Windows 7 Window Management: Tile & Cascade - Stupid Geek Tricks

Tiling and Cascading Multiple Windows in Windows

Managing numerous open windows can be cumbersome. Minimizing and then re-opening specific windows just to tile them via the taskbar context menu is inefficient. Fortunately, a more streamlined approach exists.

Previously, in Windows XP and Vista, users could select multiple taskbar buttons using Ctrl-Click and then choose options like "Show Windows Side by Side" for tiling. This functionality extended to any number of windows.

Our prior coverage of this technique can be found in our article: Stupid Geek Tricks: Select Multiple Windows on the Taskbar.

Windows 7 and Aero Snap

Windows 7 introduced Aero Snap, allowing windows to be easily maximized to fill half the screen by dragging them to the screen's edge. This was a significant improvement.

However, Aero Snap doesn't natively support vertical tiling or managing more than two windows simultaneously.

Utilizing Task Manager

A viable solution involves using Task Manager. It can be accessed through various methods, with Ctrl+Shift+Esc being a preferred shortcut.

Within Task Manager, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting multiple applications from the list.

Right-click on any of the selected windows and choose from options like Tile Horizontally, Tile Vertically, or Cascade. This completes the process.

(Credit for this tip goes to Windows Secrets).

Additional Geek Tricks

More Stupid Geek Tricks! We have compiled a collection of useful and interesting tricks over time.

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Do you have a favorite "stupid geek trick" that you enjoy sharing? Please contribute it in the comments section below.