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
    2014-07-25T14:27:16+00:00

    Similar to all the other users here, I would like to disable split screen in Metro UI (though I'm not sure you're quite understanding peoples issues with it, judging by your responses so far...). 

    For example, I like using the tiles in Metro UI to open my internet shortcuts, using Tile Genie (since MSFT still hasn't created a way to customise tiles to launch custom actions).

    While in Windows 8 the internet shortcut would open full screen in Metro UI, now in Windows 8.1 it opens with Tile Genie still in the left hand side of the screen.  I would like the option to turn OFF this NEW automatic functionality in Windows 8.1. 

    I'm pretty sure you'll say it's not possible, as I've looked for a solution already, so please just ask the developers to consider these options for future updates.  As much as split screen is useful for some user activities, it is unnecessary and obstructive for some others, as I've just explained above.

    If you're still not clear what the issue is, or why, please say and I'll send some screenshots and pictures to illustrate further.

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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. Anonymous
    2014-04-23T16:16:20+00:00

    I had the same question and was really frustrated but I finally got it fixed.

    • First I dragged the left window off the screen to the left
    • Then I closed the app that I dragged off by right clicking its icon on the task bar
    • When I reopened the app, it was no longer in a split screen - it was back to normal

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-04-15T18:34:44+00:00

    I take the mouse and I place the arrow over those three vertical dot in the middle of the screen, left click and drag those dots all the way to the left side of the screen and this disables the split screen - back to one screen for windows 8.1.

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