01
Install PowerToys
Install from winget or the GitHub release page. The GitHub installer and the Store build are both signed by Microsoft.
winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys --source wingetInstall **PowerToys**, open **FancyZones**, create a custom grid with a wide center + two side columns, and bind Shift+drag to snap.
Requirements
- Windows 11 25H2
- Microsoft PowerToys: https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/releases
- An ultrawide monitor (21:9 or 32:9) set to its native resolution
Instructions
02
Enable FancyZones
Launch **PowerToys**, open **FancyZones** in the left pane, and toggle **Enable FancyZones** on. Confirm the activation shortcut defaults to Win+` (backtick) or set your own.
03
Open the Layout editor
On the FancyZones page click **Launch layout editor**. The editor opens on whichever monitor your cursor is on, so move it to the ultrawide first.
tipFor a 49" super-ultrawide, run the editor on that monitor before creating the layout - zones are per-display.
04
Build a 3-column grid for 21:9, or 5 for 32:9
Pick **Create new layout > Grid > Edit**. For 34" ultrawide make three columns at roughly 25% / 50% / 25%. For 49" super-ultrawide use five columns and merge the middle two for a wide focus zone.
05
Merge cells for a focus zone
In the editor hold the mouse and drag across adjacent cells, then press **Merge**. This creates a wide center zone for the active app with narrow side zones for chat and docs.
06
Tune snapping behavior
Back on the FancyZones settings page, enable **Hold Shift key to activate zones while dragging** and **Make dragged window transparent**. Also tick **Allow zones to span across monitors** only if you really use it; it can misfire.
07
Test the layout
Hold Shift and drag a browser window across the screen. Zones highlight in cyan; release over the center zone to snap it, then drop a terminal into a side zone.
Common issues
Zones do not appear while dragging
Open **Task Manager** and confirm **PowerToys.FancyZones.exe** is running. If PowerToys was installed per-user, restart it as the same user who runs the apps you drag.
Layout resets after resolution change
FancyZones stores layouts per DPI/resolution. Re-open the editor at the final resolution and save again, then reconnect to recall it.
Snap works but windows do not restore to the zone after reboot
Enable **Move newly created windows to their last known zone** on the FancyZones page.
Frequently asked
Does FancyZones conflict with Windows 11 Snap Layouts?
No. Both can coexist; FancyZones adds the Shift+drag workflow on top of the built-in snap.
Can I have different layouts per virtual desktop?
Yes. In the layout editor pick **Horizontal span across monitors** off and assign a layout to the active desktop.
Does it work on mixed-DPI setups?
Yes, but save a layout from each monitor separately for best results.
How to undo this
Open **PowerToys > FancyZones** and toggle it off, or uninstall PowerToys from **Settings > Apps > Installed apps**. Layouts are stored under %LOCALAPPDATA%\\Microsoft\\PowerToys and are removed with the app.
Interactive version: checklist, feedback, related guides →
Free · no account needed · tracks your progress