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. @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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  2. Anonymous
    2013-08-26T14:54:14+00:00

    I'm not trying to disable the ability to run multiple apps at once, or even the ability to run metro apps.  I'm talking about the feature in windows 8 that allows you to have a metro app on one section of your screen, and on the other section have your desktop.   I want people to be able to use the Metro apps, and I want them to be able to use the desktop.  I just don't want them to have the ability to have them on the screen at the same time.   I know if I lower the screen resolution, it will take this feature away.  I was wonder if there was an alternate method.  Some of my lab computers are for design students, and dropping the resolution would cause me more headaches than I want.

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  3. @CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-08-26T15:22:46+00:00

    Hmm alright.  Seems a bit like saying you can use Word and PowerPoint, but only maximized.  But I do actually think it's possible.  This registry key controls what monitor size the system is using (separate from resolution).  Changing this value was a trick to get the Start screen to show more tiles than it does by default on Surface RT (although 8.1 provides a switch to do this from the user's preferences rather than registry).

    Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Scaling

    Key and Value: MonitorSize=12.1

    That 12.1 refers to the screen size in inches (your value might be different or not set at all).  But I believe this is also used to determine if snapping is allowed.  I have yet to test it though (I'm on Windows 7 right now).

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-08-27T15:19:16+00:00

    It's not like that at all.  You can maximize and minimize what ever you want.  The point is:  In Windows 8 and 8.1 demo, you can have two metro apps on your screen at one time, or you can have a metro app and and your desktop on your screen at the same time.  This is the feature that is causing me problems. 

    I will try your solution and see if it works.

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  5. @CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2013-08-27T15:28:56+00:00

    So if they run Word, they can float it around and put other stuff next to it.  But if they run a metro app, they have to be forced to run it full screen and not have anything beside it.  I can't say I understand, it seems arbitrary to restrict one kind of app and not the other.  But I don't have to understand, I suppose.  I do hope that option gets you what you need.

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