UPDATED 7/3/23: On Windows 11 build 23493, you can enable an early preview of Snap Layouts suggestions, and in this guide, you will learn how. Microsoft is experimenting with an updated Snap Layouts flyout (via @PhantomOfEarth) that suggests different layouts to snap windows on the screen instead of having to snap each window individually. When you hover over the maximize button, you will notice that in addition to layouts, you can select a layout that the system pre-configures with other apps.
The new Snap Layouts suggestions feature appears to be part of a new set of changes that include the use of AI to predict the apps you may want to snap next to the app you are selecting. The feature is still under development and hidden from the main installation, but you can enable it manually to get a glimpse.
If you want to get hands-on with the new Snap Layouts suggestions, you can use a third-party tool called “ViveTool,” created by Rafael Rivera and Lucas on GitHub, to enable the option on your computer.
This guide will teach you the steps to turn on this new feature on Windows 11.
Enable new Snap Layouts suggestions on Windows 11
To enable new Snap Layouts suggestions on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to enable the new Snap Layout improvements.
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Double-click the zip folder to open it with File Explorer.
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Click the Extract all button.
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Click the Extract button.
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Copy the path to the folder.
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:
cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x
In the command, remember to change the path to the folder with your path.
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Type the following command to enable the Snap Layouts suggestions and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:42500395
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Restart the computer.
Once you complete the steps, the next time you open an application, when hovering over the maximize button or dragging a window to the top of the screen, the new Snap Layouts flyout will offer smart suggestions on how you arrange your apps on the screen with a single click.
If you change your mind, you can revert the changes with the same instructions, but on step 10, make sure to use the vivetool /disable /id:42500395 command and then restart the computer.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].