How to Disable Window Snapping in Windows 11: Complete and Personalized Guide

Window docking, also known as snap layouts, is one of the most visible and useful features of Windows 11 when managing multiple open applications or documents on the screen. It allows you to easily organize windows in different areas of the screen, facilitating multitasking and optimizing available space. However, Not all users find this feature practical.. For those who prefer to control each window manually or have a custom desktop layout (e.g., a Dock bar fixed at the top), Automatic coupling can be more of a nuisance than a help.

If you are one of those who feel that Windows 11 Whether you decide how to organize your windows, or you're simply looking for a more "classic" experience free of automation, you've come to the right place. Throughout this article, we'll show you in great detail. How to disable window snapping in Windows 11, we explain all the available options and give you Tricks to personalize your experience down to the smallest detail. We'll also address the differences introduced with the latest updates and tell you more about them. What changes in multitasking if you choose to do without this feature.

What is window snapping and what does it do in Windows 11?

El window docking (or "Snap") is a functionality that allows arrange multiple windows on the screen automaticallyWhen you drag a window to one of the edges or corners, or hover over the maximize button, the system suggests different ways to position it: half the screen, quarters, or more areas, depending on your monitor size. Windows 11 has enhanced this feature compared to previous versions, incorporating snap layouts which offer even more options and display a more modern and attractive visual interface.

The main objective of this function is improve productivity, making it easy for you to work with multiple open applications, compare documents, chat, and browse at the same time without having to manually adjust dimensions and positions. However, Some users prefer to maintain full control over the size and position of their windows., or they do not adapt to the new floating menus or shortcuts proposed by the system.

Reasons to disable window snapping in Windows 11

The fact that this feature comes activated by default on all Windows 11 installations does not mean it is the ideal option for everyone. There are several reasons reasons why you might want to disable it:

• Interferes with custom bars or DocksIf you have a dock at the top or bottom of your screen, the docking menu may prevent you from interacting comfortably with it.
• Precision: Some users prefer to move and resize windows completely manually, without the intervention of automatic suggestions or on-screen splits.
• avoid distractions: Graphical suggestions or grids can be annoying or unintuitive for those looking for a “clean” experience.
• Compatibility: Some very specific programs and workflows may not play well with window docking, causing conflicts or unexpected results.

Disabling this feature does not affect overall PC performance.; it simply removes a layer of automation from window management. In fact, for certain user profiles, it can even result in a faster and more personalized experience.

Ways to disable window snapping in Windows 11

Microsoft has provided several ways to disable docking. Depending on the version of your operating system and the level of customization you want, you can do this from the System settings or, if you prefer, through the Registry Editor, a more advanced option and recommended only for those with experience tinkering with the system.

How to disable window snapping from Windows 11 Settings

The easiest, safest, and fastest way is to use the system's own settings. These steps are suitable for most users and require no technical knowledge.

• Open the menu Configuration of Windows 11. You can do this by pressing the key Windows + I, or by typing “Settings” in the taskbar search engine and selecting the corresponding option.
• In the left column, choose the section System.
• On the right side, click on Multitasking.
• The section will appear Docking windows (may be called “Adjust Windows” in some translations). turn off the switch and ready.

From this same menu, you can also thoroughly customize the docking behavior:

• Expand options: Click the small arrow next to the switch to expand all specific preferences.
• Choose what you want to disable: You can disable specific behaviors, such as showing tooltips when hovering over the maximize button, docking windows when dragged to the top of the screen (new in 22H2), showing groups of docked windows in the taskbar, and more.

This method allows you to adapt the degree of window automation to your liking, without having to accept or reject the system completely.

Docking options available to disable (Windows 11 22H2 and later)

In newer versions of Windows 11, especially starting with the 22H2 update, the menu Multitasking It includes a list of options that you can activate or deactivate as you wish. This allows you to tailor the experience to each user's specific needs.

These are the settings you'll find, usually listed as checkboxes:

1. Show what can be attached to the side: When you dock a window, the system suggests other applications.
2. Show docking layouts when hovering over the Maximize button: Displays the Snap Layouts visual menu when you hover over the maximize button.
3. Show dock layouts when dragging a window to the top: Allows you to dock windows by bringing them to the top of the screen, a feature introduced in 22H2.
4. Show docked windows by hovering over apps in the taskbar, Task View, or by pressing Alt+Tab: Automatically suggests and organizes open windows.
5. Allow docking by dragging without having to reach the edge: Facilitates docking even if the window does not touch the edge of the screen.

Disabling each of these options allows you to leave the active coupling only in the aspects that are really useful to youFor example, you can keep the option to split the screen when dragging, but disable pop-up menus or Snap groups on the taskbar.

Disable docking using the Windows Registry Editor

For more advanced users, there is the possibility to disable window docking by directly adjusting the Registry Editor (Regedit)This method is more "manual" and allows you to modify internal system behavior, although it's only recommended if you're confident in what you're doing and have made a backup beforehand.

• Press the key Windows and writes Regedit in the search box. Open the Registry Editor (you may be asked for administrator permissions).
• Navigate to route: HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced
• Find the value EnableSnapAssistFlyout. If it doesn't exist, create it: right-click on a free area, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it exactly like that.
• Right click on the value and select Modify…. Change the value data of 1 to 0 to deactivate the coupling.
• Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

This procedure can be easily reversed repeating the steps and changing the value to 1 to reactivate the coupling.

What happens when you disable window docking?

When deactivating the coupling, Windows 11 will no longer automatically suggest screen layouts or split windows when dragging them to edges or corners.You'll still be able to resize and move windows freely, as in older versions of the operating system. The most notable change is the disappearance of visual menus and the absence of automatic split screens, which, for those seeking a more personalized or traditional experience, is highly satisfactory.

This setting does not affect the performance or stability of the system. If you used keyboard shortcuts To move windows, some will continue to work depending on the settings you've set. The experience will be more manual and less automated, allowing you greater control.

Who should keep the coupling active and who should deactivate it?

There's no universal answer; it depends on your way of working and your preferences:

• Workers with multiple applications open and who appreciate automatic organization will find Snap Layouts a valuable aid.
• Users of ultra-wide monitors or multiple displays will benefit from coupling to make better use of space.
• Lovers of total customization In the workspace, those who want to avoid automatic functions will prefer to disable it for greater freedom.

Ultimately, You can adjust this feature to your needs and change it at any time..

Additional tips and tricks for managing windows in Windows 11

Even if you decide to disable docking, Windows 11 offers other shortcuts and features that make window management easier.. Some examples are:

• Alt + Tab: Quickly switch between open applications.
• Windows + D: Show or hide the desktop to instantly clear your view.
• Windows + Arrow keys: adjusts the position and size of windows in different directions.
• Creating virtual desktops: Allows you to organize different workspaces with independent applications, from Task View (Windows + Tab).

These features enable an efficient workflow tailored to your preferences, regardless of the docking system you use.

Is it possible to disable only specific parts of the coupling?

Yes, Windows 11 allows you to granularly configure which aspects of docking to keep active or disabled. From System > Multitasking > Snap Windows, you can select which behaviors you want to keep:

• Disable only pop-up menus or visual hints, leaving the split screen drag feature enabled.
• Remove window grouping from the taskbar for better cleanliness.
• Disable automatic shortcuts, while still allowing drag and drop.

Experiment with these options to create a work environment tailored to your preferences.