TechTips - How to Disable the Snap Function in Windows 7

I don't know if you are like me and found the Snap function in Windows 7 by accident and then really hated it - I accidentally snap windows into place all the time! It never fails I will be watching a video, surfing the net, and working on some work, then I move a window out of the way but put it to far to the right and suddenly all my windows are moved (or snapped) into place. This is what Windows 7 thinks I want but in reality I don't and it's annoying. Well in this guide I will show you how to disable the Windows Snap function so that if this is annoying you as well, you can turn it off.

So let me explain what the Snap function is in a bit more detail for those of you that are confused. If you are using Windows 7 right now you can drag any window say your MSN Live window to the top of the screen. If you hold it there for a second you will see an outline fill your entire screen, this is where Windows 7 wants to put the MSN Live window (full maximized) by using the snap function. This is nice if you really want to snap your windows to full size or to snap them side by side (this is an option where you put a window next to another open one and it resizes both to same size side by side). I don't like this snap function, I will resize and move my windows using the old method of drag/drop and resize using the mouse on the edge of a window.

So how do you turn of the Snap Function in Windows 7? It's actually very easy just follow these steps:

Click Start

Click Control Panel

Click Ease of Access Center Icon

Click the Make Mouse Easier to Use Icon

Check the box that says "Prevent Windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen"

Click OK

Close the Ease of Access Center

That is all there is to disabling the Snap Function, now you can move your windows where ever you want and you shouldn't be annoyed any more by them being snapped into place. This makes my life so much easier, I understand the tools use but hate the way it works. I am sure some people might like the Snap Function but I am not one of them. I hope this guide helps you to disable the snap feature and get control over your windows.