manufacturer. Samsung tablets, for instance, have a dedicated multitasking button or gesture. You can usually access split screen settings through your recent apps menu. Look for apps with an icon showing two rectangles side-by-side, then tap to close or minimize one of the apps. Some Android tablets also allow you to drag the divider to close split screen, similar to iPad.
Practical takeaway: On tablets, drag the app divider to the screen edge, or swipe up to access the app switcher and tap a full-screen app to exit split view.
Closing Split Screen on Smartphones
Most smartphones don't offer traditional split screen like tablets and computers do, but certain models and situations can create split-screen