Windows 7 Tip: Turn off Auto Snap Maximize Feature

I feel blessed to run across this fix today. Ever since I started using Windows 7, the number one thing that drives me crazy is the auto tile and auto maximize features known as aero snap. Examples of this behavior include:

• Drag window to the top of the screen. Snap, the window is maximized.


• Drag a window to the left side of the screen. Snap, the window takes up the left side the screen.


• Drag a window to the right side of the screen. Snap, the window takes up the left side of the screen.

But what if you just want to drag a window to the top of the screen? Or hang a window out to the left side of the screen to look at two windows side by side? Then the aero snap feature is freaking infuriating. Especially on a laptop where you have limited screen space.



So here are the steps to turn it off.

(1) Click Start --> Control Panel --> Ease of Access Center --> Make it easier to focus on tasks

(2) Scroll to the bottom of the screen.

(3) Under Make it easier to manage windows

(4) Check: Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen.



No more surprises when moving to the edge of the screen. Yay!!!!!!!!



Please note that this also turns off the following key combinations:

Win+Up - Maximize

Win+Down - Restore / Minimize

Win+Left - Snap to left

Win+Right - Snap to right