(Following is an update to an article originally posted October 29, 2025, when only Microsoft Edge offered a split-screen feature in full release)
Many professionals love the productivity boost that comes from working with multiple monitors. Two screens. Three screens. The more workspace, the better.
But what happens when you’re working from home, traveling or stuck with just your laptop? Suddenly, you’re back to constantly switching between browser tabs, which can slow down your workflow and make multitasking more difficult.
Fortunately, both Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome now offer built-in Split Screen features that let you view two websites side by side within a single browser window. It’s an easy way to recreate a dual-monitor experience without any additional hardware.
Why Use Split Screen?
Split Screen is ideal when you need to:
- Compare information between two websites
- Reference documentation while completing a task
- Watch a training video while following instructions
- Copy and paste content between applications
- Monitor a dashboard while working elsewhere
Instead of constantly jumping back and forth between tabs, both pages remain visible at the same time.
Using Split Screen in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge was one of the first browsers to offer a native Split Screen experience.
How to Enable It
- Look for the Split Screen icon in your Edge toolbar.
- If you don’t see it, click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of Edge and locate the Split Screen option.
- Pin the feature to your toolbar for easier access.
- Click the Split Screen icon.
Your current tab will immediately divide into two panes. From there, open a second website and begin working in both windows simultaneously.
You can:
- Resize either pane
- Browse independently in each pane
- Compare webpages side by side
- Close either pane when finished
It’s a simple but powerful productivity feature that many Edge users overlook.
Using Split Screen in Google Chrome
Google Chrome now includes its own built-in Split View feature, bringing similar functionality to the world’s most popular browser.
According to Google, Split View lets you display two websites simultaneously within a single Chrome window, making it easier to compare information, reference different sources, copy and paste content, and multitask between webpages. Chrome identifies one pane as the active view while the other remains available for scrolling and reference.
How to Create a Split View
There are several ways to launch Split View in Chrome:
Option 1: Right-click a tab
- Right-click an open tab.
- Select Split View.
- Choose the second tab you’d like to display alongside it.
Option 2: Open a link in Split View
- Right-click any link on a webpage.
- Select the option to open the link in Split View.
Option 3: Drag and Drop Chrome also allows you to drag tabs toward the edge of the window to create a split view.
Managing Split Views
Once Split View is active, you can:
- Resize the divider between pages
- Swap the left and right views
- Close an individual pane
- Separate the views back into normal tabs
Chrome also provides a Split View icon near the address bar that gives you quick access to these controls.
Edge vs. Chrome: Which Is Better?
The good news is that both browsers now offer an excellent native split-screen experience.
Microsoft Edge
- Slightly more mature implementation
- Easy toolbar access
- Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 workflows
Google Chrome
- New native Split View experience
- Familiar environment for Chrome users
- Great for comparing webpages and multitasking
For most users, the best choice is simply the browser you’re already using every day.
See It in Action
Want to see how Split Screen works in real-world scenarios?
Whether you’re comparing reports, referencing documentation or trying to maximize productivity on a laptop, Split Screen is one of those small features that can make a surprisingly big difference in your day.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Split Screen isn’t just a neat browser trick. It’s a practical productivity tool that helps you get more out of a single monitor.
If you frequently find yourself bouncing between tabs, give it a try. Whether you’re using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, having two sites visible at once can help you stay focused, reduce context switching and work more efficiently.
After all, if you can’t have a second monitor with you everywhere you go, the next best thing might be built right into your browser.
