Comparing a reference document while entering information often needs more than two equal halves of a screen. FancyZones can define reusable areas for a large work window and smaller reference and notes windows. Start from the space each task needs, rather than the largest number of windows that will fit.

Design around one real task

Open PowerToys Settings and launch the FancyZones layout editor. Select the monitor on which the work will happen. Choose a starting layout or create a custom Grid layout, then adjust the divisions so the main application has room for its essential controls.

For example, give the left portion to the work application and split the right portion between a reference and a short notes window. This is a proposed arrangement, not a required ratio. A wide spreadsheet and a narrow form will need different allocations.

Apply the layout and move the three actual applications into it. In the usual configuration, holding Shift while dragging activates zones; check the FancyZones setting if your installation behaves differently. Use the highlighted target to confirm where the window will land before releasing it.

Test the content, not just the window borders

Open a representative document in each application. Check that buttons remain reachable, text is legible and horizontal scrolling is manageable. A neatly divided desktop is not useful if a critical confirmation button sits outside the usable area.

If a particular application will not fit or snap as expected, review Microsoft's compatibility notes. Avoid changing system-wide display scaling solely to force one awkward window into a zone. Leave that application free-floating or revise the layout around its minimum size.

Save a recognisable layout name and try the task for a few minutes before making it habitual. If the display arrangement later changes, confirm the intended monitor and window positions again. FancyZones organises application windows; it does not diagnose a flickering panel or replace Windows' physical monitor arrangement controls.

Source: Microsoft PowerToys documentation.