Snap View was first introduced as a multitasking tool on Windows 7 and, thanks to its popularity, then carried over to Windows 8. The tool lets you drag a window to any side of the screen and snap it in place. You can then open other windows and work with several programs simultaneously, easily switching between them.

From this article, learn what you can do with Snap View in Windows 8 and how to stop Snap View should you not need it any longer.

Do I need Snap View in Windows 8?

As mentioned earlier, Snap View is a convenient multitasking tool. If you ever want to work with several windows open (for instance, you can have your Netflix open in the corner as you work on a Word document) and easily switch between them, Snap View will make it happen. You simply need to drag a window to the corner of your screen, and it will be automatically resized to fit that space. You will get a thumbnail view of the other windows and will be able to pick the apps you want to have open on the other half of the screen.

However, Snap View on Windows 8 offers no customization options and, if you want to move a window around for any other reason, it will still snap in place when you move it close to the edge of the screen. Naturally, if this is not your intention, Snap View can be quite annoying. So, how to disable Snap View in Windows 8?

How to stop Snap View in Windows 8?

There are two main methods you can use to turn off Snap View in Windows 8.

Option one: via the Personalize menu

  • Right-click in an empty space on your desktop and choose Personalize from the menu.
  • In the bottom right part of the window, click Ease of Access Center.
  • Under Explore all settings, select Make the keyboard easier to use.
  • Scroll down to the bottom and, under the Make it easier to manage windows section option, check Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen.
  • Confirm by clicking Apply.

Option two: via Windows Registry Editor

  • Open Registry Editor: press the Win key + R key combo to bring up the Run dialogue box, type in “regedit.exe” and press Enter.
  • Once you have found the UAC prompt, click the Yes button.
  • Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Control Panel\Desktop.
  • Right-click WindowArrangementActive on the right and choose Modify.
  • In the Value data box, change the default value from “1” to “0”.
  • (Note that if you ever need to enable Snap View again, you will have to change the Value data back from “0” to “1”).

To keep your Windows 8 and all of its features working properly, we recommend you have a reliable anti-malware software active on your PC. Auslogics Anti-Malware is designed to detect even the rarest malicious items and perform regular scans to keep your computer safe.

Do you use Snap View in Windows 8 or do you prefer to have it disabled?