How to Move a Window That Is Off-Screen

Situatie

You launch an app or program, but it’s running off-screen and you’re not sure how to retrieve it. This guide shows you how to move a window that’s off-screen in Windows 10 and macOS.

Simptome

Why Is the Window Off-Screen?

Typically, lost windows stem from removing a secondary display. For example, if you created a document on your main screen while searching the web on your second, the web browser will remain positioned in that extended space even after you disconnect the secondary display.

Solutie

How to Move a Window That’s Off-Screen in Windows 10

There are several ways to move a window that’s off-screen in Windows 10. Some involve using different keys on the keyboard, while others involved adjusting settings within Windows 10.

FIND WINDOWS USING ARROW AND SHIFT KEYS

This method uses the Left and Right Arrow keys on your keyboard to move off-screen windows.

Launch the program or app (if it’s not opened already).
Press the Shift key and right-click the active program or app icon located on the taskbar.
Select Move from the pop-up menu.
Press the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key until the program or app reappears on the screen.

FIND WINDOWS USING ARROW AND WINDOWS KEYS

This is a similar method, but swaps out the Shift key for the Windows key. It also relies on the snapping feature that ‘snaps’ windows to the sides of your screen.

This second method moves the missing window to three specific locations: Snapped to the right, to the center, and snapped to the left.

Launch the program or app (if it’s not opened already).
Select the active app or program icon located on the taskbar to make it the current selection.
Press and hold the Windows key while pressing either the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key.

FIND WINDOWS USING ARROW KEYS AND MOUSE

This version doesn’t use the Shift or Windows keys. Instead, the mouse cursor helps bring your lost windows back to the home screen.

Launch the program or app (if it’s not opened already).
Hover your mouse cursor over the active program or app located on the taskbar until a thumbnail appears.
Right-click on the thumbnail and select Move on the menu.
Move the mouse cursor—now switched to a four-arrow “move” symbol – to the middle of your screen.
Use the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key to move the missing window into the viewable area. You can also move your mouse while the missing window “sticks” to your pointer.
Press the Enter key.

CHANGE SCREEN RESOLUTION TO FIND A LOST WINDOW

Swapping your screen resolution could help pull lost windows into the main screen. These windows simply remain stationary on your desktop despite their hidden presence. You’re simply “zooming the camera” until the missing windows appear within the frame.

Right-click the desktop.
Select Display settings on the menu.
Select the Display resolution dropdown menu, then temporarily change the resolution until the program or app appears on the screen.
Using your mouse, move the program or app to the center of your screen.
Change the screen resolution back to its original setting.

UNHIDE WINDOWS WITH THE DESKTOP TOGGLE

This doesn’t require a series of steps. Simply press the Windows key+D. All programs and apps will disappear the first time you type this combo. Do it again and everything—including your missing windows—should reappear.

USE CASCADE TO ARRANGE WINDOWS

This feature arranges all windows in a cascade, stacking the title bars like an old-school card catalog.

Right-click an empty space on the taskbar.
Select Cascade windows.
Your open windows should be rearranged into a cascade and you should see your missing windows.