How to disable split screen in windows 8/8.1

Anonymous
2013-08-14T22:08:11+00:00

Hello all,

I run several computer labs and we are about to introduce a boat load of windows 8 machines. The split screen mode allows a unique method for getting around our pc management system.  Does anyone know a way to turn off the split screen feature?

Thanks

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Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Desktop, Start, and personalization

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-09-24T05:03:08+00:00

    I am not sure if this is what you are asking but I some how open a split screen in Window 8.1. that looks like your screen above. There may be an easier way to close this screen but this is what worked for me:

    Open your charms screen: Windows logo key and C.

    Next click on the Settings icon

    Next click on "Change PC settings" at the bottom right corner

    Next you will see the PC settings screen open

    Place your pointer all the way to the top of your screen above the header "PC settings". You may have to  center your pointer over the PC settings header but keeping it at the top of your screen as you do so.

    The title "PC Settings" in small print should appear at the top of the screen.

    Now  keeping your pointer at the top of the screen, look to the far upper left corner and click on the settings icon.

    It should open up a menu that says Maximize and Close; click on Maximize

    This should close the split screen

    Hope this helps if you haven't found an answer!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-06-04T16:37:45+00:00

    in 8.1 update 1, you can press escape to escape all the damage of the split when you've dragged the desktop by mistake.,

    but let me strongly say i agree with everyone's frustration.

    a resizable desktop means it's not a desktop.

    rearranging and resizing everything on the desktop is rude.

    and don't get me started on why i have to have an unused tablet running in the background using 30% of my pc...

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-05-23T05:08:51+00:00

    If you can't turn off this "feature"=bug, AT LEAST get all the desktop windows to automatically reposition and resize to where they were before split screen.

    I typically have over 10 windows open and resizing them is a royal pain in the behind.

    Especially since the split occurs because the mouse button hits the computer or some other accident, NOT because I wanted it!

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  4. @CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-10-23T04:53:46+00:00

    Yes indeed, any app that has title bar (so basically any desktop application).  Even a maximized Notepad window will block the hand from appearing.  At that point, the top of the screen works just like Windows 7:  you can drag Notepad back down where it snaps back to a smaller size, but you won't begin dragging the "entire desktop" as a whole.

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  5. @CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-08-25T00:56:26+00:00

    I don't think so.  Windows has always allowed more than one program to work side by side.  Nothing changes that in Windows 8.

    If you turn off UAC, the metro apps can't execute.  Would that be satisfactory?

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