How to disable split screen in windows 8/8.1

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!

OK, I found this suggestion in another thread. So far it has worked for my needs. Maybe some of you having this problem can use it too.

my current work-around for this annoying issue

go to control panel

go to internet options

go to programs tab

under opening internet explorer choose 'always in ie on the desktop'

keep ie full screen on the desktop but minimized to the task bar when not in use

then clicking a link in metro windows mail will open that link full screen in ie on the desktop. 

That was the trick.  Perfect.  I hated that everytime I clicked a link in an Oultook messager that the screen split and opened Explorer in half.  Got even worse last night when I clicked another link and now my screen was in thirds.  Thanks for sending out the fix.

did you get your answer because I think I know where you're stuck

are you talking about when the actual physcal screen divides into two halves with a black vertical line?

if so then it's pretty simple...just drag the line to one side of the screen, hold it there for a couple of seconds and let go and you'll be back to a single screen.

is that what you were after?

ps. I don't know your reasons for using Windows. Personally I have to use Windows, OSX and Linux for my work and have done for about 15 years now and from personal experience I would say that unless it's your employer who's paying for your equipment then make the switch to OSX. Try a mac mate, you won't go back!

Shameless advertising of a product no one on this forum wants, clearly.

I've used OSX numerous times and have found none of it's features particularly useful or to my liking while it simultaneously prevents me from doing so much that is so easy to do in windows.

Thanks, but try somewhere else.